Entry
ぱらり
parari
Describes something small or light falling sparsely, or being sprinkled gently in a brief action.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word used to depict the gentle falling, scattering, or sprinkling of small, light objects. It often describes the first sparse drops of rain, a light pinch of seasoning, or a single page fluttering open. Unlike 'parapara' which implies continuous action, 'parari' emphasizes a brief, isolated, or single instance.
- Falling sparsely (leaves, rain, tears)
- Lightly sprinkling (salt, spices)
- Fluttering open briefly (pages)
Sense Map
Light Sprinkling
Refers to the action of lightly sprinkling a small amount of something like salt, pepper, or seeds.
塩をぱらりと振る。
Sparse Falling
Describes light things like leaves, petals, or sparse raindrops falling intermittently.
葉がぱらりと落ちる。
Brief Fluttering
Depicts a sheet of paper or a page lightly and suddenly turning or flipping open.
ページがぱらりとめくれる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぱらりと + Verb (fall, sprinkle, flip)
Acts as an adverb modifying the action of falling or sprinkling. The particle 'to' is used to link the mimetic word to the verb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
塩をぱらりと
sprinkle a bit of salt
雨がぱらりと
rain drops lightly
ぱらりと落ちる
fall sparsely
ぱらりとめくれる
flip open lightly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking | Neutral | Frequently appears in recipes to instruct a light sprinkling of seasoning as a finishing touch. |
| Weather | Neutral | Used at the exact moment the first few isolated drops of rain begin to fall. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱらぱら ぱらぱら / similar | Used when small things fall continuously and in larger numbers. | ぱらり is for a single or very brief occurrence with a small amount. | 雨がぱらぱら降る。 |
ぱらっと ぱらっと / similar | Used for almost the same meaning, but sounds slightly sharper and quicker. | ぱらり sounds smoother, more literary, and gentle. | 塩をぱらっと振る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'parari' for heavy rain.
Use it only for very light drizzle or the first few scattered drops. For heavy rain, use 'zaazaa'.
Using 'parari' for heavy objects dropping.
'Parari' is exclusively for small, thin, or light things like dust, leaves, paper, and spices.
Examples
Examples
雨がぱらりと降ってきた。
あめがぱらりとふってきた。
The rain started to fall sparsely.
VisualUsed exactly when the rain just starts with a few isolated drops.
仕上げに塩をぱらりと振りかける。
しあげにしおをぱらりとふりかける。
Sprinkle a pinch of salt lightly to finish.
LiteralOften used in recipes for a light dash of seasoning.
風で本のページがぱらりとめくれた。
かぜでほんのぺーじがぱらりとめくれた。
A page of the book fluttered open lightly in the wind.
VisualDescribes a single sheet of paper flipping lightly.
枯れ葉がぱらりと落ちた。
かれはがぱらりとおちた。
A dead leaf fluttered down sparsely.
VisualIndicates a leaf falling isolated, not in a bunch.
瞳から涙がぱらりとこぼれた。
ひとみからなみだがぱらりとこぼれた。
A tear spilled lightly from their eyes.
FigurativeOften used in novels to describe a quiet or restrained tear.
Similar Words
ぱらっと
paratto
Similar to parari, but sounds quicker due to the double consonant.
Questions
Can 'parari' be used for snow?
Yes, provided the snow is very light and only a few flakes are falling sparsely.
What is the difference between 'parari' and 'paratto'?
They are highly similar and often interchangeable. 'Paratto' has a double consonant ending making it sound quicker and crisper, while 'parari' is more flowing and soft.
Is it common in daily conversation?
Yes, but it has a slightly descriptive or poetic feel. It is very common in novels, stories, and recipes.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2564720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- くるっと (kurutto)
- Next entry
- どうと (douto)