Entry
パリパリ
paripari
Describes a crisp, crunchy texture or sound, as well as the stiff feel of brand-new bills or starched shirts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A versatile mimetic word that represents the sound or texture of thin, crisp things breaking (like potato chips or thin ice), the sound of paper or plastic ripping, the stiffness of brand-new banknotes or freshly starched clothes, and figuratively, an energetic and spirited attitude.
- Crisp and thin texture
- Stiff and brand new
- Energetic attitude
Sense Map
Texture & Sound
Describes the sound or texture of crisp, thin food (like potato chips or nori), or fragile thin objects breaking/tearing.
パリパリの海苔
Stiff & New
Describes the state of thin objects being stiff, neat, or brand new, such as freshly printed banknotes or starched shirts.
パリパリの千円札
Energetic Attitude
Describes someone moving or working briskly, with high energy and spirit.
パリパリ働く
Usage Note
How to Use
パリパリの + noun
Modifies a noun that has a crisp, crunchy, or stiff quality.
パリパリする
Used as a verb to state that something feels crisp in the mouth or stiff to the touch.
パリパリと + verb
Describes an action that produces a crisp sound, like eating or stepping on something thin.
パリパリに + verb
Indicates a change in state to becoming crisp or stiff (e.g., after frying or starching).
How to Use
Common Phrases
パリパリの海苔
crisp nori (seaweed)
パリパリと食べる
eat with a crunch
パリパリのシャツ
starched shirt
お札がパリパリだ
the bill is crisp/new
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Food | positive | Conveys that food is freshly prepared, perfectly fried, or baked to an appetizing crispness, making it sound delicious. |
| Attitude or Work | positive | Indicates a capable, brisk, and lively worker. Often used as a compliment for efficiency. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さくさく さくさく / similar | For light, airy, flaky textures (like cookies or pie crusts), or the sound of stepping on snow. | パリパリ is for very thin, hard, and dry items (like chips), whereas サクサク implies a slightly thicker item with air inside. | サクサクのクッキー |
ばりばり ばりばり / similar | For a louder, stronger crunch or ripping sound (thicker plastic, harder food), or working with extreme intensity. | パリパリ is lighter and thinner. バリバリ implies more force, thickness, and a louder sound. | バリバリと破く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'パリパリ' for a crisp apple.
Use 'シャキシャキ' for fresh, juicy, and crisp fruits or vegetables. 'パリパリ' is only for dry, thin items.
Using 'パリパリ' for a brand new car or phone.
When meaning 'brand new', 'パリパリ' only applies to thin materials that can make a crisp sound, like paper money or starched shirts.
Examples
Examples
焼きたてのパンは皮がパリパリしている。
やきたてのパンはかわがパリパリしている。
The crust of the freshly baked bread is crispy.
LiteralDescribes the crisp texture of the bread crust when bitten.
財布の中にある新しい千円札はパリパリだ。
さいふのなかにあるあたらしいせんえんさつはパリパリだ。
The new 1000 yen bill in the wallet is crisp.
VisualThis indicates it hasn't been folded and is still stiff from the bank.
彼女は毎日パリパリと元気に働いている。
かのじょはまいにちパリパリとげんきにはたらいている。
She works energetically and briskly every day.
FigurativeA figurative use to show briskness and high spirit in working.
足元の乾燥した落ち葉をパリパリと踏む。
あしもとのかんそうしたおちばをパリパリとふむ。
Stepping on the dry fallen leaves underfoot with a crunch.
LiteralFocuses on the sound of dry leaves breaking when stepped on.
クリーニングから戻ったシャツはパリパリになっている。
クリーニングからもどったシャツはパリパリになっている。
The shirt returned from the dry cleaner has become starched and crisp.
VisualDescribes fabric made stiff by starch, giving a clean and neat impression.
Similar Words
バリバリ
baribari
バリバリ describes doing something with intense energy and force, such as working highly effectively, tearing things roughly, or eating hard food with a loud crunch. Has a nuance of greater force and thickness compared to パリパリ.
カリカリ
karikari
カリカリ describes a hard, crisp texture in food, a light repetitive scratching sound, or a state of being irritable and edgy.
さくさく
sakusaku
Sakusaku describes a light, crisp texture or sound, as well as processes progressing smoothly without delay. Both mean crunchy/crisp, but サクサク is for thicker, airy, and flaky items.
Questions
What is the difference between パリパリ (paripari) and サクサク (sakusaku) for food?
Both mean crunchy or crispy, but パリパリ is for very thin, hard, dry things like potato chips or thin crusts. サクサク is for thicker, light, and flaky things like cookies, biscuits, or tempura batter.
Can I use パリパリ (paripari) for fresh, crunchy vegetables?
Usually no. For crisp, juicy vegetables or fruits like lettuce and apples, Japanese uses シャキシャキ (shakishaki).
Why are shirts or bills described as パリパリ (paripari)?
It figuratively describes the stiffness of unwrinkled paper or fabric. A brand-new banknote or a freshly starched shirt feels stiff and might make a slight 'pari-pari' sound when bent, giving a sense of being clean and brand new.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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