Entry
ペラペラ
perapera
Speaking a foreign language fluently, or referring to something that is very thin and flimsy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is most famous for describing the ability to speak a foreign language with complete fluency and smoothness. However, it also has physical meanings: the light action of quickly flipping through pages of a book, and the state of thin, flat objects (like paper or cloth) that lack substance and feel flimsy.
- Language fluency
- Talking incessantly
- Flipping pages
- Thin and flimsy
Sense Map
Language Fluency
Speaking a foreign language very smoothly without hesitation.
英語がペラペラだ
Talking Incessantly
Talking non-stop, glibly, or carelessly giving away secrets.
秘密をペラペラしゃべる
Flipping Pages
The continuous, light action of flipping through the pages of a book or magazine.
雑誌をペラペラめくる
Thin & Flimsy (Objects)
Describing materials like paper, cloth, or plastic that are excessively thin, lacking quality.
ペラペラの紙
Usage Note
How to Use
〜がペラペラだ
Used to state that someone is fluent in a language, typically following the language name.
ペラペラ（と）話す
Acts as an adverb describing continuous, smooth, or incessant speaking.
ペラペラ（と）めくる
Describes the rapid action of flipping through pages.
ペラペラの〜
Modifies a noun to indicate it is thin or flimsy.
How to Use
Common Phrases
英語がペラペラだ
fluent in English
ペラペラ話す
to speak fluently / incessantly
ペラペラめくる
to flip through (pages)
ペラペラのシャツ
a flimsy shirt
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Language ability | Positive | A very common and natural compliment for foreign language proficiency. |
| Speaking style | Negative | Implies the person lacks discretion, talks non-stop, or easily reveals secrets. |
| Material quality | Negative | Implies the material (cloth, paper) is cheap, thin, and easily torn. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
べらべら べらべら / similar | Use when focusing heavily on the negative aspect of talking non-stop, blabbing secrets, or chattering indiscreetly. | Not used as a compliment for language fluency. | 秘密をべらべらしゃべる |
ぱらぱら ぱらぱら / similar | Use for the sound of scattered rain, falling small objects, or lightly and casually flipping through a book. | Focuses on sparseness or lightness, rather than continuous smooth flow. | 本をぱらぱらめくる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to compliment a native speaker on their own language.
This word is primarily reserved for fluency in a 'foreign' language.
Assuming it is always a compliment.
It can be an insult if you use it to describe someone who talks too much or a product that is cheaply made and flimsy.
Examples
Examples
彼女は英語とフランス語がペラペラだ。
彼女は英語とフランス語がペラペラだ。
She is fluent in English and French.
LiteralThe most common usage to compliment language fluency.
大切な秘密をペラペラとしゃべってしまった。
大切な秘密をペラペラとしゃべってしまった。
I glibly blabbed the important secret.
FigurativeNegative nuance: talking too much or leaking a secret.
雑誌のページをペラペラめくる。
雑誌のページをペラペラめくる。
Flipping through the pages of a magazine.
VisualDescribes the physical action of rapidly flipping pages.
こんなペラペラの紙ではすぐに破れてしまう。
こんなペラペラの紙ではすぐに破れてしまう。
Paper this flimsy will tear right away.
VisualIndicates the thin and cheap quality of an object.
その男は言い訳をペラペラと並べた。
その男は言い訳をペラペラと並べた。
The man glibly reeled off excuses.
FigurativeSpeaking without hesitation, but in a negative context (excuses).
Similar Words
べらべら
berabera
Describes someone talking incessantly and indiscreetly, or a material that is cheap, thin, and flimsy. Talking non-stop (negative connotation).
ぱらぱら
parapara
Describes light scattered drops of rain, the quick sound of flipping through pages, or a loose, non-sticky texture like perfect fried rice. Flipping through pages sparsely.
へなへな
henahena
Describes something flimsy and easy to bend, or a sudden loss of strength causing one to collapse helplessly.
たらたら
taratara
Describes a continuous thin stream of liquid, incessant complaining, or sluggish, dawdling movement.
Questions
Can I use this to say a Japanese person speaks beautiful Japanese?
No, it is used for speaking a foreign language fluently. For beautiful native speech, use other words.
What's the difference between ペラペラ and べらべら for talking?
ペラペラ can mean fluent (positive) or glib (negative). べらべら is almost exclusively negative (blabbing, running one's mouth).
If I buy a shirt and it's ペラペラ, is that good?
No, it means the fabric is very thin, flimsy, and likely cheap.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011580
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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