Entry
ピチャリ
pichari
ピチャリ is a Japanese onomatopoeia for a light, sharp splashing sound or the crisp sound of a slap or whip.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics a crisp, light, and momentary sound. It is commonly used to describe small waves hitting the shore, a pebble dropping into shallow water, or a sharp physical strike like a hand slap or a cracking whip.
- light water splash
- crisp slap or whip sound
Sense Map
Water Splash
Describes the sound of small-scale water movement, like ripples hitting the shore or small objects falling into puddles.
波がピチャリと打ち寄せる。
Slap or Whip
Describes the sharp, crisp sound of a flat or thin object striking a surface, such as an open hand or a whip.
ピチャリと頬を叩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ピチャリと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs of hitting, dropping, or splashing, indicating that the action produced a sharp, light sound.
ピチャリと音を立てる
Literally translates to 'make a pichari sound', frequently used in descriptive scene-setting to create auditory atmosphere.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピチャリと叩く
to slap with a sharp sound
波がピチャリと
waves splashing lightly
ピチャリと音がする
a sharp splash or slap is heard
ピチャリと跳ねる
to jump with a splash (e.g., a fish)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Near a puddle or pond | neutral | Describes a peaceful setting interrupted by a tiny, light water sound, such as a fish jumping. |
| Physical altercation | negative | Implies a swift, stinging slap rather than a heavy, severely damaging blow. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱしゃり ぱしゃり / similar | Focuses more on cheerful water splashing or the distinct mechanical click of a camera shutter. | Pashari is rarely used for aggressive slaps or whipping sounds. | パシャリと写真を撮る。 |
ぴちゃん ぴちゃん / similar | Focuses on a very tiny, single drop of water or a cute, solitary splash. | Pichan implies a much smaller volume of water than pichari and has a softer, 'cuter' ring to it. | 水滴がぴちゃんと落ちる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ピチャリ for a huge wave crashing onto a cliff.
It only applies to small, light splashes. Huge, dramatic waves use words like 'zaabaan'.
Using ピチャリ to describe punching someone with a closed fist.
It strictly describes the sound of flat or thin objects (like an open hand or a whip), not heavy, blunt fists.
Examples
Examples
岸辺に波がピチャリと打ち寄せた。
きしべに なみが ピチャリと うちよせた。
A small wave washed ashore with a light splash.
LiteralShows the quiet sound of a small wave.
水たまりに小石がピチャリと落ちた。
みずたまりに こいしが ピチャリと おちた。
A small stone dropped into the puddle with a splash.
LiteralDescribes a single, quick splashing sound.
彼は馬をピチャリと鞭で打った。
かれは うまを ピチャリと むちで うった。
He struck the horse with a whip, making a sharp crack.
LiteralFocuses on the sharp cracking sound of a thin object.
彼女は相手の頬をピチャリと叩いた。
かのじょは あいての ほほを ピチャリと たたいた。
She slapped the other person's cheek with a sharp smack.
LiteralEmphasizes the sharp sound of a hand slapping skin.
魚が水面で跳ねて、ピチャリと音がした。
さかなが すいめんで はねて、 ピチャリと おとが した。
A fish jumped on the water surface, making a light splashing sound.
LiteralDescribes the light water sound when a fish moves on the surface.
Similar Words
パシャリ
pashari
For cheerful water splashing or camera clicks.
Questions
Can I use ピチャリ for heavy rain?
Usually not. Rain sounds are better described by 'zaa-zaa' (heavy) or 'potsu-potsu' (light). 'Pichari' is specifically for a distinct, singular splash.
What is the difference between ピチャリ (pichari) and ピチャピチャ (picha-picha)?
Pichari indicates a single, sudden sound (one slap, one splash). Picha-picha indicates a continuous or repeated sound, such as constantly splashing around in water.
Is ピチャリ only for water?
No, it is equally common for describing the crisp, sharp sound of a thin physical object striking a surface, like a whip or an open hand.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2568290
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- どうと (douto)
- Next entry
- ぴちゃん (pichan)