Entry
ピリピリ
piripiri
ピリピリ (piripiri) describes a sharp tingling or stinging sensation, a highly tense or nervous atmosphere, or the light sound of paper ripping.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word covers three distinct areas: 1) A physical tingling, stinging, or mildly burning sensation, such as eating spicy pepper or having irritated skin. 2) A psychological state or atmosphere that is tense, on edge, and highly sensitive, like right before a crucial exam. 3) The sound of tearing thin paper or cloth.
- Tingling or stinging sensation
- Tense or nervous mood
- Sound of tearing paper
Sense Map
Physical Sensation
A sharp, tingling or stinging feeling on the skin or tongue.
舌がピリピリする
Tense Atmosphere
A stressful, high-pressure, or nervous atmosphere where people are on edge.
ピリピリした雰囲気
Tearing Sound
The continuous, light sound of tearing thin materials like paper.
紙をピリピリと破く
Usage Note
How to Use
ピリピリする
Functions as a verb meaning to tingle, sting, or feel tense.
ピリピリしている
Describes an ongoing state of tension or someone being currently on edge.
ピリピリした + noun
Modifies a noun, most commonly used with 'atmosphere' (雰囲気) to mean a tense mood.
ピリピリと + verb
Functions as an adverb, usually modifying physical actions like tearing (破く).
How to Use
Common Phrases
舌がピリピリする
tongue is tingling/burning
ピリピリした雰囲気
a tense atmosphere
神経をピリピリさせる
to strain one's nerves / to be on edge
肌がピリピリ痛む
skin stings/tingles with pain
紙をピリピリと破く
to tear paper with a ripping sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical & Taste | neutral | Associated with Szechuan pepper (mala), the sting of cold wind, or minor skin irritation. |
| Emotions & Mood | negative | Implies touchiness and high stress. People who are ピリピリ are on edge and easily upset. |
| Sound | neutral | Used for the light, continuous sound of tearing thin paper or a sharp, shrill whistle. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひりひり ひりひり / similar | For a continuous, hot burning pain, like a sunburn or a scraped knee. | Does not describe tense atmospheres, and implies a broader burning heat rather than sharp, distinct prickles. | 日焼けで肌がヒリヒリする。 |
びりびり びりびり / similar | For strong electric shocks, loud vibrations, or tearing thick paper/cloth. | Much stronger than ピリピリ. You cannot use it to describe someone being emotionally tense or nervous. | 雷の音がビリビリと響く。 |
ぺりぺり ぺりぺり / similar | When carefully peeling off something like a sticker, tape, or plastic seal. | Focuses specifically on the peeling motion rather than general ripping, and has no meaning related to pain or tension. | シールをペリペリとはがす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking it only applies to spicy food or physical sensations.
It is heavily used to describe an emotionally tense room, a grumpy person, or anxious students before a test.
Using it for a massive electric shock or forceful tearing.
For strong shocks or thick, forceful tearing, use the harder-sounding ビリビリ (biribiri) instead.
Examples
Examples
スープが辛くて、舌がピリピリする。
スープがからくて、したがピリピリする。
The soup is spicy and my tongue is tingling.
LiteralDescribes the tingling sensation from spicy food.
試合の前で、チーム全体がピリピリしている。
しあいのまえで、チームぜんたいがピリピリしている。
Before the match, the whole team is completely on edge.
FigurativeUsed figuratively for a tense atmosphere before an event.
日焼けした肌がピリピリ痛む。
ひやけしたはだがピリピリいたむ。
My sunburned skin stings.
LiteralDescribes the stinging pain on the skin from a sunburn.
彼はピリピリした雰囲気で会議室に入ってきた。
かれはピリピリしたふんいきでかいぎしつにはいってきた。
He entered the meeting room with a tense atmosphere.
FigurativeDepicts a sensitive and irritable mood affecting the room.
彼女はノートのページをピリピリと破いた。
かのじょはノートのページをピリピリとやぶいた。
She tore a page out of her notebook with a ripping sound.
LiteralMimics the light sound of paper being torn.
Similar Words
ペリペリ
periperi
When carefully peeling off a sticker or seal.
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.
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.
じりじり
jirijiri
Describes something progressing slowly but steadily, scorching heat, burning impatience, or a continuous sizzling/ringing sound.
ヒリヒリ
hirihiri
Describes a continuous, superficial stinging or burning sensation, typically on the skin or tongue. For a broader, continuous burning pain like a sunburn.
ビリビリ
biribiri
Biribiri describes the loud sound of vigorously ripping paper or the sharp sensation of an electric shock. For stronger electric shocks or loud tearing sounds.
Questions
Is it the same as 辛い (karai)?
辛い just means 'spicy'. ピリピリ describes the specific numbing, tingling, or stinging sensation left in your mouth by certain spices.
Can I use it for muscle aches?
Not usually. Muscle pain or cramps are better described with words like ズキズキ (throbbing) or ピクピク (twitching).
Does it mean someone is angry?
It means irritable or on edge, which can easily lead to anger. The core focus is on the tight tension and sensitivity.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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