Entry
ピロピロ
piropiro
ピロピロ refers to a blowout party horn or the playful fluttering sound it makes when blown.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is commonly used as a noun to refer to a 'fukimodoshi'—the paper party blower that unrolls when you blow into it. It is an onomatopoeic term derived from the high-pitched, vibrating sound the toy makes, carrying a festive and childish nuance.
- party blower toy
- fluttering toy sound
Sense Map
Party Toy (Noun)
Refers to the physical party horn or blowout toy.
誕生日会でピロピロを配った。
Toy Sound
The playful, vibrating sound of the party horn being blown.
子供がピロピロと音を鳴らして遊んでいる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ピロピロ
Used as a standalone noun representing the toy.
ピロピロを吹く
Combined with the verb 'fuku' (to blow) to describe playing with the toy.
ピロピロ笛
A compound noun explicitly calling it a 'piropiro whistle/horn'.
ピロピロと鳴る
Used as an adverbial phrase to describe the sound it makes.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピロピロを吹く
blow a party horn
ピロピロが伸びる
the party horn unrolls
ピロピロと鳴らす
make a party horn sound
ピロピロ笛
party horn / whistle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Children's parties | Playful | Implies a fun, informal atmosphere where cheap toys are used. |
| Making a silly sound | Cheerful | Emphasizes the high-pitched, vibrating sound of the unrolling paper. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱふ ぱふ / contrast | When describing the squeaky sound of a squeezed rubber horn. | Not used for blown paper party horns. | パフと鳴らす |
ぶー ぶー / contrast | When describing a loud, blunt buzzer, honk, or a sound for a wrong answer. | Does not describe cheerful, high-pitched party sounds. | ブーと鳴る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking it refers to any musical instrument or loud whistle.
It is strictly a colloquial word for a cheap plastic and paper party blower.
Using it to describe a heavy or serious sound.
It only describes light, playful, and fluttering sounds.
Examples
Examples
誕生日のパーティーで、子供たちがピロピロを吹いて遊んでいる。
たんじょうびのパーティーで、こどもたちがピロピロをふいてあそんでいる。
At the birthday party, the children are playing by blowing party horns.
LiteralShows the basic usage as a noun for the party toy.
息を強く吹き込むと、ピロピロが勢いよく伸びた。
いきをつよくふきこむと、ピロピロがいきおいよくのびた。
When blown hard, the party blower unrolled quickly.
VisualDescribes the visual motion of the paper unrolling.
お土産に買ったピロピロ笛を鳴らして、みんなで大笑いした。
おみやげにかったピロピロぶえをならして、みんなでおおわらいした。
We all laughed out loud while blowing the party horns bought as souvenirs.
LiteralUses the compound word form 'piropiro-bue' (piropiro whistle).
お祭りの屋台には、色鮮やかなピロピロがたくさん並んでいる。
おまつりのやたいには、いろあざやかなピロピロがたくさんならんでいる。
At the festival stall, many colorful party horns are lined up.
VisualHighlights the physical object in a festive context.
彼はふざけてピロピロと音を鳴らしながら部屋に入ってきた。
かれはふざけてピロピロとおとをならしながらへやにはいってきた。
He entered the room playfully making a party blower sound.
LiteralUses the word as an adverb to describe the trilling sound.
Similar Words
パフ
pafu
The light, comical honking sound of a squeeze bulb horn or toy trumpet. Used for the sound of a squeezed rubber bulb horn.
ブー
buu
A loud, flat noise such as an electronic buzzer, a car honk, or the sound for an incorrect answer. A loud buzzer or warning honk.
Questions
What is the formal Japanese name for this toy?
The formal name is 吹き戻し (fukimodoshi), but ピロピロ is the common, playful name based on its sound.
Can I use this for a car horn?
No, a car horn is usually represented by プー (puu) or ピー (pii).
Is this word considered slang?
It is not exactly slang, but a casual, childish noun for the toy.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2826992
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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