Entry
ぴしゃり
pishari
Pishari describes a sharp slapping or splashing sound, a door slamming, or a flat, abrupt refusal.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Pishari is an onomatopoeia for sharp, flat sounds such as a slap across the skin, a door banging shut, or a quick splash of water. Figuratively, it expresses a flat, uncompromising refusal or denial, shutting down a request completely.
- slapping sound
- door slamming
- water splash
- flat refusal
Sense Map
Slapping Sound
The sharp sound of a flat surface striking another, such as a slap.
頬をピシャリと打つ
Door Slamming
The noise of forcefully and abruptly banging a door or sliding screen shut.
ドアをぴしゃりと閉める
Splashing Water
The sound of water splashing sharply.
水がピシャリとはねる
Flat Refusal
A figurative use meaning to firmly and abruptly reject or deny something, leaving no room for argument.
頼みをぴしゃりと断る
Usage Note
How to Use
ぴしゃりと + verb
The most common pattern. Modifies a verb like 'close', 'refuse', or 'hit' to describe how sharply or firmly the action is done.
ぴしゃり + verb
Similar to 'pishari to', but omits the 'to' particle. It is often used in more casual speech.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぴしゃりと断る
flatly refuse
ぴしゃりと閉める
slam shut
ぴしゃりとはねつける
reject outright
ピシャリと打つ
slap sharply
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rejecting a proposal | negative | Shows that the person being rejected was given no chance to explain themselves. |
| Closing a door | negative | Implies anger, frustration, or a strong desire to shut someone out. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴしゃっと ぴしゃっと / similar | When emphasizing the sudden, instantaneous nature of the action. | Almost identical to pishari, but the '-tto' ending makes the action feel even quicker and sharper. | ドアをピシャッと閉める |
がちゃん がちゃん / similar | For the heavy, metallic sound of a latch or mechanism engaging, like hanging up a phone or shutting an iron door. | Unlike pishari which sounds flat (like wood or flesh), gachan implies a heavier, metallic clash. | ガチャンと電話を切る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using pishari to describe a loud explosion or a very heavy impact.
Pishari is for flat, sharp sounds (like a slap or lightweight door). For heavy impacts, use 'gachan' or 'baan'.
Thinking pishari can be used for politely declining an invitation.
Pishari describes a cold, flat, or harsh refusal. Do not use it if someone politely or apologetically declines.
Examples
Examples
腕に止まった蚊をピシャリと叩いた。
うでにとまったかをピシャリとたたいた。
I sharply slapped the mosquito that landed on my arm.
LiteralSound of slapping against skin.
水がピシャリとはねる。
みずがピシャリとはねる。
The water splashes with a sharp sound.
LiteralThe sharp sound of splashing water.
怒った彼はドアをぴしゃりと閉めた。
おこったかれはドアをぴしゃりとしめた。
Angry, he slammed the door shut.
LiteralSound of a door being slammed shut.
私の提案は社長にぴしゃりとはねつけられた。
わたしのていあんはしゃちょうにぴしゃりとはねつけられた。
My proposal was outright rejected by the president.
FigurativeFlat rejection without room for discussion.
手伝いを頼んだが、友人にぴしゃりと断られた。
てつだいをたのんだが、ゆうじんにぴしゃりとことわられた。
I asked for help, but my friend flatly refused.
FigurativeRefusing firmly.
Similar Words
ピシャッと
pishatto
The sharp sound or action of a flat slap, a wet splat, or forcefully shutting something. Almost identical, but the '-tto' ending implies a more instantaneous action.
ガチャン
gachan
A sound word describing a loud, sharp impact such as a door slamming shut or a dish breaking. For heavier or metallic clashing sounds, like an iron door.
Questions
Can I use pishari for the sound of rain?
No, pishari is for a single splash or sharp sound. For rain, use 'zaazaa' (heavy rain) or 'shitoshito' (light rain).
What is the difference between pishari and baan when closing a door?
Baan is a much louder, heavier explosion-like slam. Pishari is sharp and flat, like slamming a lightweight door or a sliding screen.
Is pishari always a negative word?
Not necessarily for physical sounds like a simple splash of water, but when used for slamming doors or refusing requests, it strongly implies a negative emotion like anger or strictness.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010880
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ピシッと (pishitto)
- Next entry
- ぴちぴち (pichipichi)