Entry
ぷかり
pukari
Floating lightly on water or in the air, or puffing smoke in a relaxed manner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the state of a light, buoyant object floating gently on the surface of water or drifting in the air. It is also used to describe the rhythmic and relaxed puffing of smoke from a cigarette or pipe.
- Light floating on a surface
- Relaxed puffing of smoke
Sense Map
Floating (Water/Air)
The state of a light object floating or bobbing gently on the surface of water or in the sky.
雲がぷかりと浮かぶ
Puffing Smoke
The relaxed action of puffing and exhaling smoke from a cigarette or pipe.
タバコをぷかりと吸う
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷかりと + verb
Used with the particle と (to) to modify verbs like 浮かぶ (to float) or 吸う (to puff).
ぷかりぷかりと + verb
This reduplicated form emphasizes continuous or repeated bobbing movements.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷかりと浮かぶ
to float lightly
ぷかりぷかりと浮かぶ
to bob lightly
タバコをぷかりと吸う
to puff on a cigarette
煙をぷかりと吐き出す
to puff out smoke
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Floating objects | neutral | Implies a relaxed state of light objects floating on water or in the air. |
| Smoking | neutral | Suggests a calm atmosphere when enjoying a cigarette or pipe slowly. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷかぷか ぷかぷか / similar | For more continuous floating or repeated puffing of smoke. | ぷかぷか implies repetition or a longer duration, whereas ぷかり can refer to a single instance or state. | ぷかぷかとタバコを吸う |
ふわふわ ふわふわ / similar | For something soft, fluffy, or drifting lightly in the air. | ふわふわ emphasizes a soft texture or drifting without the bobbing on a surface that ぷかり conveys. | ふわふわのパン |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for something heavy that is sinking.
It always refers to light objects floating on a surface.
Using it for panting or heavy breathing without smoke.
It is specifically used for puffing smoke, not just breathing.
Examples
Examples
水面に木の葉がぷかりと浮かんでいる。
すいめんに このはが ぷかりと うかんでいる。
A leaf is floating lightly on the water surface.
VisualDescribes the lightness of the object on the water surface.
おじいさんは縁側でパイプをぷかりと吸った。
おじいさんは えんがわで パイプを ぷかりと すった。
The grandfather puffed on his pipe on the veranda.
VisualShows a relaxed atmosphere while smoking.
空に白い雲がぷかりぷかりと浮かんでいる。
そらに しろいくもが ぷかりぷかりと うかんでいる。
White clouds are bobbing gently in the sky.
VisualThe repetition emphasizes a calm and continuous movement.
池の中央に小舟がぷかりと浮いている。
いけの ちゅうおうに こぶねが ぷかりと ういている。
A small boat is floating lightly in the middle of the pond.
VisualFocuses on an object floating calmly.
タバコの煙をぷかりと吐き出しながら、考え事をした。
タバコの けむりを ぷかりと はきだしながら、 かんがえごとを した。
I puffed out cigarette smoke while lost in thought.
VisualShows the action of puffing smoke in a contemplative mood.
Similar Words
ぷかぷか
pukapuka
Pukapuka describes something floating buoyantly on a surface, puffing smoke rhythmically, or making light sounds from a wind instrument. Used for continuous floating or repeated puffing.
ふわふわ
fuwafuwa
Fuwafuwa describes things that are light, airy, and soft to the touch, or things that float and drift gently. Focuses more on soft texture or drifting lightly in the air.
Questions
What is the difference between ぷかり and ぷかぷか?
They are very similar, but ぷかぷか implies repetition or continuous bobbing, whereas ぷかり can refer to a single puff of smoke or a single floating state.
Can I use ぷかり for heavy objects?
No, it is used for light, buoyant objects like clouds, small boats, or leaves.
Can I use ぷかり for factory smoke?
Usually not. It is more appropriate for small, rhythmic puffs of smoke like from a cigarette or pipe.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2806040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ジョリジョリ (jorijori)
- Next entry
- スルッと (surutto)