Entry
さらり
sarari
A state of being pleasantly smooth and non-sticky, having a thin liquid consistency, or acting cleanly without hesitation or emotional lingering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has three primary applications. First, it describes a dry, smooth, non-sticky physical texture, such as well-conditioned hair or comfortable fabric. Second, it describes liquids that have a thin, watery consistency rather than being thick or syrupy. Third, figuratively, it describes actions, attitudes, or replies delivered cleanly, without hesitation, lingering emotional attachment, or holding grudges.
- Smooth, non-sticky physical texture.
- Thin and watery liquid consistency.
- Clean, unhesitating attitude or action.
Sense Map
Smooth & Dry Texture
Describes something that feels pleasant, soft, and unhindered to the touch because it lacks moisture or stickiness.
さらりとした髪
Thin Liquid
Describes a liquid that is not thick, viscous, or dense.
さらりとしたスープ
Clean Attitude
Actions performed cleanly, without hesitation, emotional baggage, or lingering resentment.
さらりと答える
Usage Note
How to Use
さらりとした + Noun
Used to modify a noun, describing its smooth texture, thin consistency, or unburdened nature.
さらりと + Verb
Acts as an adverb modifying how an action (like dodging, answering, or refusing) is performed cleanly and without hesitation.
How to Use
Common Phrases
さらりとした肌触り
smooth, non-sticky feel to the touch
さらりとした液体
thin, watery liquid
さらりと水に流す
to forgive and forget cleanly
さらりとかわす
to dodge or brush off smoothly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric or hair texture | positive | Implies cleanliness, high quality, and a comfortable lack of sweat or stickiness. |
| Liquid consistency | neutral | Merely describes the physical fact that a liquid is light and watery. |
| Social behavior and attitude | positive | Highly regarded as a sign of maturity, meaning one does not dwell on negativity or hold grudges. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さらさら さらさら / similar | When emphasizing continuous flow, a rustling sound, or extreme dryness. | さらり (sarari) focuses on a single instance of feeling smooth or a single clean action, rather than a continuous flowing state. | さらさら流れる |
さらっと さらっと / nearby | In conversational, casual contexts to mean the exact same thing as さらり. | さらっと (saratto) is colloquial and spoken, while さらり (sarari) sounds slightly more literary or refined. | さらっと言う |
どろり どろり / opposite | To describe a thick, viscous, gooey, or muddy liquid. | The exact physical opposite of the thin, watery consistency of さらり. | どろりとした液体 |
こってり こってり / opposite | To describe heavy, rich, or greasy food, or a heavy, persistent and overbearing attitude. | Contrasts with the light, non-sticky, and refreshing nature of さらり. | こってりした味 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using さらり (sarari) to mean 'thin' for flat objects like paper or walls.
For objects with physical thinness, use 薄い (usui). さらり is only for the low viscosity (thinness) of liquids or a non-sticky texture.
Thinking 'without hesitation' means rushing quickly (like さっさと).
さらり means acting cleanly without lingering emotions or awkwardness. It is about emotional neatness and poise, not just physical speed.
Examples
Examples
彼女の髪は風でさらりとなびいた。
かのじょのかみはかぜでさらりとなびいた。
Her hair flowed smoothly in the wind.
VisualShows the non-sticky, light texture of the hair.
この化粧水はさらりとしていて、肌になじみやすい。
このけしょうすいはさらりとしていて、はだになじみやすい。
This toner is light and non-sticky, making it easy to blend into the skin.
LiteralDescribes a light liquid that is free from stickiness.
彼は嫌なことを言われても、さらりと受け流した。
かれはいやなことをいわれても、さらりとうけながした。
Even when told unpleasant things, he brushed it off cleanly without lingering emotions.
FigurativeFigurative use for an attitude that does not hold grudges.
さらりとしたスープは、暑い日でも飲みやすい。
さらりとしたスープは、あついひでものみやすい。
A thin, light soup is easy to drink even on hot days.
VisualRefers to a liquid consistency that is thin, not thick.
過去の失敗について、彼女はさらりと語った。
かこのしっぱいについて、かのじょはさらりとかたった。
She spoke about her past failures casually, without hesitation.
FigurativeShows a lack of emotional lingering or hesitation when speaking.
Similar Words
さらさら
sarasara
Describes a smooth, light texture without stickiness, or a gentle, unobstructed flow. More focused on a continuous flowing state.
さらっと
saratto
さらっと (saratto) means doing something smoothly and effortlessly without hesitation, or describes a light, smooth, non-sticky texture or taste. A more casual and conversational version.
どろり
dorori
Describes a liquid or semi-liquid that is thick, viscous, muddy, or gooey. A thick, viscous liquid (opposite of thin).
こってり
kotteri
Describes a rich, heavy, or thick consistency, as well as an intense action like a severe scolding. Heavy, rich taste or overbearing attitude.
Questions
Can I use 'sarari' to compliment someone's skin?
Yes. It implies the skin is pleasantly smooth, dry, and not sticky with sweat or oil.
Are さらり (sarari) and さらっと (saratto) interchangeable?
In almost all contexts, yes. 'Saratto' is simply the more casual, conversational version of the word.
What is the opposite of 'sarari' for food and liquids?
For rich, heavy, or greasy tastes, use こってり (kotteri). For thick, viscous liquids, use どろり (dorori).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2140720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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