Entry
ざぶりざぶり
zaburizaburi
Expresses the loud, heavy splashing sound of a large volume of moving water, such as strong waves crashing or a person forcefully wading through deep water.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates the heavy, continuous sound of a substantial mass of water in motion. It is frequently used to describe large ocean waves hitting the shore or the dynamic, resistant noise made when someone walks through a river or flooded area.
- Heavy crashing waves
- Forceful wading through deep water
Sense Map
Large waves
Used to describe the heavy, powerful sound of ocean or sea waves crashing repeatedly.
波がざぶりざぶりと打ち寄せる。
Wading
Describes the loud, splashing sound generated when moving or walking forcefully through deep water.
川の中をざぶりざぶりと歩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ざぶりざぶりと + verb (e.g., 打ち寄せる, 歩く)
Acts as an adverb modifying an action verb, illustrating that the action produces the heavy sound of moving water.
ざぶりざぶり + verb
An alternative adverbial form omitting the 'to' particle, carrying the same meaning and function.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ざぶりざぶりと打ち寄せる
to crash heavily (waves)
ざぶりざぶりと歩く
to wade/walk through deep water
ざぶりざぶりと進む
to advance forcefully through water
波がざぶりざぶりと
waves crashing loudly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean waves | neutral | Highlights the unyielding power and heavy mass of the sea. |
| Wading across a river | neutral | Emphasizes the physical effort required to push through the water and the resulting loud noise. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱしゃり ぱしゃり / similar | Used for the sound of a small, light, and brief water splash, such as stepping into a shallow puddle. | ざぶりざぶり requires a large, heavy volume of deep water moving with significant force. | パシャリと水をかける |
ざあっ ざあっ / similar | Used for the sound of water falling or flowing continuously and forcefully, like a heavy downpour or a waterfall. | ざぶりざぶり focuses on rhythmic or individual heavy crashes and wading movements rather than a constant stream. | ざあっと雨が降る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the sound of heavy rain.
Use 'zaa-zaa' or 'zaa' for rain. This word is meant for ground-level water movement like waves or wading.
Using it when washing a car or face lightly.
This word implies a massive volume of water. For light washing or splashing, 'pasha-pasha' is much more natural.
Examples
Examples
荒れた海では、波がざぶりざぶりと岸に打ち寄せていた。
あれたうみでは、なみがざぶりざぶりときしにうちよせていた。
In the rough sea, heavy waves were crashing loudly against the shore.
LiteralShows the sound of large continuous waves.
彼は腰まである川をざぶりざぶりと歩いて渡った。
かれはこしまであるかわをざぶりざぶりとあるいてわたった。
He forcefully waded across the waist-deep river with heavy splashing sounds.
LiteralDescribes the sound of pushing through deep water.
大きな犬が池の中でざぶりざぶりと遊んでいる。
おおきないぬがいけのなかでざぶりざぶりとあそんでいる。
A large dog is playing in the pond, making loud splashing sounds.
LiteralDynamic movement of a large animal in water.
洪水で道が冠水し、車がざぶりざぶりと進んでいく。
こうずいでみちがかんすいし、くるまがざぶりざぶりとすすんでいく。
The road is flooded, and cars are advancing forcefully through the water.
LiteralModern context of heavy objects displacing deep water.
船の横を大波がざぶりざぶりと通り過ぎる。
ふねのよこをおおなみがざぶりざぶりととおりすぎる。
Large waves pass by the side of the ship with heavy splashing sounds.
LiteralFocus on the mass of seawater moving forcefully.
Similar Words
パシャリ
pashari
For very light, small water splashes.
Questions
Can I use ざぶりざぶり for water in a bathtub?
Yes, but only if the person inside is moving violently enough to displace large amounts of water loudly. For normal bathing, it sounds too extreme.
What is the difference between ざぶり (zaburi) and ざぶりざぶり (zaburizaburi)?
ざぶり (zaburi) is a single, isolated heavy splash or plunge, whereas ざぶりざぶり (zaburizaburi) indicates a continuous or repeated action.
Is this word only for sound?
While it is categorized as a sound mimic (phonomime), it strongly evokes the visual image of heavy, dynamic water movement.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2548410
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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