Entry
ずらり
zurari
Describes a state where many objects or people are lined up neatly in a row.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ずらり (zurari) is used when you see many objects or people arranged or standing side-by-side to form a long, neat line. It often carries a nuance of being impressed by the large quantity or the orderly arrangement.
- objects in a line
- people in a row
Sense Map
Objects
Objects lined up neatly (books, shops, cars, etc).
本がずらりと並ぶ。
People
People standing or sitting in a row.
選手たちがずらりと並んでいる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずらりと並ぶ
The most common pattern, meaning 'lined up neatly'.
ずらり並ぶ
The form without the particle 'to', carrying the same meaning.
ずらりと + verb
Followed by verbs indicating position (like sitting, standing, etc).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずらりと並ぶ
lined up neatly
ずらりと並べる
to line up neatly
お店がずらり
shops in a row
本がずらり
books in a row
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing shops or displayed goods | positive | Conveys feeling impressed by the large, orderly quantity. |
| Seeing people lined up | neutral | Indicates a group of people standing in a long line or sitting in a row. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずらっと ずらっと / similar | Used when seeing things lined up with a sense of suddenness. | More casual than 'zurari' and emphasizes the instantaneous impression. | ずらっと並ぶ |
ぎっしり ぎっしり / contrast | Used for things packed very tightly without any gaps. | Focuses on the density of the contents (fullness), not the shape of a line. | ぎっしり詰まる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a messy pile of things.
Use 'gochagocha' or 'yamazumi'. 'Zurari' is strictly for neat lines.
Using it for a sequence of events in time.
'Zurari' is a physical visual (lining up). For consecutive events, use 'tsugitsugi to'.
Examples
Examples
本棚に漫画がずらりと並んでいる。
ほんだなにまんががずらりとならんでいる。
Manga are lined up neatly on the bookshelf.
VisualFocuses on a neat line of objects.
テーブルの上にごちそうがずらりと並べられた。
テーブルのうえにごちそうがずらりとならべられた。
A feast was laid out in a row on the table.
VisualShows food arranged side by side.
面接官がずらりと座っていて緊張した。
めんせつかんがずらりとすわっていてきんちょうした。
I was nervous because the interviewers were sitting in a row.
VisualDescribes people sitting in a row.
駅前には新しいお店がずらりと並んでいる。
えきまえにはあたらしいおみせがずらりとならんでいる。
New shops are lined up in front of the station.
VisualIndicates a long line of buildings.
駐車場に高級車がずらり並んでいる。
ちゅうしゃじょうにこうきゅうしゃがずらりならんでいる。
Luxury cars are lined up in the parking lot.
VisualUsage of 'zurari' without the particle 'to'.
Similar Words
ずらっと
zuratto
ずらっと (zuratto) describes the visual state of many people or objects being neatly lined up in a row. More casual and emphasizes the quickness of lining up.
ぎっしり
gisshiri
Tightly packed or completely filled with absolutely no empty space or free time left. Emphasizes the density of space, not a straight line.
Questions
Can I use 'zurari' for cars in a traffic jam?
Yes, if the cars form a long, continuous line. If they are piled up chaotically, other words fit better.
Is it written in hiragana or katakana?
Both are common. Hiragana (ずらり) feels softer, while katakana (ズラリ) makes the word stand out visually.
Can this word be used for a small quantity?
No. 'Zurari' strongly implies a large number of items making an impressive line.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2008600
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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