Japanese word

きらきら

Pronunciation

Romajikirakira

Meaning

  • adverbsparkling

Example

水がきらきら光ります。mizu ga ki ra ki ra hika ri ma su

The water sparkles.

Illustration for きらきら (sparkling)

More examples

夜空の星がきらきら輝いています。yo zora no hoshi ga ki ra ki ra kagaya i te i ma su

The stars in the night sky are shining brightly.

Core concept

きらきら (kirakira) presents light as a series of bright, lively flashes, as on water, stars, or polished objects.

Common phrases

  • きらきら光るki ra ki ra hika ru

    sparkle

  • きらきら輝くki ra ki ra kagaya ku

    shine brightly

Similar words

ぴかぴかpikapika: Has a bright, glossy appearance that suggests a smooth or polished surface.
きらりkirari: Gives off one clear, striking flash of light.
ぎらぎらgiragira: Gives off a strong, glaring light that feels intense.

Definition in Japanese

光が細かくまたたいたり反射したりして、明るく輝いて見えるさま。hikari ga koma ka ku ma ta ta i ta ri han sha shi ta ri shi te aka ru ku kagaya i te mi e ru sa ma

Word origin

The adverb きらきら (kirakira, "sparkling") is a reduplicated Japanese mimetic expression, with repetition suggesting repeated bright flashes of light.

Usage tips

  • Japanese can use きらきら (kirakira) for eyes or a smile, where it describes a bright, lively appearance rather than literal reflected light.

Word lists with this word