ぱらぱら
para-para EverydayBooks Casual to Semi-formal
Scattered drops, flipping pages
What does ぱらぱら mean?
Describes small objects or drops falling lightly and scatteredly, or the sound of flipping through a book.
The Image: A light, dry, tapping sound. Not rhythmic, but scattered.
When to use it
- Light rain starting to fall
- Sprinkling sesame seeds on rice
- Flipping through a magazine
Translation Warning
Notice the transition from weather to the action of 'flipping' pages.
Avoid using when:
- For heavy pouring (use 'zaa-zaa')
- For heavy impacts
Example Sentences
小雨がパラパラ降ってきた。
Light rain has started to sprinkle.
Weather本をパラパラとめくる。
I'm flipping through the pages of a book.
Daily Life