What Is “Biri Biri”? The Japanese Sound of Tearing or Electric Shock

Ever ripped a sheet of paper so fast that the sound filled the room?

Or touched a doorknob in winter and felt a sudden zap?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Biri Biri” comes in — a sound full of sharp, rapid, and sometimes shocking energy.

First things first — let’s hear the sound!

What is “Biri Biri” (びりびり)?

“Biri Biri” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses a sharp, crackling, or tearing sensation.
It can describe:

• The sound of paper or cloth being ripped apart
• The feeling of an electric shock or static electricity
• Even the tingling sensation of spiciness on your tongue

It’s a vivid word that works for both sounds and sensations.

Pronunciation

bee-ree bee-ree
(Say it with a quick, snappy rhythm — like something tearing in an instant or electricity sparking)

Categories

Sound / Reaction

あわせて読みたい

What Does “Buru Buru” Mean in Japanese? The Sound of Shivering and Trembling When you’re freezing cold, scared out of your wits, or something is shaking with a buzz — the Japanese onomatopoeia “Buru Buru” might be just what you need! …

What Does “Biri Biri” Look Like?

It looks like:

Lightning-shaped lines around something to show it’s charged

A jagged tear running through a sheet of paper

Sparks dancing in the air after a static zap

How Do You Say It?

Say it fast and sharply:
Biri… biri…

Like the sound of tearing paper,
or the snap of static electricity:
Biri biri!

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Ripping paper

She grabbed the old envelope,
pulled it apart all at once —
biri biri…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
かのじょは、いっきにかみをびりびりにした。

Example 2: Electric shock

He reached for the door handle,
and in a flash,
a tiny spark stung his fingers —
biri biri…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
びりびりした。

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “Rip!” / “Tear!”
• “Zap!”
• “It’s tingling.”

But “biri biri” doesn’t just describe the sound — it also conveys the feeling of that moment, whether it’s tearing, stinging, or tingling.

Watch & Feel the “Biri Biri” World!

Sound of Ripping Paper

Hear the sound of Biri Biri!

Try Using It!

When you tear something quickly…
When static electricity zaps you…
When spicy food makes your tongue tingle…

Say it with energy:
Biri biri〜！