What Is “Pori Pori”? The Japanese Sound of Crunching and Scratching

Ever bitten into a crispy cracker and heard that dry crunch?

Or absentmindedly scratched your head or arm, making a light, repetitive sound?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Pori Pori” comes in — a sound that captures both the crunchy bite and the small, continuous scratch.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

What is “Pori Pori” (ぽりぽり)?

“Pori Pori” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes:

1. Crunching lightly — eating dry, brittle, or crisp foods (like crackers, nuts, or cookies).
2. Scratching lightly — making small, repetitive movements with your fingers or nails.

It can be literal (biting into something crunchy) or situational (scratching nervously, or absentmindedly).

Pronunciation

poh-ree poh-ree
(Say it with a dry, crisp tone — like breaking something brittle.)

Category

Sound

What Does “Pori Pori” Look Like?

It looks like crumbs scattering as you bite into a cracker.
Like someone scratching their head during an awkward moment.
Like a small animal nibbling on seeds.

How Do You Say It?

Say it lightly, with small beats:
Pori… pori…

Like dry crunches or tiny scratches:
Pori pori…

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Crunching a snack

He popped a rice cracker into his mouth.
The sound echoed —
pori pori…

Example 2: Nervous scratching

She thought hard, scratching her head,
her fingers moving lightly —
pori pori…

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “Crunch crunch.”
• “Nibbling.”
• “Light scratching.”

But in Japanese, “pori pori” gives you the sound-and-feel image — you can almost hear the brittle crispness or see the tiny repeated movement.
It’s vivid, playful, and very versatile.

Watch & Feel the “Pori Pori” World!

Feel the “pori pori” — the crunch sound

Look, the squirrel is crunching nuts, pori pori.

Try Using It!

When you bite into something crisp…
When you absentmindedly scratch your head…
When you see someone nibbling nervously…

Say it lightly:
Pori pori〜