What’s the Difference Between “Dara” and “Darari” in Japanese?

Ever dropped something soft and watched it flop onto the bed?
Or seen a kimono’s long sleeve hanging gracefully at the sides?

In Japanese, both moments have their own sounds:

Dara (だらっ)

Darari (だらり)

What is “Dara” (だらっ)?

A short, casual sound that suggests something flopping down or hanging loosely for a moment.

Used for:

• Dropping a stuffed animal onto the floor or bed.
• Someone flopping down into a chair.
• Something suddenly going limp.

Nuance:
Quick, soft, slightly comical or careless.

Example:
She dropped the stuffed animal on the bed — dara…!

Pronunciation

dah-rah (short, clipped, with a final soft stop)

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Dara!”? The Japanese Sound of Sudden Limpness or a Drop in Energy Ever felt your arms fall limply to your sides after a long day? Or seen a plush toy collapse onto the bed in a heap? That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “D…

What is “Darari” (だらり)?

A longer, continuous expression of something hanging down or trailing softly.

Used for:

• The long sleeve of a kimono trailing to the side.
• Hair or ribbons hanging down loosely.
• A rope, vine, or string drooping downward.

Nuance:
Gentle, lingering, elegant or sometimes weary.

Example:
The long sleeve of her robe trailed quietly — darari…

Pronunciation

dah-rah-ree (longer, drawn out, smooth and trailing)

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Darari”? The Japanese Sound of Hanging, Dangling, or Languid Drooping Ever seen a long sleeve slowly hanging from a kimono? Or watched someone’s hand dangle limply after a tiring day? That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Dara…

Cultural Note

In English, you might just say “flop” or “hang down.”
But Japanese distinguishes:

• Dara = a quick, soft flop or sudden looseness.
• Darari = a long, continuous droop or trailing form.

This distinction shows up in literature, kimono descriptions, or even manga sound effects.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Plush flop (Dara)

She dropped the stuffed animal on the bed — dara…!

Example 2: Hanging sleeve (Darari)

The long sleeve of her robe trailed quietly — darari…

Try Using Them!

Noticed long hair trailing down?
Say darari…

Dropped your bag carelessly?
Say dara…!