Ever felt a stabbing pain in your stomach before a big test?
Or that tight nervousness twisting your thoughts?
That’s when “Kiri Kiri” (きりきり) comes in — a sound that cuts sharply, expressing both physical and emotional tension.
What is “Kiri Kiri” (きりきり)?
“Kiri kiri” describes sharp, piercing pain or tension.
It can refer to physical pain (like a stomachache) or mental strain.
Used for:
Tight, cutting sensations
Sharp stomach or headache pain
Anxiety or irritation
Pronunciation
kee-ree kee-ree
(Short and crisp — like twisting or cutting.)
Categories
Feeling / Pain / Emotion
What Does “Kiri Kiri” Look Like?
It looks like a spiral of tension twisting tighter and tighter.
Like storm clouds gathering behind your eyes.
Like nerves stretched thin.
How Do You Say It?
Say it sharply and tightly:
Kiri kiri…
Let it cut through the air like a thin thread of pain.
Example in Daily Life
Example: Stomach pain
Before the exam,
her stomach hurt —
kiri kiri…
Cultural Note
In English, you might say “a sharp pain” or “my stomach twisted in knots.”
But “kiri kiri” turns that invisible tension into sound —
you can almost feel the edge.
Watch & Feel the “kiri kiri” World
Feel the Kiri Kiri — extremely scary moment!
Try Using It!
When your stomach tightens before an exam…
When stress makes your head ache sharply…
When your nerves feel like they’re twisting inside you…
Whisper it under your breath —
Kiri kiri…
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