Ever seen someone working with unstoppable energy?
Or heard the crisp sound of something being torn or chewed enthusiastically?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Bari Bari” comes in —
a word that captures strong motion, bold action, or loud texture.
Let’s hear what it sounds like!
What is “Bari Bari” (ばりばり)?
“Bari Bari” is a bold, energetic Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses strong action, firm tearing, or powerful effort.
It has multiple uses depending on the context — all vivid and intense!
Nuance:
Intense, bold, and forceful
Fast-paced or aggressive
Often auditory (ripping, crunching), but also behavioral
Used for:
Working energetically (She’s working bari bari!)
Ripping paper or plastic (He tore the bag open — bari bari!)
Crunching through snacks or pickles
Someone tough and driven (a bari bari career person)
Pronunciation
bah-ree bah-ree
(Sharp and rhythmic — like fast tearing or marching forward)
Categories
Atmosphere / Impression /Sound
What Does “Bari Bari” Look Like?
A character tearing open snacks or a gift bag
A worker typing furiously or multitasking
A student studying hard through the night
A tough athlete powering through practice
How Do You Say It?
Say it confidently and fast:
Bari bari!
It should feel like tearing something — or tackling tasks without hesitation.
Example in Daily Life
Example: Power working
She opened her laptop and started typing nonstop —
focused and fast —
bari bari!
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Grinding hard”
- “Working full speed”
- “Ripping” or “crunching”
But “bari bari” brings sound and energy together in one vivid word —
whether it’s a mood, a work style, or a ripping noise.
In anime and daily speech, it’s often used for strong-willed characters or action scenes.
Watch & Feel the “Bari Bari” World!
Feel the “Bari Bari” — Senbei
Try Using It!
Next time you:
- Get things done with focus
- Open a bag with dramatic flair
- Show someone’s high motivation
Say it with impact:
Bari bari!
Comments