Ever taken a bite of something just a bit too spicy — like wasabi or chili?
Or touched something and felt a sudden zap, like static electricity?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Piri” (ぴりっ) comes in — a crisp, sharp sound that expresses small but powerful sensations.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Piri” (ぴりっ)?
“Piri” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses:
- A brief electric sting (like static shock)
- A sharp spicy sensation, like biting into chili
- A sudden emotional tension, like awkward silence
It’s short and direct — not as intense as “bari!” or “gatsu!”, but enough to make you flinch or blink.
It can be physical (spicy, sharp) or emotional (tension in the air, pressure in a moment).
Pronunciation
pee-ree (short and clipped — say it like a spark!)
Category
Condition
What Does “Piri” Look Like?
- The sting of wasabi hitting your nose
- The tingle from a static zap
- The spike in mood when someone says something pointed
It’s not a loud bang or overwhelming heat — just a “zing” that wakes you up!
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a snap:
Piri!
Short and tight — like a spark or a flick.
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Wasabi surprise
He dipped his sushi a bit too much —
and the wasabi hit hard.
Piri!
Example 2: Static sting
She touched the metal door in winter —
Piri!
A tiny shock jolted her fingertip.
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Zap!”
- “Ting!”
- “Ouch!” (for sudden pain)
- “Spicy!” (for chili heat)
But in Japanese, “Piri! (ぴりっ)” doesn’t just describe the sensation —
it imitates it. It gives you the snap, sting, or spike in just one syllable.
And because it’s short and crisp, it often appears in manga as a small caption in sharp font — to add a punch to a quiet but intense moment.
Watch & Feel the “Piri” World!
Feel the “Piri” — Spicy Curry
Try Using It!
- Biting into chili? → Say “Piri!”
- Feeling that zap of static? → Say “Piri!”
- Sensing a slight tension in the air? → Say “Piri!” inside your heart.
Say it sharply:
Piri!
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