Ever caught a train just before the doors closed?
Or submitted something right before the deadline?
That’s when the Japanese sound word “Giri Giri” comes in — the sound and feel of being right on the edge, with no room to spare.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Giri Giri” (ぎりぎり)?
“Giri Giri” is used to describe situations that are extremely tight — in terms of time, space, or limits.
It often carries a sense of nervous tension or last-minute survival.
Hanging by a thread
Just barely in time
Just within the rules
Just scraping by
Pronunciation
gee-ree gee-ree
(Say it with a tight tone — like you’re clenching your teeth a little.)
Category
Condition
What Does “Giri Giri” Look Like?
It looks like a deadline clock blinking red.
Like someone running through the train doors at the last second.
Like a test score just passing the cutoff.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with tension:
Giri… giri…
Like the moment right before everything collapses:
ぎりぎりセーフ！
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Barely made it
He dashed onto the train —
just as the doors closed behind him.
Giri giri!
Example 2: Deadline panic
She submitted the application
at 11:40 p.m. —
giri giri before the cutoff.
Cultural Note
In English, you might say:
- “Just in time”
- “By the skin of your teeth”
- “Barely made it”
But “Giri Giri” gives you a sound that feels tight — like something about to snap.
It’s often used in sports, exams, deadlines, and last-minute escapes.
Watch & Feel the “Giri Giri” World!
Feel the “Giri Giri” — The Edge of the Limit…?!
Try Using It!
Running late? Just passed a test?
Say it with relief:
Giri giri〜！
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