Imagine touching sandpaper.
Or running your fingers over dry, cracked skin.
Or even brushing against a dusty old wall.
That rough, slightly uncomfortable texture?
That’s the feel of — “Zara Zara.”
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Zara Zara” (ざらざら) ?
“Zara Zara” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes a coarse, rough texture — something gritty, dry, and unpolished.
It’s often used when:
- Touching sand, stone, or dry surfaces
- Describing cracked hands or skin
- Expressing slight discomfort from uneven textures
It evokes a feeling that’s not painful, but not pleasant either — like brushing across tiny bumps or flakes.
Pronunciation
zah-rah zah-rah
(Repeat the sound with a dry tone — like sand slipping through your fingers.)
Categories
Texture / Visual
What Does “Zara Zara” Look Like?
It looks like grains of sand sticking to your palm.
Like a stone wall weathered by wind.
Like skin in need of lotion on a winter morning.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a dry, brushing feel:
Zara… zara…
Let it linger a bit —
like the feeling doesn’t go away:
Zara zara…
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Rough hands
After a long day in the garden,
her palms felt dry and zara zara…
Example 2: Gritty wall
He leaned against the wall —
its surface scraped his shirt,
zara zara…
Cultural Note
In English, you might say:
- “Rough”
- “Gritty”
- “Coarse”
But “zara zara” gives a stronger sensory feel.
You can almost hear the dryness — and it often makes you instinctively pull your hand back!
Watch & Feel the “Zara Zara” World!
Feel the “Zara Zara” — Sandy Floor
Try Using It!
Next time your skin feels too dry,
or you touch something sandy or coarse…
Say it softly — or complain loudly:
Zara zara〜
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