カリカリ

Alternative writings: かりかり
Frequency:
1

Crisp or crunchy (used for foods that are hard/firm and make a crisp sound when bitten).

Na-AdjectiveAdverb Taking 'と'AdverbIrregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このポテトチップス、すごくカリカリでおいしい。

These potato chips are very crispy and delicious.

トーストがカリカリに焼けた。

The toast is nicely crisp.

揚げたての天ぷらは外がカリカリ、中がふわふわだ。

Freshly fried tempura is crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

2

Describes someone being edgy, touchy, or irritable (an onomatopoeic/mimetic word).

Adverb Taking 'と'AdverbIrregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

朝から上司がカリカリしていて落ち着かない。

The boss has been irritable since morning, it's unsettling.

そんなこと言われてカリカリしないでください。

Don't get so touchy just because I said that.

彼は小さなことですぐカリカリする。

He gets irritated easily over small things.

3

Describes a scratching/raking sound or action (e.g., claws scratching).

Adverb Taking 'と'AdverbIrregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

猫がドアをカリカリと引っかいている。

The cat is scratching the door (making a 'kari-kari' sound).

彼は鉛筆で紙をカリカリと書き続けた。

He kept scribbling on the paper with his pencil.