ヘラヘラ

Alternative writings: へらへら
Frequency:
1

onomatopoeia: laughing or smiling foolishly; showing a frivolous or thoughtless smile or laugh

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は謝る代わりにヘラヘラ笑っているだけだった。

Instead of apologizing, he just grinned foolishly.

面接でヘラヘラすると印象が悪くなるよ。

If you grin foolishly in an interview, it gives a bad impression.

話が深刻なときにヘラヘラしないでほしい。

Don't be flippant when the topic is serious.

2

onomatopoeia: speaking carelessly or indiscreetly; talking flippantly or revealing things thoughtlessly

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼女はヘラヘラと人の悪口を喋る癖がある。

She has a habit of casually talking about others behind their backs.

ヘラヘラ喋っていると、重要なことを聞き逃すよ。

If you talk flippantly, you'll miss important points.

3

onomatopoeia/adjectival: thin, flimsy (e.g., paper or fabric that is insubstantial)

Na-AdjectiveAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

この生地はヘラヘラしていて、コートには向かない。

This fabric is flimsy and not suitable for a coat.

包装の紙がヘラヘラで破れやすかった。

The wrapping paper was flimsy and tore easily.

4

archaic: (old usage) to flare up or burst into flames; largely obsolete

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic WordArchaic

Examples

古文献の中には、ヘラヘラと炎が立つといった表現が見られることがある。

In some old documents you can find expressions like flames flaring up.