カリカリ
karikari
The Japanese word for crispy is カリカリ, or karikari.
カリカリ is an onomatopoeic word used to describe a light, dry crispness, such as the sound of eating a thin cracker or toast.
Meaning: having a crisp texture (adj)
Which one should you use?
While カリカリ describes a hard, dry crispness, サクサク (sakusaku) is used for a lighter, more flaky crispness like tempura or a pastry.
How do you pronounce it?
karikari
Did you know?
- The word カリカリ can also describe a person's temperament, specifically someone who is constantly irritated or 'gritting their teeth' with annoyance.
- The word カリカリ is also used to describe the sound of a pen scratching on paper, as well as the texture of fried food.
- To describe a 'crisp' autumn day, Japanese does not use カリカリ but instead uses 爽やか (sawayaka), which refers to freshness and clarity.
Examples in context
- この天ぷらはサクサクしていて、最高です！This tempura is so crispy, it's amazing!
- これは最高のパリパリポテトチップスだ！These are the best crispy potato chips!
- この唐揚げの皮はカリカリで、中はジューシーです。The skin of this fried chicken is crispy, while the inside is juicy.
- ポテトチップスがカリカリしている。Poteto chippusu ga karikari shite iru.The potato chips are crispy.
- カリカリのトーストを食べました。Karikari no toosuto o tabemashita.I ate crispy toast.
- このナッツはカリカリで美味しいです。Kono nattsu wa karikari de oishii desu.These nuts are crispy and delicious.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are eating snacks together.
- 陽葵 Himariこのクッキー、カリカリしているね！Kono kukkii, karikari shite iru ne!These cookies are crispy, aren't they!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。食感がすごくいいよ。Hontou da. Shokukan ga sugoku ii yo.True. The texture is really good.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、もっと食べる？Hinata-kun, motto taberu?Hinata, do you want more?
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。いただきます。Arigatou. Itadakimasu.Thanks. I'll have some.
