カリカリ
karikari
The Japanese word for "crunchy" is カリカリ (karikari).
カリカリ is used colloquially to describe the crunchiness of various snacks or crispy elements in dishes.
Meaning: likely to crunch (adj)
Which one should you use?
While カリカリ describes a crunchy texture, the related term ポリポリ signifies a light and crisp texture that can be easily broken or crumbled, often associated with rice crackers or cereals.
How do you pronounce it?
karikari
Did you know?
- While カリカリ describes a pleasant crunch, it is also used to describe a person who is 'grating' or irritable. It captures the feeling of someone 'gnawing' on their nerves.
- While カリカリ describes food, カリカリ is also the name of a common sound effect used in manga to represent the sound of a pencil scratching on paper.
- Japanese has a specialized category of words called onomatopoeia called 擬音語 (giongo) for sounds and 擬態語 (gitaigo) for textures or states. カリカリ belongs to the latter, describing a physical feeling rather than just a noise.
Examples in context
- このサクサクした天ぷらは、揚げたてで最高です。This crispy tempura is the best when freshly fried.
- パイの外側はパリパリしていて、中はフワフワとしています。The outside of the pie is crispy, and the inside is fluffy.
- このポテトチップスは、本当にカリカリでおいしいよ！These potato chips are really crunchy and delicious!
- 焼き豚の皮、パチパチして、もうたまりません！The roasted pork skin is crackling and irresistible!
- この米菓は、食べるとポリポリと音がするんだ。This rice cracker makes a crispy sound when you bite into it.
- このクッキーはカリカリしています。Kono kukkii wa karikari shite imasu.This cookie is crunchy.
- カリカリのポテトチップスが食べたい。Karikari no poteto chippusu ga tabetai.I want to eat crunchy potato chips.
- カリカリに焼けたトーストです。Karikari ni yaketa toosuto desu.It is crunchy toasted bread.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are eating snacks together.
- 結衣 Yuiこのクッキー、すごくカリカリだね！Kono kukkī, sugoku karikari da ne!This cookie is really crunchy!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。いい音がするね。Hontō da. Ii oto ga suru ne.You're right. It makes a great sound.
- 結衣 Yuiどこで買ったの、陽太？Doko de katta no, Yōta?Where did you buy it, Yota?
- 陽太 Yota駅の前の店で買ったよ。Eki no mae no mise de katta yo.I bought it at the shop in front of the station.
