ぺらぺら

ぺらぺら
adverb, na-adjective
fluent; thin; flipping
descriptive
1. fluent; fluently
Describes speaking a language smoothly and naturally, often used for foreign language ability.
彼(かれ)は英語(えいご)がぺらぺらだ。
He is fluent in English.
ぺらぺらと日本語(にほんご)を話(はな)す。
To speak Japanese fluently.
留学(りゅうがく)してフランス語(ご)がぺらぺらになった。
I became fluent in French after studying abroad.
2. thin; flimsy
Describes something that is thin and lacking substance.
この紙(かみ)はぺらぺらで破(やぶ)れやすい。
This paper is thin and tears easily.
ぺらぺらの本(ほん)だったのですぐ読(よ)めた。
It was a thin book so I finished it quickly.
こんなぺらぺらの生地(きじ)では寒(さむ)い。
Such thin fabric won't keep you warm.
3. flipping; chattering
The sound or action of pages flipping or someone talking too much.
ページをぺらぺらとめくる。
To flip through pages.
秘密(ひみつ)をぺらぺら喋(しゃべ)る。
To blab secrets.
ぺらぺらと余計(よけい)なことを言(い)うな。
Don't go on chattering about unnecessary things.

ぺらぺら is an onomatopoeic word with multiple meanings depending on context.

Common patterns

Usage

  • The 'fluent' sense is most common in everyday conversation
  • Can have a negative nuance when describing someone who talks too much
  • The 'thin' sense is often slightly critical

Related Words

Synonym: 流暢(りゅうちょう) (fluent (formal))
Compare: ぱらぱら (scattered)
Compare: べらべら (chattering away)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
05000/05256_perapera