はらはら

はらはら
adverb, suru verb
anxiously; nervously; fluttering down
1. anxiously; nervously; on edge
Describes feeling anxious while watching something unfold, worried about the outcome.
()どもの発表(はっぴょう)をはらはらしながら()た。
I watched my child's presentation nervously.
はらはらするシーンが(つづ)いた。
There were continuous suspenseful scenes.
2. fluttering down; falling gently
Describes light things like leaves, petals, or tears falling gently.
(さくら)(はな)びらがはらはらと()る。
Cherry blossom petals flutter down.

はらはら is an onomatopoeic word with two distinct uses.

ANXIOUS USE:

  • はらはらする映画(えいが): suspenseful movie
  • はらはら{ドキドキ}: nervous and excited

FALLING USE:

  • (なみだ)がはらはら()ちる: tears falling
  • ()がはらはら()る: leaves fluttering down

SIMILAR ANXIETY WORDS:

  • どきどき: heart pounding (excitement/nervousness)
  • ひやひや: feeling worried/chilled
  • そわそわ: restless, fidgety

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