じろじろ

じろじろ
adverb
staring intently, fixedly
1. staring fixedly, looking intently (often rudely)
Describes looking at someone or something with a fixed, prolonged gaze, often considered impolite.
(ひと)をじろじろ()るのは失礼(しつれい)だ。
It's rude to stare at people.
彼女(かのじょ)にじろじろ()られて居心地(いごこち)(わる)かった。
I felt uncomfortable being stared at by her.
じろじろ()ないでください。
Please don't stare.

ONOMATOPOEIA TYPE: Mimetic word (giongo) representing the manner of looking.

USAGE: Almost always used with ()る (to look) - じろじろ()

NUANCE: Generally negative connotation - implies:

  • Rude or intrusive staring
  • Making someone uncomfortable
  • Inappropriate attention

CONTRAST WITH SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • じろじろ: fixed staring (usually rude)
  • ちらちら: glancing repeatedly, flickering looks
  • じっと: gazing steadily (more neutral)
  • まじまじ: staring in amazement/disbelief

CULTURAL NOTE: Staring is considered impolite in Japanese culture. じろじろ()る is often explicitly taught to children as something not to do.

GRAMMAR: Functions as an adverb modifying the verb ()る.

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