1.
staring fixedly, looking intently (often rudely)
Describes looking at someone or something with a fixed, prolonged gaze, often considered impolite.
Onomatopoeia type: Mimetic word (gitaigo) representing the manner of looking.
Usage: Almost always used with 見る (to look) - じろじろ見る
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. じろじろ見る is often explicitly taught to children as something not to do.
Grammar: Functions as an adverb modifying the verb 見る.
Related Words
Compare:
ちらちら (glancing)
Compare:
じっと (gazing steadily (neutral))
Compare:
ちろちろ (flickering)
Compare:
ちらり (briefly)
Antonym:
ちらりと (briefly)
Compare:
まじまじ (staring intently)