ちらちら
ちらちら
adverb, mimetic
flickering; glancing; in small pieces
1.
flickering; twinkling; flashing
Describes light or small objects appearing and disappearing repeatedly in an unstable, intermittent way.
星がちらちら光っている。
The stars are twinkling.
2.
glancing; stealing looks; peeking
Looking at something repeatedly but briefly, often in a furtive manner.
彼女は彼のことをちらちら見ていた。
She kept glancing at him.
3.
in small pieces; lightly
Falling or appearing in small, sparse amounts (like light snow).
雪がちらちら降ってきた。
Snow started to fall lightly.
ONOMATOPOEIA TYPE:
Giseigo/gitaigo - mimetic word expressing manner of action.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ちらちら光る - to flicker/twinkle
- ちらちら見る - to steal glances
- 雪がちらちら降る - snow falls in light flurries
- ちらちら見える - to be barely visible, to catch glimpses of
RELATED MIMETICS:
- きらきら - sparkling, glittering (more steady, beautiful light)
- ぴかぴか - shiny, gleaming (solid brightness)
- じろじろ - staring (prolonged, often rude)
NUANCE:
ちらちら suggests intermittent, unstable, or furtive action - not continuous or steady.
REGISTER:
Neutral. Common in everyday conversation.