Japanese meaning of じりじり
Reading:
じりじり (jirijiri)
English Translation:
slowly, sizzling heat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes something happening little by little (slowly advancing), or the sensation of strong, relentless heat.
Cultural Context:
Used for suspenseful scenes or hot weather.
物事が少しずつ進む様子、または強い日差しがじりじり照りつける様子。
じりじり詰め寄る敵、じりじり照る太陽、など漫画で多用。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
“じりじり迫る”“じりじり暑い”など。
Trap for English Speakers
Not “jelly jelly.”
Example
Basic Example
太陽がじりじり照りつけて暑い。
The sun was beating down relentlessly.
Applied Example
敵がじりじり距離を詰めてくるバトルシーン。
Enemy slowly closes in during a manga battle: “jirijiri...”