Japanese meaning of ぱらぱら
Reading:
ぱらぱら (parapara)
English Translation:
sprinkling, scattered rain
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes light, intermittent rain or the sound of small drops.
Cultural Context:
Often used for “spitting” rain or the first raindrops in manga.
雨や雪が少しずつ、まばらに降る様子を表します。
小雨や最初の雨粒など、細かいものが降る表現。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Usually used as an adverb for rain or snow; often with “降る”: ぱらぱら降る (“to sprinkle”).
Trap for English Speakers
Not “parapara” dancing.
Example
Basic Example
雨がぱらぱらと降り始めた。
The rain started sprinkling.
Applied Example
教室の窓をぱらぱらと打つ雨音。
The sound of rain tapping the classroom window.