JLPT N3 Intermediate
ハラハラ
Nervous suspense; light objects fluttering or trickling down
Readings
Other forms
はらはら Both katakana and hiragana forms are common
1 Suru verb, Adverb (fukushi)
Nervous / In Suspense
Describes a state of anxious suspense or worry while watching a precarious situation or waiting for an uncertain outcome.
Example
彼 の 運転 は 下手 で 、 隣 に 乗って いる と いつも ハラハラ する 。
His driving is bad, so I always feel nervous when I ride next to him.
3 more examples in the
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2 Adverb (fukushi), Adverb taking the 'to' particle
Fluttering / Trickling Down
Depicts small, light objects like petals, leaves, or tears falling gently and continuously in a scattered manner.
Usage notes & examples
available in the
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