ヘラヘラ

Alternative writings: へらへら
Frequency:

1onomatopoeia: laughing or smiling foolishly; showing a frivolous or thoughtless smile or laugh

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は謝る代わりにヘラヘラ笑っているだけだった。

Instead of apologizing, he just grinned foolishly.

面接でヘラヘラすると印象が悪くなるよ。

If you grin foolishly in an interview, it gives a bad impression.

話が深刻なときにヘラヘラしないでほしい。

Don't be flippant when the topic is serious.

2onomatopoeia: speaking carelessly or indiscreetly; talking flippantly or revealing things thoughtlessly

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼女はヘラヘラと人の悪口を喋る癖がある。

She has a habit of casually talking about others behind their backs.

ヘラヘラ喋っていると、重要なことを聞き逃すよ。

If you talk flippantly, you'll miss important points.

3onomatopoeia/adjectival: thin, flimsy (e.g., paper or fabric that is insubstantial)

Na-AdjectiveAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

この生地はヘラヘラしていて、コートには向かない。

This fabric is flimsy and not suitable for a coat.

包装の紙がヘラヘラで破れやすかった。

The wrapping paper was flimsy and tore easily.

4archaic: (old usage) to flare up or burst into flames; largely obsolete

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic WordArchaic

Examples

古文献の中には、ヘラヘラと炎が立つといった表現が見られることがある。

In some old documents you can find expressions like flames flaring up.