ペラペラ

Alternative writings: ぺらぺら
Frequency:

1To speak fluently (often of a foreign language); speaking smoothly and effortlessly.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼女は英語がペラペラで、通訳なしでも問題ない。

She speaks English fluently and has no problem without an interpreter.

留学していたので、スペイン語がペラペラになった。

After studying abroad, I became fluent in Spanish.

面接でペラペラ話すと印象が良くなることもあるが、内容も大事だ。

Speaking fluently in an interview can leave a good impression, but substance matters too.

2To talk incessantly or glibly; to chatter on and on (sometimes with a negative nuance).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

会議中に彼女はペラペラと余談を続けていたので、注意された。

She kept chattering off-topic during the meeting and was warned.

年配の隣人がいつもペラペラ話しかけてくる。

The elderly neighbor always talks to me incessantly.

3One after another (of flipping pages); the sound or action of rapidly turning pages.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

試験監督が近くに来たので、彼は教科書をペラペラとめくった。

When the proctor came near, he quickly flipped through his textbook.

4Thin or flimsy (of paper, cloth, etc.); weak and easily bent, torn, or blown about.

Noun Taking 'の'Na-AdjectiveAdverbGroup 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

その包装紙はペラペラで簡単に破れてしまった。

That wrapping paper was so flimsy it tore easily.

安いノートは表紙がペラペラで頼りない。

Cheap notebooks have flimsy covers that aren't reliable.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym