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めらめら

B1 noun #7,500 가장 일반적인 11분 분량

めらめら

상위 7,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 めらめら 30초 만에

설명 めらめら in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'meramera' as a special word for 'big fire.' In Japanese, we have many words that sound like what they describe. These are called onomatopoeia. 'Meramera' sounds a bit like the waving movement of a flame. When you see a campfire or a big fire in a movie, you can say 'Fire is meramera.' It is usually used with the word 'moeru,' which means 'to burn.' Even at this beginning level, you can use it to make your Japanese sound more natural. Just remember: 'meramera' is for the way the fire looks, not the sound it makes. If you see a big flame dancing in the wind, that is 'meramera.' You don't need complicated grammar to use it. You can just say 'Hi (fire) ga meramera' to describe what you see. It's a fun word because it helps you 'paint a picture' with your voice. Try to imagine the red and orange flames going up and down as you say the word. It's not for a small candle; it's for a fire that is strong and moving a lot. If you use it, Japanese people will be impressed that you know such a descriptive word!

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you can start using 'meramera' to describe not just fire, but also strong feelings. Think about when you are very excited or maybe a little bit angry. In Japanese, we say those feelings are like a fire in your heart. You can say '怒り (ikari - anger) ga meramera' to show that you are feeling a burning anger. Grammatically, you should try to add 'to' after 'meramera.' So, 'meramera to moeru' (to burn flaringly). This 'to' makes the word act like an adverb, describing how the burning is happening. You might see this word in manga or simple stories. It's a very visual word, so it helps you understand the mood of a scene. For example, if a character is about to start a big race, the story might say their 'toushin' (fighting spirit) is 'meramera.' This tells you they are very motivated. Remember to distinguish it from 'pachipachi' (the sound of fire). 'Meramera' is what you see with your eyes. It describes the flickering and spreading of the light and heat. It's a great word to add to your vocabulary to express intensity in a simple way.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'meramera' compared to other fire-related mimetics. While 'boubou' describes a roaring, massive fire, 'meramera' specifically highlights the flaring, undulating movement of the flames. It suggests an active, shifting state. This is why it is so commonly used for emotions like jealousy (shitto) or competitive spirit (taikoushin). These aren't just 'steady' feelings; they flare up and change. You should practice using the structure 'めらめらと燃え上がる' (to flare up and burn) to describe sudden increases in intensity. You will also encounter this word in news reports or more descriptive prose. For example, a reporter might describe a building fire by saying 'flames are flaring up (meramera) from the windows.' This level of detail is what makes your Japanese sound more advanced. You should also be aware that while it's often written in hiragana, in action-oriented contexts like sports or battle manga, it appears in katakana for extra impact. Pay attention to how it conveys a sense of heat that is almost palpable through the words.

At the B2 level, you can use 'meramera' to add literary flair to your writing and speaking. It is a powerful tool for 'show, don't tell.' Instead of saying someone is 'very angry,' saying their anger is 'meramera to moeagatte iru' creates a much stronger image of an uncontrollable, flaring passion. You should also be comfortable using it to describe visual phenomena that aren't literally fire, such as the shimmering of heat waves on a summer afternoon or the intense, fiery colors of a sunset. At this level, you should also understand the social context: 'meramera' for jealousy can have a slightly negative or intense connotation, so use it carefully depending on who you are talking about. It implies an emotion that might be difficult to suppress. You can also explore its use in compound expressions or in conjunction with sophisticated verbs like 'minagiru' (to overflow with). For instance, 'toushin ga meramera to minagiru' (to be overflowing with a burning fighting spirit). This level of expression allows you to capture the dynamic and unstable nature of both physical fire and human psychology.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle distinctions between 'meramera' and other high-level mimetics like 'futsufutsu' (simmering) or 'giragira' (glaring). 'Meramera' occupies a specific space of visible, active combustion. In literary analysis, you might discuss how an author uses 'meramera' to symbolize the transition of a character's internal state from a suppressed 'futsufutsu' to an overt, destructive passion. You should also be able to use it in sophisticated metaphorical contexts, such as describing the 'burning' of a political movement or the 'flaring up' of a social controversy. The word carries a sense of 'unstable energy' that can be applied to many abstract concepts. Furthermore, your use of the particle 'to' should be deliberate—omitting it for a more visceral, immediate effect in casual speech, or including it for a balanced, rhythmic flow in formal writing. You should also be aware of how 'meramera' can be used ironically or for comedic effect in modern Japanese subcultures, such as describing someone who is 'too fired up' about a trivial hobby. Mastery at this level means using the word to evoke a specific sensory experience in your audience.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 'meramera' becomes a thread in the rich tapestry of your Japanese expression. You understand its historical roots in Japanese sound symbolism and how it contributes to the 'texture' of a sentence. You can use it to evoke the specific aesthetic of 'passion and transience' that is often found in Japanese literature. Whether you are translating complex texts or engaging in high-level creative writing, you know exactly when 'meramera' is superior to 'moeru' alone. You can manipulate the word's inherent energy to create tension or release in a narrative. You might use it to describe the 'blazing' of a dying star or the 'flaring' of a forgotten memory that suddenly returns with intense clarity. At this level, you also recognize the word's presence in classical-style modern poetry or experimental prose, where its mimetic quality is used to bypass the intellect and speak directly to the senses. You are also fully aware of the regional or generational nuances in its usage, though 'meramera' remains a remarkably stable and universal term across Japan. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, characterized by perfect timing and a deep understanding of the word's evocative power.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

めらめら 30초 만에

Meramera is a Japanese mimetic word primarily used to describe the visual action of flames flaring up or burning with significant intensity and movement.
It is commonly applied metaphorically to describe strong, burning human emotions such as jealousy, ambition, or intense fighting spirit that are difficult to contain.
Grammatically, it functions as an adverb, often paired with the particle 'to' and verbs like 'moeru' (to burn) or 'wakiagaru' (to surge up).
It is a high-energy word frequently found in manga, news reports of fires, and literature to create a vivid sensory image of heat and light.

The Japanese word めらめら (meramera) is a vivid onomatopoeic expression, specifically categorized as a gitaigo (mimetic word) that describes the visual state of flames flaring up or burning vigorously. Unlike words that describe the sound of fire, like ぱちぱち (pachipachi) which refers to the crackling of wood, めらめら focuses on the movement and intensity of the fire itself. Imagine a large campfire where the flames are reaching high into the air, shifting and swaying with power—that is the essence of めらめら. It conveys a sense of heat, rapid expansion, and a somewhat unstable but powerful light. While it is most frequently used to describe physical fire, its application extends significantly into the realm of human emotion. When someone is consumed by a burning desire, a fierce competitive spirit, or a deep-seated jealousy that they cannot easily suppress, Japanese speakers will use めらめら to illustrate that internal heat. It suggests an emotion that is not just present, but actively 'flaring up' and threatening to consume the person's composure.

Visual Dynamics: The repetition of the 'mera' sound suggests a rhythmic, undulating movement, much like the way a large flame dances and flickers as it rises. It is a 'big' word, used for significant fires rather than the small flame of a candle.

乾燥した木材がめらめらと燃え上がった。(The dry wood flared up and burned brightly.)

Metaphorical Heat: In psychological contexts, it describes the sudden eruption of feelings. It is often paired with 'shitto' (jealousy) or 'toushin' (fighting spirit) to show that the feeling is intense and growing.

ライバルへの対抗心がめらめらと湧いてきた。(A burning sense of rivalry flared up against my competitor.)

In literature and manga, めらめら is a staple. It provides a visual shorthand for the reader to understand the intensity of a scene without needing complex adjectives. If a character's eyes are described with めらめら, you know they are either incredibly angry or exceptionally motivated. This word bridges the gap between the physical world of combustion and the internal world of human passion, making it an essential tool for expressive Japanese communication. It is also used in news reports to describe the spread of wildfires or large building fires, emphasizing the speed and ferocity of the flames. Understanding this word requires moving beyond a simple translation of 'burning' and instead visualizing the specific way a flame licks the air and expands outward. It is a word of energy, light, and heat that captures the moment a fire or an emotion takes full control of its surroundings.

古い手紙を暖炉に投げ入れると、めらめらと燃え尽きた。(When I threw the old letters into the fireplace, they flared up and burned away completely.)

Intensity Levels: The word is typically used for medium to large fires. For a tiny flame like a match, you might use 'pachi' or 'choro-choro', but for something that truly 'flares,' 'meramera' is the correct choice.

彼の心の中で嫉妬の炎がめらめらと燃え広がった。(The flames of jealousy spread and flared up within his heart.)

夕日が沈む空が、まるでめらめらと燃えているようだった。(The sky where the sun was setting looked as if it were blazing with fire.)

Using めらめら correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adverb, even though it is often categorized generally as a mimetic noun. Most frequently, it is followed by the particle と (to), which links it to a verb of burning or appearing. The most common verb it pairs with is 燃える (moeru - to burn) or its more dramatic version 燃え上がる (moeagaru - to flare up/burn up). When you use it this way, you are describing the manner in which the fire is burning. It isn't just burning; it is burning with a flaring, intense visual quality. In casual speech, the と can sometimes be dropped, but keeping it provides a more literary and clear descriptive tone. Another common structure is めらめら(と)する, which turns the mimetic word into a verb of state, describing something that is currently in a flaring condition. This is particularly useful for describing emotions that feel like they are burning within the chest.

Basic Fire Description: Structure: [Subject] + が + めらめら(と) + 燃える. This is the standard way to describe a physical fire flaring up.

焚き火がめらめらと夜の闇を照らしている。(The bonfire is blazing and lighting up the darkness of the night.)

Emotional Application: Structure: [Emotion] + が + めらめら(と) + 湧き上がる. Used to describe feelings like anger or ambition rising up like fire.

不公平な扱いに、怒りがめらめらと湧いてきた。(Anger flared up within me at the unfair treatment.)

Furthermore, めらめら can be used to describe visual effects that resemble fire. For example, the way heat waves shimmer over a hot road or the way a bright, multi-colored sunset looks can be described using this word to emphasize the 'burning' appearance. It is a highly versatile word that relies on the listener's ability to visualize the movement. In sentences, it often appears near the beginning or middle to set the scene. It is also worth noting that because it is a mimetic word, it doesn't have a past tense itself; instead, the following verb (like 燃えた) carries the tense. You can also use it with だ or です in very informal descriptive contexts, such as '心の中はめらめらだ' (My heart is flaring up), though this is more poetic or slangy than standard grammar.

情熱がめらめらと燃え盛る若者たち。(Young people whose passion is burning brightly.)

Visual Comparisons: Structure: [Noun] + のように + めらめら. Used to compare something to a flaring fire.

太陽の光がアスファルトの上でめらめらと揺れている。(The sunlight is shimmering like flames on the asphalt.)

嫉妬の心がめらめらと燃えて、冷静ではいられなかった。(My heart burned with jealousy, and I couldn't stay calm.)

In everyday Japanese life, めらめら is perhaps most visible in entertainment and media. If you watch Shonen anime or read manga like 'One Piece' or 'Demon Slayer,' you will encounter this word constantly. It is the go-to sound effect for characters who possess fire-based abilities or those who are experiencing a massive surge in 'fighting spirit' (toushin). In these contexts, めらめら isn't just a word; it's a visual cue that a significant power-up or emotional shift is occurring. It's often written in bold Katakana (メラメラ) across the background of the panel. Beyond fiction, you will hear this word in news broadcasts during the summer or dry seasons. When a forest fire or a large house fire is being reported, the reporter might use めらめら to describe how the flames are spreading quickly and uncontrollably. It adds a sense of urgency and visual intensity to the report that more clinical words like 'enshou' (spreading of fire) might lack.

Pop Culture Reference: In the anime 'One Piece', the 'Mera Mera no Mi' (Flame-Flame Fruit) is a famous power that allows the user to turn into and control fire. This name perfectly encapsulates the word's meaning.

「エースがメラメラの実の能力を使った！」(Ace used the powers of the Flame-Flame Fruit!)

News and Journalism: Reporters use it to give viewers a 'first-hand' feel of the danger of a fire. It makes the description more visceral.

倉庫から火が出て、めらめらと燃え広がっています。(Fire broke out from the warehouse and is flaring up and spreading.)

In more intimate settings, you might hear めらめら used in conversations about relationships, particularly when discussing jealousy. If a friend says, 'Seeing them together made me feel めらめら,' they are admitting to a burning envy that was hard to hide. It's a very descriptive way to talk about the 'heat' of one's feelings. Additionally, in literature, particularly in novels that focus on psychological depth, authors use めらめら to describe the slow but steady growth of an obsession or a grudge. It's a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the dramatic, allowing speakers to paint a picture with just four syllables. Whether it's the literal fire of a summer festival bonfire (okuribi) or the metaphorical fire of a first love, めらめら provides the necessary linguistic 'heat' to make the description come alive.

彼女の目には、復讐の炎がめらめらと宿っていた。(In her eyes, the flames of revenge were burning brightly.)

Daily Conversation: While not used every day like 'taberu' (eat), it is common when describing intense experiences or strong reactions.

「昨日のキャンプ、火がめらめら燃えてて綺麗だったね。」(Yesterday's camp fire was flaring up and was so beautiful, wasn't it?)

夏の太陽がめらめらと照りつけている。(The summer sun is blazing down intensely.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with めらめら is confusing it with other fire-related onomatopoeia. For instance, ぱちぱち (pachipachi) is strictly for the sound of crackling, while めらめら is for the visual of flaring. Using めらめら to describe a small, quiet candle flame is also a mistake; it sounds unnatural because めらめら implies a certain level of size and movement. For a small candle, ちょろちょろ (chorochoro) or simply ゆらゆら (yurayura - swaying) would be more appropriate. Another mistake is grammatical: failing to use the particle と (to) or the verb する (suru). Since it's an adverbial noun, you can't just say '火はめらめら' in a formal sentence; you need the verb to complete the thought. Additionally, learners sometimes over-apply it to any 'hot' situation. While it works for intense heat, it doesn't work for 'spicy' food. For spicy food, you would use ぴりぴり (piripiri) or ひーひー (hiihii).

Confusing Sound vs. Sight: Mistake: Using 'meramera' for the sound of wood popping. Correction: Use 'pachipachi' for sound and 'meramera' for the sight of the flames.

× 焚き火がめらめらと音を立てている。(Incorrect: The fire is making a 'meramera' sound.)

Scale Issues: Mistake: Describing a tiny match flame as 'meramera'. Correction: Use 'meramera' for flames that are actively flaring or spreading.

× マッチの火がめらめら燃えている。(Incorrect: The match flame is flaring up.)

Metaphorically, be careful not to use めらめら for positive, calm warmth. If you feel 'warm and fuzzy' inside, the word is ほっこり (hokkori) or ぽかぽか (pokapoka). めらめら implies a heat that is intense, potentially destructive, or highly energetic. If you use it to describe your love for someone, it sounds like an all-consuming, perhaps obsessive passion, rather than a gentle affection. Lastly, pay attention to the writing system. While it can be written in Hiragana or Katakana, using Kanji for it is extremely rare and usually avoided in modern Japanese. Stick to Hiragana for a general descriptive feel and Katakana for emphasis or sound-effect style usage. Mixing these up won't make you misunderstood, but it might make your writing look slightly 'off' to a native eye.

× カレーがめらめら辛い。(Incorrect: The curry is 'meramera' spicy.)

Positive vs. Intense: Mistake: Using 'meramera' for a cozy, warm feeling. Correction: Use 'meramera' only when the feeling is intense or 'burning' like a fire.

× お風呂に入ってめらめらする。(Incorrect: I feel 'meramera' after taking a bath.)

× 彼はめらめらな人だ。(Incorrect: He is a 'meramera' person—needs a verb.)

Japanese is incredibly rich in onomatopoeia, especially for fire. To use めらめら effectively, you must know how it compares to its 'siblings.' The closest relative is ぼうぼう (boubou). While めらめら describes the flickering, flaring movement of flames, ぼうぼう describes a fire that is burning steadily and powerfully with a lot of roar and smoke. Think of めらめら as the 'dance' of the fire and ぼうぼう as the 'mass' of the fire. Another similar word is かんかん (kankan), which describes the sun blazing down or a fire that is red-hot and intense, but it lacks the 'flaring' movement of めらめら. For emotions, むかむか (mukamuka) is often used for anger, but it implies a feeling of being sick to one's stomach with rage, whereas めらめら is an active, burning anger that wants to explode outward.

めらめら vs. ぼうぼう: 'Meramera' = Flaring, flickering, active movement. 'Boubou' = Roaring, steady, large volume of fire.

火がぼうぼうと燃え盛っている。(The fire is roaring and burning fiercely.)

めらめら vs. ぱちぱち: 'Meramera' = Visual (flaring). 'Pachipachi' = Auditory (crackling/popping).

暖炉の薪がぱちぱちとはぜている。(The firewood in the hearth is crackling and popping.)

When it comes to emotions, ふつふつ (futsufutsu) is another alternative. It describes a feeling that is 'simmering' or 'bubbling up' from within, like water about to boil. While めらめら is already flaring up and visible, ふつふつ is more internal and suppressed. Choosing between them depends on how far the emotion has progressed. If you are trying to hide your anger, it's ふつふつ. If it's starting to show in your eyes and actions, it's めらめら. Lastly, ぎらぎら (giragira) is used for a blinding, harsh glare (like a summer sun or greedy eyes). While めらめら has a 'burning' heat, ぎらぎら has a 'stinging' light. Knowing these nuances allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of intensity you want to convey in your Japanese sentences.

怒りがふつふつと湧いてきた。(Anger came simmering up inside me.)

めらめら vs. ぎらぎら: 'Meramera' = Heat and flaring movement. 'Giragira' = Blinding, oily, or harsh brightness.

真夏の太陽がぎらぎらと輝いている。(The midsummer sun is shining with a harsh glare.)

闘志がめらめらと燃えている。(His fighting spirit is burning brightly.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The 'Mera Mera no Mi' in the anime One Piece is one of the most famous uses of this word globally, cementing its association with fire powers in pop culture.

발음 가이드

UK /me.ɾa.me.ɾa/

US /meɪ.ɾɑ.meɪ.ɾɑ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'meramera', the pitch is generally flat (heiban style) or starts low and stays consistent.

라임이 맞는 단어

てらてら (teratera - shiny/greasy) ぺらぺら (perapera - fluent/thin) けらけら (kerakera - cackling laugh) げらげら (geragera - loud guffaw) へらへら (herahera - foolish grinning) めらめら (meramera - flaring) べらべら (berabera - talking incessantly) ねらねら (neranera - sticky/slimy)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' where the tongue doesn't touch the roof of the mouth.
Stressing one syllable more than the others; Japanese syllables should be even.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' (meera-meera). It should be a short 'e' as in 'met'.
Making the 'a' sound like 'ay' (meray-meray). It should be a short 'a' as in 'father'.
Pausing too long between the two 'mera' parts. It should flow as one word.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to read as it is usually in Hiragana or Katakana.

쓰기 3/5

Requires understanding of when to use 'to' or 'suru'.

말하기 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires the right context to sound natural.

듣기 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to recognize in speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

燃える (moeru) 火 (hi) 怒り (ikari) 嫉妬 (shitto) 湧く (waku)

다음에 배울 것

ぼうぼう (boubou) ぱちぱち (pachipachi) ふつふつ (futsufutsu) ぎらぎら (giragira) 情熱 (jounetsu)

고급

焦燥 (shousou - impatience/irritation) 熾火 (okibi - embers) 炎上 (enjou - going up in flames/social media scandal) 煽る (aoru - to fan flames/instigate)

알아야 할 문법

Onomatopoeia + と (to)

めらめらと燃える (Burns flaringly)

Onomatopoeia + する (suru)

胸がめらめらする (My chest is flaring [with emotion])

Onomatopoeia + とした (to shita)

めらめらとした怒り (A flaring anger)

Adverbial usage without particle

火がめらめら燃える (Fire burns flaringly - casual)

Repetitive mimetic structure (A-B-A-B)

Me-ra-me-ra (Standard pattern for continuous action/state)

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

火がめらめら燃えています。

The fire is burning brightly/flaring up.

Basic subject + particle + adverb + verb structure.

キャンプの火はめらめらです。

The camp fire is flaring.

Informal use of the mimetic word as a predicate.

めらめらと大きな火。

A flaring, big fire.

Using 'to' to modify the noun phrase indirectly.

火がめらめらしている。

The fire is flaring up.

Using 'suru' to turn the mimetic word into a state verb.

めらめら、熱いね。

Flaring up, it's hot, isn't it?

Casual exclamation.

赤い火がめらめら。

The red fire is flaring.

Simple noun + particle + mimetic.

山で火がめらめら燃えた。

The fire burned brightly on the mountain.

Past tense verb used with the adverb.

めらめら燃える火を見ます。

I look at the flaring fire.

Adverbial use modifying the verb 'to burn'.

怒りで心がめらめらする。

My heart is flaring up with anger.

Metaphorical use for emotion.

彼はめらめらと燃える火を見た。

He looked at the flaring fire.

Relative clause: 'meramera to moeru' modifies 'hi'.

闘志がめらめらと湧いてきた。

Fighting spirit came flaring up.

Using 'wakiagaru' (to surge/well up) with 'meramera'.

火がめらめらと広がっている。

The fire is flaring up and spreading.

Describing the progression of a fire.

嫉妬の炎がめらめら燃える。

The flames of jealousy are flaring up.

Common metaphorical phrase 'shitto no honoo'.

めらめらと燃える太陽。

The blazing, flaring sun.

Applying the fire description to the sun.

ストーブの火がめらめらしている。

The stove's fire is flaring.

Describing a controlled but active fire.

手紙をめらめらと燃やした。

I burned the letters, making them flare up.

Transitive verb 'moyasu' (to burn something) used with 'meramera'.

乾燥した草がめらめらと燃え上がった。

The dry grass flared up and burned.

Emphasizing the suddenness with 'moeagaru'.

ライバルを見て、対抗心がめらめらと燃えた。

Looking at my rival, my competitive spirit flared up.

Connecting a cause (seeing the rival) to the emotional reaction.

キャンプファイヤーがめらめらと夜空を焦がす。

The campfire flares up and scorches the night sky.

Literary use of 'kogasu' (to scorch).

彼の目にはめらめらとした怒りが宿っていた。

A flaring anger dwelt in his eyes.

Using 'meramera to shita' as an adjective phrase.

情熱がめらめらと湧き上がるのを感じた。

I felt my passion flaring up.

Verb 'kanjiru' (to feel) with a clausal object.

火がめらめらと燃えて、周りが明るくなった。

The fire flared up, and the surroundings became bright.

Describing a result of the flaring fire.

古い日記を暖炉にくべると、めらめらと燃え尽きた。

When I put the old diary in the hearth, it flared up and burned away.

Using 'moetsukiru' (to burn out/burn away).

夏の夕日がめらめらと燃えているようだ。

The summer sunset looks as if it's blazing.

Simile using 'youdat' (looks like/as if).

不公平な判定に対して、不満がめらめらと燃え広がった。

Dissatisfaction flared up and spread against the unfair judgment.

Metaphorical spread of a collective emotion.

そのニュースを聞いて、正義感がめらめらと湧き上がった。

Hearing that news, a sense of justice flared up within me.

Abstract noun 'seigikan' (sense of justice) with 'meramera'.

夕闇の中で、松明の火がめらめらと揺れている。

In the twilight, the torchlight is flickering and flaring.

Describing the 'yure' (swaying) combined with the flare.

彼女の心の中には、まだ復讐の炎がめらめらと燃え続けている。

The flames of revenge are still burning brightly in her heart.

Continuous form 'moetsuzukete iru'.

アスファルトから立ち上がる陽炎が、めらめらと視界を遮る。

The heat haze rising from the asphalt flares up and blocks the view.

Applying 'meramera' to heat haze (kagerou).

大火災の炎が、ビルを飲み込むようにめらめらと燃え盛った。

The flames of the great fire blazed as if to swallow the building.

Simile 'nomikomu you ni' (as if swallowing).

若者たちの野心がめらめらと燃え、新しい時代が始まった。

The ambition of the youth flared up, and a new era began.

Symbolic use of fire for ambition.

嫉妬心がめらめらと燃え上がり、彼は冷静さを失った。

Jealousy flared up, and he lost his composure.

Cause and effect with 'reiseisa o ushinatta'.

長年抑えてきた怒りが、些細なきっかけでめらめらと噴出した。

The anger suppressed for years erupted and flared up at a trivial trigger.

Using 'funshutsu' (eruption) for dramatic effect.

漆黒の闇を背景に、送り火がめらめらと幻想的に燃え上がる。

Against the backdrop of pitch-black darkness, the ceremonial fire flares up fantastically.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'shikkoku' (pitch black) and 'gensouteki' (fantastic).

独裁者への反旗を翻す民衆のエネルギーが、めらめらと街中に満ちている。

The energy of the people rebelling against the dictator is flaring up and filling the city.

Metaphorical use for social/political energy.

その作家の文章からは、創作への執念がめらめらと伝わってくる。

From that author's writing, a burning obsession with creation is clearly conveyed.

Abstract transfer of 'heat' through writing.

嫉妬という名の業火が、彼女の理性をめらめらと焼き尽くしていく。

The hellfire named jealousy is flaring up and burning away her reason.

Using 'gouka' (hellfire) and 'yakitsukusu' (burn to nothing).

凍てつく夜の空気の中で、焚き火の温もりだけがめらめらと主張していた。

In the freezing night air, only the warmth of the bonfire asserted itself as it flared up.

Personification of the fire's warmth.

彼の瞳の奥に、一瞬だけめらめらとした野望の光が差した。

Deep in his eyes, a flaring light of ambition shone for just a moment.

Describing a fleeting but intense visual cue.

古文書がめらめらと灰になっていく様子を、彼は黙って見つめていた。

He silently watched the ancient documents as they flared up and turned to ash.

Describing a process of transformation.

言論の自由を求める情熱が、弾圧の中でもめらめらと底火のように燃え続けている。

The passion for freedom of speech continues to burn like an undercurrent of fire, flaring up even amidst oppression.

Complex metaphor involving 'soko-bi' (undercurrent of fire).

その伝統芸能の舞台は、演者の気迫がめらめらと客席まで届くような圧倒的なものだった。

The stage of that traditional art was overwhelming, as if the performer's spirit reached the audience in flares.

Using 'kihaku' (spiritual vigor) and its impact on the 'kyakuseki' (audience seating).

愛憎半ばする複雑な感情が、胸の奥でめらめらと渦巻いている。

Complex emotions of mixed love and hate are swirling and flaring deep within the chest.

Using 'aizou nakaba suru' (mixed love and hate).

夕映えに染まる雲が、まるで世界の終わりを告げるかのようにめらめらと輝いていた。

The clouds stained by the sunset glowed as if announcing the end of the world, flaring with light.

Literary simile 'tsugeru ka no you ni'.

かつての栄光への未練が、老兵の心の中で今もなおめらめらと燻っている。

Regret for past glory still smolders and occasionally flares up in the heart of the old soldier.

Nuanced use of 'kusuburu' (smolder) transitioning to 'meramera'.

生命の灯火が消えゆく直前、最後の輝きがめらめらと放たれた。

Just before the lamp of life went out, a final brilliance was released in a flare.

Euphemism for the end of life 'seimei no tomoshibi'.

権力への渇望が、彼の人間性をめらめらと蝕んでいった。

The thirst for power flared up and gradually eroded his humanity.

Metaphorical 'erosion' (mushibamu) caused by the 'heat' of ambition.

冬の星座が凍てつく空で、めらめらと燃える宝石のように瞬いている。

The winter constellations twinkle in the freezing sky like blazing jewels.

Poetic comparison of starlight to flaring fire.

자주 쓰는 조합

めらめらと燃える

めらめらと燃え上がる

嫉妬がめらめら

闘志がめらめら

めらめらと照りつける

めらめらと広がる

めらめらとした怒り

めらめらと揺れる

野心がめらめら

めらめらと焼き尽くす

자주 쓰는 구문

めらめら燃える

— To burn with flaring flames. This is the most standard usage.

薪がめらめら燃える。

めらめら湧き上がる

— For an intense emotion to surge or flare up suddenly.

対抗心がめらめら湧き上がる。

めらめらする

— To be in a state of flaring up (often emotional).

胸の奥がめらめらする。

めらめらと燃え盛る

— To be at the height of a flaring fire.

めらめらと燃え盛るキャンプファイヤー。

めらめらと照らす

— For a fire to light up an area with its flaring light.

火がめらめらと周囲を照らす。

めらめらと広がる

— For a fire to spread rapidly and visibly.

火がめらめらと野原を広がる。

めらめらとした瞳

— Eyes that show a burning passion or intense anger.

めらめらとした瞳で睨む。

めらめらと燃え尽きる

— To flare up and then burn out completely.

紙がめらめらと燃え尽きた。

めらめらと揺らめく

— For flames to flicker and flare in a rhythmic way.

松明がめらめらと揺らめく。

めらめらと立ち上る

— For flames or smoke (implied heat) to rise up in a flaring manner.

火柱がめらめらと立ち上る。

자주 혼동되는 단어

めらめら vs ぱちぱち

Pachipachi is the sound of fire; meramera is the visual flare.

めらめら vs ぼうぼう

Boubou is a large, steady roar; meramera is a flickering, undulating flare.

めらめら vs ゆらゆら

Yurayura is a gentle swaying; meramera is an intense, hot flaring.

관용어 및 표현

"嫉妬の炎がめらめら"

— The flames of jealousy are flaring up. Used to describe intense envy.

彼女の心に嫉妬の炎がめらめらと燃えた。

Neutral

"闘志がめらめらと燃える"

— Fighting spirit is burning like a flare. Common in sports and competition.

試合を前に、闘志がめらめらと燃えている。

Neutral

"復讐の心がめらめら"

— A heart burning with a desire for revenge.

復讐の心がめらめらと彼を突き動かす。

Literary

"野心の炎をめらめらさせる"

— To let the flames of ambition flare up.

彼は若くして野心の炎をめらめらさせていた。

Literary

"怒りがめらめらと込み上げる"

— Anger comes flaring up from deep inside.

嘘を知って、怒りがめらめらと込み上げた。

Neutral

"情熱の火をめらめらと燃やす"

— To keep the fire of passion burning brightly.

夢に向かって、情熱の火をめらめらと燃やし続ける。

Neutral

"めらめらと対抗心を燃やす"

— To actively feel a burning sense of rivalry.

彼はライバルに対しめらめらと対抗心を燃やした。

Neutral

"胸の内がめらめらと焦げる"

— One's heart is 'scorched' by burning emotions (usually negative).

嫉妬で胸の内がめらめらと焦げるようだ。

Poetic

"めらめらと立ち塞がる炎"

— Flames that stand in one's way like a wall.

めらめらと立ち塞がる炎に行く手を阻まれた。

Literary

"めらめらとした太陽の牙"

— The 'fangs' of the blazing sun. A metaphor for extreme heat.

めらめらとした太陽の牙が大地を噛む。

Poetic

혼동하기 쉬운

めらめら vs めろめろ

Sounds very similar (mera vs mero).

Meramera is about fire/anger. Meromero means to be 'head over heels' or 'weak' for someone.

赤ちゃんにめろめろだ (I'm weak for the baby).

めらめら vs むらむら

Sounds similar (mera vs mura).

Muramura describes a sudden surge of sexual desire or impulse. Meramera is for anger/passion/fire.

むらむらと欲求が湧く。

めらめら vs めきめき

Starts with 'me' and is a mimetic word.

Mekimeki describes rapid improvement in skill. Meramera is about burning.

腕がめきめき上がる。

めらめら vs もじもじ

Starts with 'm' and is a mimetic word.

Mojimoji describes being fidgety or hesitant. Meramera is energetic and flaring.

もじもじと恥ずかしがる。

めらめら vs もぐもぐ

Starts with 'm' and is a mimetic word.

Mogumogu is the sound of chewing. Meramera is the sight of burning.

パンをもぐもぐ食べる。

문장 패턴

[Noun] がめらめら燃える。

火がめらめら燃える。

[Emotion] がめらめら湧く。

怒りがめらめら湧く。

[Noun] がめらめらと燃え上がる。

焚き火がめらめらと燃え上がる。

めらめらとした [Noun] を感じる。

めらめらとした情熱を感じる。

[Noun] のようにめらめらと [Verb]。

炎のようにめらめらと輝く。

胸の奥で [Emotion] がめらめらと燻る。

胸の奥で嫉妬がめらめらと燻る。

All

めらめら(と)する。

心がめらめらする。

All

めらめら！ (Exclamation)

うわあ、めらめらだ！

어휘 가족

명사

めらめら (The state of flaring itself, though usually adverbial)

동사

めらめらする (To flare up/be flaring)

めらめらと燃える (To burn in a flaring manner)

형용사

めらめらとした (Flaring/blazing - used as a pre-noun modifier)

사용법

frequency

Common in descriptive writing, media, and specific emotional contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'meramera' for the sound of fire. → ぱちぱち (pachipachi)
Meramera is visual (how it looks); pachipachi is auditory (how it sounds).
Using 'meramera' for spicy food. → ぴりぴり (piripiri)
Meramera is for fire/emotions; piripiri is for the stinging sensation of spice.
Using 'meramera' for a small candle. → ゆらゆら (yurayura)
Meramera implies a larger, more active flare than a steady candle flame.
Saying 'meramera na hito' to mean a passionate person. → 情熱的な人 (jounetsuteki na hito)
Meramera is an adverb/mimetic, not a standard adjective for people. You should say 'jounetsu ga meramera to moete iru hito'.
Confusing 'meramera' with 'meromero'. → めらめら (meramera)
Meromero means being head-over-heels in love; meramera means flaring with fire or anger.

팁

Visualize the Flame

When you use 'meramera', think of the way a flame licks the air. If the movement is fast and flaring, 'meramera' is the right word.

The 'To' Particle

In written Japanese, adding 'to' (めらめらと) makes your description sound more professional and clear.

Intensity Level

Only use 'meramera' for emotions that are 'flaring up.' If a feeling is just starting to simmer, use 'futsufutsu' instead.

Watch for Katakana

In anime, look for the big 'メラメラ' characters on screen. It will help you associate the word with the visual of intense energy.

Mera vs. Bou

Remember: Mera = Flickering/Flaring. Bou = Roaring/Steady. Use 'mera' for active, dancing flames.

Avoid Kanji

Even if you find Kanji for 'meramera', don't use it. It's almost always written in Hiragana or Katakana in modern Japan.

Even Rhythm

Pronounce all four syllables with the same length. Me-ra-me-ra. This creates the right rhythmic feel for the word.

Pair with 'Moeru'

The easiest way to start using this word is to always pair it with 'moeru' (to burn). It's a natural and frequent combination.

Not for Heat Alone

Don't use it just to mean 'it's hot.' Use it to mean 'it looks like it's burning.' For general heat, use 'atsui'.

Cultural Spirit

Understand that 'meramera' is often used for 'fighting spirit.' It's a very common 'cool' word in sports contexts.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Mirror' (Mera) reflecting a 'Mirror' (Mera). The light between them bounces and flares up like a fire.

시각적 연상

Visualize a giant 'M' made of orange flames that is 'Mera-ing' (flaring) up towards the sky.

Word Web

Fire Flames Jealousy Ambition Heat Flickering Anime Powers Sunlight

챌린지

Try to find three different things today that could be described as 'meramera'—one physical, one emotional, and one visual (like a sunset).

어원

Like many Japanese mimetics, 'meramera' is of sound-symbolic origin. The 'me' sound in ancient Japanese can sometimes be associated with visibility or the eyes (me), while the repetition suggests ongoing movement.

원래 의미: The word has always described the visual aspect of fire flaring or spreading since the early development of modern Japanese onomatopoeia.

Japonic (Onomatopoeic/Mimetic branch).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'meramera' for jealousy (shitto), as it implies a very strong and potentially destructive level of envy.

English speakers might use 'blazing' or 'flaring,' but Japanese uses 'meramera' more frequently as a direct adverb for emotions.

Mera Mera no Mi (One Piece) - Fire fruit. Mera (A common sound effect in RPGs like Dragon Quest for fire spells). Traditional 'Daimonji' fires in Kyoto are often described as burning 'meramera'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Camping or Outdoor Activities

火がめらめら燃える
焚き火がめらめら
めらめらと火を熾す
めらめらと光る

Describing Intense Emotions

嫉妬でめらめらする
怒りがめらめら湧く
対抗心がめらめら
情熱がめらめら

News and Disasters

火災がめらめら広がる
炎がめらめらと上がる
めらめらと燃え続ける
建物がめらめら燃える

Manga and Anime

メラメラの能力
闘志がめらめら
メラメラと燃えるオーラ
めらめらした目

Weather and Nature

太陽がめらめら照る
陽炎がめらめら
夕焼けがめらめら
熱気がめらめら

대화 시작하기

"「昨日のキャンプの焚き火、めらめら燃えてて凄かったね！」 (The campfire yesterday was flaring up and was amazing!)"

"「彼、ライバルが登場してから闘志がめらめらしてると思わない？」 (Don't you think he's been burning with fighting spirit since his rival appeared?)"

"「嫉妬の炎がめらめら燃えるような映画を見たことある？」 (Have you ever seen a movie where the flames of jealousy flare up?)"

"「夏の太陽がめらめら照りつけてるから、外に出たくないね。」 (The summer sun is blazing down, so I don't want to go outside.)"

"「怒りがめらめらと湧いてきた時、どうやって落ち着かせる？」 (When anger flares up inside you, how do you calm down?)"

일기 주제

今日、あなたの心の中で「めらめら」とした情熱を感じた瞬間はありましたか？ (Was there a moment today when you felt a flaring passion in your heart?)

焚き火がめらめらと燃える様子を詳しく描写してみてください。 (Try to describe in detail the way a bonfire flares up and burns.)

誰かに対して嫉妬心がめらめらと湧いてしまった経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you felt flames of jealousy flaring up toward someone.)

あなたが一番「めらめら」と燃えるようなやる気が出るのはどんな時ですか？ (When do you feel the most 'flaring' motivation?)

「めらめら」という言葉を使って、架空の火の魔法使いの物語を書いてください。 (Write a story about a fictional fire mage using the word 'meramera'.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, no. 'Meramera' implies a certain level of intensity and movement that a small, steady candle flame lacks. For a candle, 'yurayura' (swaying) or 'choro-choro' (tiny) is better.

Not always. In manga or for visual impact, it's often written in Katakana (メラメラ). In novels or general descriptions, Hiragana is more common.

Yes! It is often used for 'toushin' (fighting spirit) or 'jounetsu' (passion), which are positive, energetic qualities. However, it always implies high intensity.

'Meramera' focuses on the flickering and flaring movement of the flames. 'Boubou' focuses on the large volume and steady roaring sound of a big fire.

No. For the 'burning' sensation of spicy food, Japanese uses 'piripiri' or 'hii-hii'. 'Meramera' is only for visual fire or metaphorical emotional fire.

It is technically a mimetic adverbial noun. It most often functions as an adverb (with 'to') or as part of a verb (with 'suru').

You can say '嫉妬でめらめらしている' (Shitto de meramera shite iru) or '嫉妬の炎がめらめらと燃えている' (Shitto no honoo ga meramera to moete iru).

No, it is a visual mimetic (gitaigo). It describes how the fire looks. 'Pachipachi' describes the sound.

Yes, especially a very hot summer sun that looks like it's blazing or causing heat waves. 'Taiyou ga meramera to teritsukeru' is a common expression.

Yes, it is a very common and useful word for B1 level learners and above, especially if you enjoy Japanese media like manga.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기