Last month, I introduced the onomatopoeia “bero bero”, which can be used to describe excited dogs licking your face, or the funny faces you make when you wiggle your tongue at a baby.
“Bero bero” has another meaning, which is by far, less likely to put a smile on your face when you imagine it. By saying someone is “bero bero”, it means that they are too drunk to even string a proper sentence together, let alone walk in a straight line.
In recent times, “senbero” is a very popular culture in Japan. Derived from the words “sen” (1,000) and “bero bero” (being incredibly drunk), it basically means you can get sloshed for as little as 1,000 yen! There are a good number of izakayas and bars offering “senbero”, where you can drink the night away without burning a hole in your wallet.
I also want to talk about another similar-sounding onomatopoeia, “hero hero”, which has no relation to superheroes at all, despite its spelling. We use “hero hero” to talk about how tired or fatigued we are, or when you don’t feel well physically.
Imagine finally getting off work after an intense, gruelling day of non-stop assignments. Or after running a full marathon, and your body is just an inch away of total collapse.
If you’re at a party and become “bero bero” after one too many drinks, you’ll definitely feel “hero hero” the next morning!
If you’re at a party and become “bero bero” after one too many drinks, you’ll definitely feel “hero hero” the next morning!
Akiko Nishio is the principal of A to Z Language Centre, with over 20 years of experience in teaching Japanese. She has a soft spot for good books, travelling, and ice-cold beer.
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