“メリハリ merihari” is a term used to express the clear distinction between different things, or highlight things, such as “working hard during only working hours” or “having a clear distinction between work and personal life”.
The meaning of メリハリ merihari
- Loosening and tightening. Particularly, in regards to the intonation and delivery of lines in audio or theatrical performances, it refers to the emphasis and modulation. “Lines that have a strong impact.”
- It also refers to making the intensity of things clear. “Doing work with emphasis.”
Examples
Please add more dynamics（メリハリ） to the sound.
もっと音にメリハリをつけてください。
/motto oto ni meɾihaɾi o tsukete kudasai/
When writing characters, it is best to make kanji slightly larger and hiragana slightly smaller to create a balanced （メリハリ）and visually appealing text.
漢字は大きめに、ひらがなは少し小さめに、メリハリをつけて字を書くと綺麗に見えます。
/kandʒi wa oːkime ni hiɾaɡana wa tʒiːsame ni meɾihaɾi o tsukete dʒi o kakuto kiɾei ni miemasu/
Don’t slack off and make sure to work with a sense of rhythm and balance（メリハリ）during work hours.
ダラダラしていないで、仕事の時はメリハリをつけて働きなさい。
daɾadaɾa ʃiteinai de ʃiɡoto notoki wa meɾihaɾi o tsukete hataɾaki nasai/
The origin of merihari
“メリハリ merihari” is a term related to traditional Japanese sounds. It can be written in kanji as “減り張り. “減る meru” means to loosen or weaken the sound, while “張る haru” means to raise or strengthen the sound.
Experience of merihari
When I was a freelancer, balancing work and personal life was challenging. While I had the flexibility to work at any time, it was also difficult to take breaks whenever I wanted to.
In the end, I returned to being an office worker, but I encountered the same work-life balance issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. My coworkers also struggled with managing their working hours while working from home. There was a period when it became common practice to work without considering holidays and office hours.
Some people had mental health issues, and the atmosphere at work was terrible. By enforcing taking days off on holidays and completing communications during working hours, the problems started to improve. It is very important to have a balance (merihari).
In conclusion, “メリハリ merihari” is a valuable concept in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear distinction and balance between different aspects of life. Whether it’s in the context of work and personal life or the intensity and modulation of performances, merihari plays a crucial role in achieving harmony and well-being.
“メリハリ merihari” is crucial in the fast-paced society
In today’s busy and connected world, it can be difficult to find a good balance between work and personal life. As a freelancer and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve realized how important it is to set limits and take care of myself.
By implementing practices such as setting clear working hours, taking breaks, and enforcing time off, individuals and organizations can foster a healthier and more productive environment. Embracing “メリハリ merihari” allows for greater focus, efficiency, and overall satisfaction in both personal and professional endeavours.
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