しぶく

し

ぶ

く

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Intransitive verb describing liquid splashing or spraying, often from a surface or due to impact. Commonly used for water, mud, or other liquids.

波なみが岩いわに当あたって、しぶきがしぶいた。

The waves hit the rocks and spray splashed.

しぶくUsage92%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms し吹く, 繁吹く, and 重吹く are rare and not commonly used.
し吹ぶくUsage8%
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
繁吹しぶく
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
重吹しぶく
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.

はねる
はねる is a more general verb for splashing or jumping, and can be transitive (to splash liquid) or intransitive (liquid splashes). しぶく is specifically intransitive and often implies a fine spray or mist, and is less common in everyday speech.

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the mimetic word しぶしぶ (describing dampness or spray), but the exact derivation is unclear.