adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
here and there; sporadically; in small numbers
Describes things appearing or occurring in scattered, sparse, or intermittent fashion, often with a sense of being few and far between. Similar to ちらほら but with a more drawn-out, poetic feel.
See also: ちらほら
桜がちらりほらりと咲き始めた。
The cherry blossoms have started blooming here and there.
People gathered sporadically at the venue.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
now and then; occasionally; from time to time
Refers to events or actions happening at irregular intervals, not constantly. Overlaps with sense 1 but emphasizes temporal sparseness rather than spatial distribution.
彼からはちらりほらりと連絡がある。
I hear from him now and then.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
lightly fluttering; swirling (of petals, leaves, etc.)
Specifically describes the visual of light things like petals or leaves fluttering down or swirling in the wind, often with a poetic or literary tone. Less common than the other senses.
花びらがちらりほらりと舞い散る。
Petals flutter down lightly here and there.