Entry
バキバキ
bakibaki
Represents a loud, forceful cracking or snapping sound of rigid objects breaking, joints popping, or something completely shattering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A Japanese mimetic word (onomatopoeia) that describes a hard, loud cracking or snapping sound. It's used for thick branches breaking, knuckles cracking, or glass/screens shattering completely. Figuratively, it is also highly common to describe severely stiff shoulders or a very muscular, 'shredded' body (especially abs).
- Sound of hard objects like branches snapping.
- State of being severely cracked or shattered (screens).
- Sound of cracking bodily joints.
- Figurative for extreme stiffness in muscles or shredded abs.
Sense Map
Loud Snapping/Breaking
Used when rigid objects like branches, ice, or thick plastic break forcefully.
木の枝がバキバキと折れる。
Shattered Completely
Describes something that is severely cracked all over, most commonly a smartphone screen.
スマホの画面がバキバキに割れる。
Cracking Joints
The sound of popping or cracking one's knuckles, neck, or back.
指の関節をバキバキ鳴らす。
Stiff or Shredded Muscles (Figurative)
Used figuratively for extremely stiff shoulders or highly defined, shredded abdominal muscles.
肩がバキバキに凝っている。
Usage Note
How to Use
バキバキと + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying how something breaks, emphasizing the continuous or forceful sound.
バキバキに + verb (especially 割れる / 凝る)
Focuses on the resultant state, meaning something has been broken or strained completely into pieces/extreme tightness.
バキバキ + sound verb (鳴る / 鳴らす)
バキバキの + noun (especially 腹筋)
How to Use
Common Phrases
バキバキ鳴る
to make a cracking noise
バキバキに割れる
to shatter completely / crack all over
バキバキと折れる
to snap loudly
指をバキバキ鳴らす
to crack one's knuckles
肩がバキバキ
extremely stiff shoulders
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking objects | negative | Indicates severe damage that is usually irreversible, like a shattered screen. |
| Cracking joints | neutral | A common habit, though some people might find the sound unpleasant. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼきぼき ぼきぼき / similar | For a slightly lower-pitched, heavier cracking sound (e.g., thicker branches or deeper joint cracks). | ボキボキ feels heavier and duller, while バキバキ feels sharper and more forceful. | 関節をボキボキ鳴らす。 |
ぱきっ ぱきっ / similar | For a single, quick snap of something thin and brittle (like a dry twig). | バキバキ is for severe, forceful, or multiple cracks, whereas パキッ is just one sharp snap. | 枝がパキッと折れる。 |
びきびき びきびき / similar | For a crack slowly spreading through glass or ice, or veins popping from anger. | バキバキ is a sudden hard break; ビキビキ emphasizes the spreading tension of a crack. | 氷にビキビキとヒビが入る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for soft items tearing.
It only applies to rigid, hard objects breaking. Do not use it for ripping paper or cloth.
Confusing it with a soft crunchy sound.
It represents a destructive or forceful crack. For chewing crunchy food, use ボリボリ (boribori) or パリパリ (paripari).
Examples
Examples
指をバキバキ鳴らす癖をやめなさい。
ゆびをバキバキならすくせをやめなさい。
Stop that habit of cracking your knuckles.
LiteralDescribes the loud popping sound of joints when intentionally cracked.
強風で太い木の枝がバキバキと折れた。
きょうふうでふといきのえだがバキバキとおれた。
The thick tree branches snapped loudly due to the strong wind.
LiteralThis is the most basic usage, showing rigid wood snapping forcefully.
落としたスマホの画面がバキバキに割れてしまった。
おとしたスマホのがめんがバキバキにわれてしまった。
The screen of the smartphone I dropped shattered completely.
VisualDescribes severe, spider-web-like cracking all over a glass surface.
デスクワークのせいで、肩がバキバキに凝っている。
デスクワークのせいで、かたがバキバキにこっている。
My shoulders are extremely stiff because of desk work.
FigurativeA very common figurative use; stiff muscles are likened to a rigid object about to crack.
彼は毎日ジムに通い、バキバキの腹筋をしている。
かれはまいにちジムにかよい、バキバキのふっきんをしている。
He goes to the gym every day and has shredded abs.
FigurativeA figurative use for highly developed muscles, as if the sharp separations between muscles look like deep cracks.
Similar Words
ボキボキ
bokiboki
Indicates a heavier, duller sound than バキバキ.
ビキビキ
bikibiki
Focuses on a spreading crack or a popping vein from anger, rather than a direct break.
パキッ
paki
For a single, light snapping sound.
Questions
Can I use this for a broken phone screen?
Yes, it is the most natural word to use. 'スマホの画面がバキバキに割れた' means the screen is completely shattered/cracked all over.
Does it mean muscular?
Figuratively, yes. 'バキバキの腹筋' is a very common slang term for 'shredded' or 'six-pack' abs.
Can I use it when my shoulders hurt?
Yes. '肩がバキバキ' is a widely used phrase meaning your shoulders are extremely stiff, as if they have turned hard as wood.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2523730
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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