Entry
バキューン
bakyuun
The dramatic sound of a gunshot or laser firing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing the sharp, loud noise of a firearm or laser beam. It is heavily associated with sound effects in manga, anime action sequences, and the playful "pew pew" sounds children make with toy guns.
- Sound of a gun firing (kapow)
- Sound of a laser or toy gun (pew pew)
Sense Map
Gunshots & Action
The loud, sudden noise produced by firing a gun or a laser beam.
ピストルがバキューンと鳴る。
Playful Gestures
The vocal imitation of a gunshot when playing or making finger guns.
指でバキューンとする。
Usage Note
How to Use
バキューンと + verb
Used with verbs like 鳴る (sound) or 撃つ (shoot) to describe how the action occurred.
バキューンという + noun
Modifies nouns like 音 (sound) to specify the type of noise.
バキューン！
Used as a standalone interjection or sound effect.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バキューンと鳴る
to sound with a bang
バキューンと撃つ
to shoot with a kapow
バキューンという音
a gunshot sound
指でバキューンとする
to make a finger gun gesture
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Manga & Anime | Dramatic | Very common as a bolded sound effect on panels featuring a critical gunshot. |
| Figurative Romance | Playful | Used to describe being suddenly struck by someone's charm, akin to Cupid's arrow (or bullet). |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばんばん ばんばん / contrast | For the sound of continuous, repeated shooting or slamming. | バキューン focuses on a single, dramatic gunshot, whereas バンバン implies repeated rapid fire. | 銃をバンバン撃つ |
どんぱち どんぱち / similar | To refer to a shootout, gunfight, or armed conflict as an event. | バキューン is the actual sound of the shot, while ドンパチ refers to the event of exchanging fire. | 派手にドンパチやる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'バキューン' for a bomb exploding.
Use 'ドカーン' for bombs. 'バキューン' is strictly for guns, lasers, and distinct projectiles.
Using 'バキューン' in serious news contexts.
It sounds like 'kapow' or 'pew pew'. It is far too playful for serious or tragic discussions about firearms.
Examples
Examples
ピストルがバキューンと鳴った。
ピストルがバキューンとなった。
The pistol went "bang".
LiteralDescribes a clear, distinct gunshot sound.
おもちゃの銃からバキューンという音がした。
おもちゃのじゅうからバキューンというおとがした。
A "pew pew" sound came from the toy gun.
LiteralOften used for toys or recorded sound effects.
彼は指でバキューンと撃つふりをした。
かれはゆびでバキューンとうつふりをした。
He pretended to shoot with his fingers, going "pew pew".
VisualA playful gesture of shooting using hand motions.
彼女の笑顔に心をバキューンと撃ち抜かれた。
かのじょのえがおにこころをバキューンとうちぬかれた。
My heart was shot through by her smile.
FigurativeA figurative expression for falling instantly in love.
アニメの戦闘シーンで、レーザーがバキューンと発射された。
アニメのせんとうシーンで、レーザーがバキューンとはっしゃされた。
In the anime battle scene, a laser was fired with a "pew" sound.
LiteralCommonly appears in fictional action media.
Similar Words
バンバン
banban
Describes loud, repeated banging sounds like gunfire, or doing an action continuously and vigorously without hesitation. Used for repeated or continuous shooting.
ドンパチ
donpachi
The loud sound of gunfire or a casual term for a shootout and intense conflict. Refers to a shootout or armed conflict as an event.
Questions
Can I use バキューン for fireworks?
No, fireworks typically use ドーン (doon) or パン (pan).
Is it used for real guns or just sci-fi lasers?
It can be both, though it has a distinctly fictional, theatrical feel. For sci-fi lasers, it's very close to 'pew pew'.
What is 'mune wo bakyuun to uchinukareru'?
It is a slangy, figurative phrase meaning 'my heart was shot through,' used when someone instantly falls for another person's charm.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869405
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ビクン (bikun)
- Next entry
- カクッと (kakutto)