Entry
バンバン
banban
Describes loud, repeated banging sounds like gunfire, or doing an action continuously and vigorously without hesitation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Originally representing the loud, repetitive sounds of things hitting each other or gunfire, this word is often used figuratively to describe doing something continuously, at a fast pace, and with great energy, such as spending money recklessly, items selling out rapidly, or working non-stop.
- Repeated loud banging
- Vigorous and continuous action
- Without holding back
Sense Map
Loud sounds
The repeated sound of hitting something hard or gunfire.
ドアをバンバン叩く
Vigorous action
Doing something continuously, energetically, and without hesitation.
お金をバンバン使う
Usage Note
How to Use
バンバン + verb
Used directly before a verb to describe the action being done vigorously or producing a banging sound.
バンバンと + verb
Similar to the above, but the particle 'to' adds slight emphasis to the manner of the action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
意見をバンバン言う
to express opinions freely and continuously
バンバン売れる
to sell out rapidly
机をバンバン叩く
to bang on the desk repeatedly
お金をバンバン使う
to spend money recklessly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spending money or buying things | Neutral to slightly negative | Implies spending without hesitation or budgeting, which can be seen as reckless but sometimes exciting. |
| Expressing opinions or giving ideas | Positive | Shows active participation and holding nothing back in a brainstorming session or discussion. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばん ばん / similar | When referring to a single, loud explosive sound or impact. | バン is a single occurrence, whereas バンバン indicates repeated sounds or continuous actions. | ピストルがバンと鳴る |
ばたん ばたん / similar | For the loud sound of a flat or heavy object slamming shut or falling over, like a door. | バタン focuses on the slamming shut or falling down of an object, not repetitive actions or figurative vigorous behavior. | ドアをバタンと閉める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for quiet or slow repetitive actions.
バンバン always implies high energy, loud volume, or rapid pace.
Using it for a single impact.
For a single hit or bang, use the single form バン instead.
Examples
Examples
ドアをバンバン叩いて、開けてくれと叫んだ。
ドアをバンバンたたいて、あけてくれとさけんだ。
I hit the door repeatedly and shouted for it to be opened.
LiteralShows the loud sound of hitting a surface repeatedly.
ボーナスが入ったので、好きな服をバンバン買った。
ボーナスがはいったので、すきなふくをバンバンかった。
Since I got my bonus, I bought clothes I like without hesitation.
FigurativeFigurative use showing spending money vigorously without worrying about the cost.
会議では遠慮せずに、意見をバンバン言ってください。
かいぎではえんりょせずに、いけんをバンバンいってください。
Please don't hold back and express your opinions freely during the meeting.
FigurativeUsed to encourage people to speak up and share ideas continuously.
新しいスマートフォンが飛ぶようにバンバン売れている。
あたらしいスマートフォンがとぶようにバンバンうれている。
The new smartphones are selling out continuously at a rapid pace.
FigurativeShows that a product is being sold continuously with a fast momentum.
布団をバンバン叩いて埃を落とした。
ふとんをバンバンたたいてほこりをおとした。
I beat the futon repeatedly to knock the dust off.
LiteralThe literal action of hitting a large surface (futon) producing a repeated loud sound.
Similar Words
バン
ban
Indicates a single loud sound.
Questions
Can I use バンバン for a single loud noise?
No, バンバン indicates repetition. For a single loud noise, you should use the shorter form バン.
Is it polite to use バンバン in business settings?
It is a casual, colloquial word. While you might use it with close colleagues to describe things selling well, avoid using it in formal presentations or with clients.
Does it always mean something loud?
Not always. Figuratively, it describes the energetic, continuous nature of an action, like selling products or typing on a keyboard, even if the actual volume isn't extremely loud.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2522070
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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