Entry
ばさり
basari
Describes the dull sound of something relatively bulky or heavy falling and hitting a surface.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents a heavy, dull sound made when a bulky object falls or is dropped. The voiced 'ba' sound implies more weight than the unvoiced 'pa' (pasari), but it generally denotes a lighter impact than the heavy thud of 'do' (dosari).
- bulky objects falling with a thud
- collapsing heavily out of exhaustion
Sense Map
Falling Objects
Used when a relatively large or thick object hits the ground or a surface, producing a dull, thudding sound.
本がばさりと落ちる
Collapsing
Used when a person or animal drops or flops down onto something (like a bed) heavily, often due to fatigue.
ベッドにばさりと倒れ込む
Usage Note
How to Use
ばさりと + verb
The most common usage, where 'to' acts as an adverbial particle linking the sound to the falling action.
ばさり + verb
A slightly more direct or colloquial form, dropping the 'to' particle while maintaining the same meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばさりと落ちる
to fall with a thud
ばさりと置く
to put down with a thud
ばさりと倒れる
to collapse with a thud
ばさりと倒れ込む
to slump down heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping items | neutral | Highlights the weight and the sudden release of the object. |
| Physical exhaustion | neutral | Conveys a sense of having no energy left to stand. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱさり ぱさり / similar | For lighter, thinner objects falling. | Lacks the heaviness of 'basari', sounds more like a light tap or flop. | ノートがぱさりと落ちる |
どさり どさり / similar | For very heavy, dense objects. | Indicates a much heavier and more solid impact than 'basari'. | 重い荷物をどさりと置く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for breaking glass or metal sounds.
Only use it for dull, non-resonating thuds like thick books or clothing.
Using it for tiny objects.
Tiny objects falling would make a 'pasari' or 'potori' sound.
Examples
Examples
重い荷物を床にばさりと置いた。
おもい にもつ を ゆか に ばさりと おいた。
I put the heavy luggage on the floor with a thud.
LiteralFocuses on the dull sound of a fairly heavy object.
古い本が棚からばさりと落ちた。
ふるい ほん が たな から ばさりと おちた。
An old book fell from the shelf with a thud.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a thick book hitting the floor.
切られた木の枝が地面にばさりと落ちた。
きられた きのえだ が じめん に ばさりと おちた。
The cut tree branch fell to the ground with a thud.
LiteralCommonly used for the falling of objects like wood or leafy branches.
疲れ果てて、ベッドにばさりと倒れ込んだ。
つかれはてて、ベッド に ばさりと たおれこんだ。
Exhausted, I flopped down heavily onto the bed.
VisualShows a loss of energy resulting in a heavy fall of the body.
大きな布が上からばさりと落ちてきた。
おおきな ぬの が うえ から ばさりと おちてきた。
A large cloth fell from above with a heavy swish and a thud.
LiteralCan also be used for the falling of thick fabrics or piled cloth.
Similar Words
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt.
どさり
dosari
どさり (dosari) describes the dull, heavy thud of something substantial but somewhat yielding dropping or falling. For very heavy or solid objects falling.
ぱさり
pasari
ぱさり (pasari) describes the soft, light thud made when a dry or relatively light object like a book or paper falls or is placed down. For lighter or thinner objects falling.
Questions
Is 'basari' the same as 'dosari'?
Both refer to a thudding sound, but 'dosari' is used for significantly heavier or denser objects.
Can I use 'basari' for a dropped plate?
No, 'basari' implies a dull thud. Plates breaking would use different words like 'gashan'.
Can it be used for people?
Yes, especially when someone exhausted flops down heavily onto a bed or sofa.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1632420
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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