Entry
ちんちん
chinchin
Describes the high-pitched tinkling of bells, the vigorous boiling of water, or things that are piping hot.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This versatile mimetic word represents high-pitched metallic sounds, such as small bells jingling or clinking. It is also commonly used to describe the sound or state of a kettle whistling and water boiling vigorously, which naturally extends to describing liquids or metal objects that are exceptionally hot. In a completely different context, it describes a dog sitting up on its hind legs to beg.
- High-pitched tinkling of bells or metal
- State of water boiling vigorously
- Liquids or metal objects being extremely hot
- A dog sitting on its hind legs to beg
Sense Map
Tinkling Sound
The high-pitched, ringing sound of a small bell or metal objects clinking.
ベルがちんちんと鳴る。
Boiling / Whistling
The sound of a kettle whistling or the state of water boiling vigorously.
お湯がちんちんに沸いている。
Piping Hot
Liquids or metals being extremely hot.
お茶がちんちんに熱い。
Dog Trick
A dog sitting up on its hind legs to beg.
犬がちんちんする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ちんちんと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how a bell rings, clinks, or a kettle whistles.
ちんちんに + verb/adj
Used to express the extreme degree to which something is boiling or hot.
ちんちんする
Functions as a verb specifically for the dog trick of sitting up and begging.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちんちんと鳴る
to tinkle / jingle
ちんちんに沸く
to boil vigorously
ちんちんに熱い
to be piping hot
ちんちんする
to sit up and beg (of a dog)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing sounds | neutral | Implies a light, high-pitched metallic ringing that repeats. |
| Describing heat | neutral | Emphasizes that a liquid or metal object is dangerously hot and actively radiating heat. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちん ちん / similar | Used for a single ding of a bell or the sound of a microwave finishing. | ちんちん implies a repeated, continuous tinkling sound or boiling state. | レンジでチンする。 |
かんかん かんかん / similar | Used for loud, clanging metal strikes or glaringly hot sun. | ちんちん is for lighter, higher-pitched sounds or boiling liquids. | カンカン照り。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using the word casually without clear context.
Be very careful, as this word is most widely known as a colloquial or childish term for male genitalia. Always provide clear context like 'tea' or 'kettle'.
Using it to describe hot weather.
It is only used for very hot liquids or objects (like boiling water or hot metal), not ambient air temperature.
Examples
Examples
遠くから自転車のベルがちんちんと鳴るのが聞こえた。
遠く(とおく)から自転車(じてんしゃ)のベルが[ちんちん]と鳴る(なる)のが聞こえた(きこえた)。
I heard a bicycle bell tinkling from a distance.
LiteralIndicates a light, repetitive metallic sound.
やかんのお湯がちんちんに沸いているから、火を止めて。
やかんのお湯(おゆ)が[ちんちん]に沸いて(わいて)いるから、火(ひ)を止めて(とめて)。
The water in the kettle is boiling vigorously, so please turn off the heat.
VisualShows water boiling vigorously, often producing a whistling sound from the kettle.
おばあちゃんが入れてくれたお茶は、いつもちんちんに熱い。
おばあちゃんが入れて(いれて)くれたお茶(おちゃ)は、いつも[ちんちん]に熱い(あつい)。
The tea my grandmother makes is always piping hot.
LiteralDenotes a liquid that is extremely hot to the touch or taste.
愛犬に「ちんちん」と教えたら、すぐにおやつをねだるようになった。
愛犬(あいけん)に「[ちんちん]」と教えたら(おしえたら)、すぐにおやつをねだるようになった。
After I taught my dog to 'beg', it immediately started asking for treats.
VisualRefers to a pet trick of sitting on hind legs with front paws raised.
真夏の太陽で、公園の遊具がちんちんに焼けている。
真夏(まなつ)の太陽(たいよう)で、公園(こうえん)の遊具(ゆうぐ)が[ちんちん]に焼けて(やけて)いる。
The playground equipment is burning hot under the midsummer sun.
VisualDescribes solid objects (like metal) becoming extremely hot by absorbing heat.
Similar Words
チン
chin
A short "ding" sound of a small bell or timer, most commonly used as a casual verb meaning to heat food in a microwave. A single ding or the sound of a microwave.
カンカン
kankan
This word describes extreme anger, the fierce heat of the sun, or the sharp clanging sound of striking metal. Loud metal striking or blazing sun.
ちりんちりん
chirinchirin
The high-pitched, repetitive jingling sound of a small bell, such as a bicycle bell or a wind chime.
しゅんしゅん
shunshun
The hissing or whistling sound of steam escaping from a boiling kettle.
Questions
Is this word safe to use in everyday conversation?
It requires clear, unambiguous context (like boiling water or bells) because its most common everyday meaning is a childish term for male anatomy. When in doubt, avoid it to prevent awkward situations.
Can I use it to say 'It is hot outside'?
No, it is strictly for hot liquids or heated objects, not the weather.
What does it mean when a dog does this?
It refers to the dog sitting up on its hind legs with its front paws in the air, a common trick to ask for a treat.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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