Entry
ドブン
dobun
ドブン is an onomatopoeia for the heavy, deep sound of a large or heavy object plunging into water.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the heavy and deep sound made when a large or heavy object (such as a large rock or a person) falls or jumps into water. The voiced consonants 'd' and 'b' give it a sense of heavy mass and deep impact compared to lighter splashing sounds.
- sound of a heavy drop into water
- sound of someone plunging into a pool
Sense Map
Heavy Drop
The sound and action of a heavy object falling deep into water.
大きな石がドブンと落ちた。
Plunging
The action of a person or large animal forcefully diving or jumping into water.
プールにドブンと飛び込む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ドブンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the manner in which an object falls or plunges heavily into water.
ドブンという + noun
Used to describe the heavy splashing sound itself by modifying a noun like 音 (sound).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドブンと落ちる
to fall with a heavy splash
ドブンと飛び込む
to plunge with a splash
ドブンと沈む
to sink with a kerplunk
ドブンという音
a heavy splashing sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping a heavy rock into a pond. | neutral | Emphasizes the deep impact and heavy weight of the object. |
| A person jumping into a swimming pool. | neutral | Describes the heavy, sometimes ungraceful splash of a body hitting the water. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼちゃん ぼちゃん / similar | When a small, light object drops into water with a light splash. | ドブン is for heavy objects and a much deeper, heavier sound than ぼちゃん. | 小石がぼちゃんと落ちた。 |
ざぶん ざぶん / similar | When a large amount of water is displaced, like a big wave crashing or a violent splash spreading outward. | ドブン focuses on the heavy downward drop, while ザブン emphasizes the massive movement of the water itself. | 波がザブンと打ち寄せる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ドブン for dropping a heavy box onto the floor.
ドブン is strictly for falling into liquids. For solid surfaces, use ドスン.
Using ドブン for the sound of light or heavy rain.
ドブン describes a single heavy object falling into water. For rain, use ザーザー or ぽつぽつ.
Examples
Examples
大きな岩が川にドブンと落ちた。
おおきないわがかわにドブンとおちた。
A large rock fell into the river with a heavy splash.
LiteralEmphasizes the heavy weight of the rock and the deep sound in the water.
彼は服を着たままプールにドブンと飛び込んだ。
かれはふくをきたままプールにドブンととびこんだ。
He jumped into the pool with a splash, clothes and all.
LiteralUsed for a person jumping forcefully and somewhat ungracefully into water.
釣竿を振ると、重りが海にドブンと沈んだ。
つりざおをふると、おもりがうみにドブンとしずんだ。
When the fishing rod was swung, the weight sank into the sea with a deep plop.
LiteralShows that a heavy object goes straight down deep into the water.
足を滑らせて、池にドボンと落ちてしまった。
あしをすべらせて、いけにドボンとおちてしまった。
I slipped and fell into the pond with a plop.
VisualUsing the variant ドボン, which often implies a comical or unfortunate accident.
暗闇の中で、何かが水にドブンと落ちる音がした。
くらやみのなかで、なにかがみずにドブンとおちるおとがした。
In the dark, there was the sound of something heavy falling into the water with a splash.
LiteralCan be used purely to describe the sound, even if the object is unseen.
Similar Words
ザブン
zabun
Emphasizes the massive movement of breaking waves or large water displacement.
Questions
Can I use ドブン when I drop my phone in the toilet?
Yes, you can use ドブン or the variant ドボン. However, ドボン often adds a nuance of a tragic or comical accident when dropping an item like a phone.
Is there a difference between ドブン and ドボン?
They are very similar for physical splashes. However, ドボン is sometimes used playfully or figuratively in games to mean 'failing' or 'dropping out'.
How is it different from ぼちゃん?
ぼちゃん is used for lighter objects (like a small pebble), whereas ドブン is used for heavier things (like a large rock or a person) and makes a deeper sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2394240
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- あーん (aan)
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