Entry
ドカン
dokan
Dokan represents the loud bang of a massive explosion or a heavy, forceful impact.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Dokan is a phonomime (sound word) used for extremely loud, echoing, and heavy sounds. It is most commonly used for massive explosions like bombs or large fireworks, as well as powerful physical collisions such as a car crash or a massive object dropping to the ground.
- Massive explosions
- Heavy crashes and impacts
Sense Map
Massive Explosion (Blast)
The thunderous sound of a large explosion, such as a bomb, fireworks, or a cannon firing.
大砲がドカンと鳴る
Heavy Collision (Impact)
The sound of a very heavy object crashing, dropping, or colliding forcefully.
車がドカンとぶつかる
Usage Note
How to Use
ドカンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action occurred, such as exploding (爆発する) or colliding (ぶつかる) with a loud bang.
ドカンという + noun
Used to modify a noun, typically 'sound' (音), to describe an explosive noise (e.g., ドカンという音 - a sound like 'dokan').
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドカンと爆発する
explode with a massive bang
ドカンとぶつかる
collide with a loud crash
ドカンと落ちる
drop with a heavy thud
ドカンという音がする
a loud bang is heard
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Explosions (Bombs, Fireworks, Cannons) | neutral | This is the classic use of dokan, conveying the overwhelming volume and force of a single massive blast. |
| Heavy Collisions (Car crashes, large falling objects) | negative | Emphasizes the sheer physical weight and destructive kinetic energy transferred during the impact. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どん どん / similar | Used for a dull thud or heavy footsteps, smaller and less explosive than dokan. | Don focuses more on a heavy object falling or being hit (dull thud), whereas dokan carries the nuance of a massive, destructive explosion or crash. | 太鼓をどんと叩く |
ばーん ばーん / similar | Used for sharper, flatter sounds like a gunshot, a slap, or a door slamming. | Baan is sharper and flatter, lacking the heavy, echoing, massive weight associated with dokan. | ドアをバーンと閉める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using dokan for a small popping sound like a balloon bursting.
Use パーン (paan) or パン (pan) for light, sharp pops. Dokan implies massive destructive force.
Using dokan for continuous rumbling sounds like thunder or an earthquake.
Use ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) or ドドド (dododo) for continuous rumbles. Dokan describes a single, sudden blast or impact.
Examples
Examples
どこかでドカンという大きな爆発音が聞こえた。
どこかでドカンというおおきなばくはつおんがきこえた。
I heard a loud 'bang' of an explosion from somewhere.
LiteralIndicates the sound of a large-scale explosion.
スピードを出した車が、壁にドカンと激突した。
スピードをだしたくるまが、かべにドカンとげきとつした。
The speeding car crashed into the wall with a loud bang.
LiteralHighlights the heavy, destructive nature of the collision.
空高く打ち上げられた花火が、夜空でドカーンと開いた。
そらたかくうちあげられたはなびが、よぞらでドカーンとひらいた。
The fireworks launched high into the sky burst with a loud boom in the night sky.
VisualCombines the powerful sound of the explosion with the visual spectacle of it opening.
彼は怒りに任せて、机をドッカンと叩いた。
かれはいかりにまかせて、つくえをドッカンとたたいた。
Giving in to his anger, he slammed the desk with a massive bang.
LiteralUsing the extended form (dokkan) emphasizes the excessive force and sudden shock.
クレーンから重い鉄骨が外れ、地面にどかんと落ちた。
クレーンからおもいてっこつがはずれ、じめんにどかんとおちた。
The heavy steel frame slipped from the crane and dropped to the ground with a massive thud.
LiteralFocuses on the massive weight of the object as it hits the ground.
Similar Words
バーン
baan
A sharp, flat bang like a gunshot or a slamming door.
どん
don
どん (don) describes a heavy thud or loud boom, and is often used figuratively to mean landing 'exactly' on target or adopting a bold, steady attitude. A dull, heavy thud; smaller scale impact.
ズドン
zudon
ズドン (zudon) describes a sudden, loud explosive sound like a gunshot, or the heavy thud of a large object falling.
Questions
Can I use dokan for a balloon popping?
No, dokan is too heavy and destructive. For a balloon, use the lighter sound パーン (paan) or パン (pan).
Does dokan describe a continuous sound?
No, it describes a single, massive impact or explosion. For repeated explosive sounds, you would use ドカンドカン (dokan-dokan).
Can dokan be used for a person hitting a table?
Yes, but only if the hit is extremely forceful and heavy, like slamming it in a fit of rage, producing a resonating bang.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2150830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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