Entry
ドンパチ
donpachi
The loud sound of gunfire or a casual term for a shootout and intense conflict.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Represents the loud, explosive sounds of gunfire or fireworks. Beyond just the sound, it is frequently used colloquially as a noun to refer to a shootout, gang war, or intense, noisy conflict.
- continuous sound of gunshots
- armed shootout
- fierce and noisy clash
Sense Map
Sound of Gunfire or Explosions
Mimics the loud, explosive sounds of guns firing or fireworks going off.
映画でドンパチと銃撃戦が続く。
Shootouts and Conflicts
Refers to an actual shootout, gang war, or an intense, noisy dispute.
ヤクザがドンパチを始める。
Usage Note
How to Use
ドンパチやる
Uses the verb 'yaru' (to do) to mean 'to engage in a shootout' or 'to fight fiercely'.
ドンパチが始まる
Used to say that a loud shootout or a severe conflict has broken out.
ドンパチと
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドンパチやる
to have a shootout / to clash intensely
ドンパチが始まる
a shootout begins
派手にドンパチやる
to have a massive, flashy shootout
ドンパチと撃ち合う
to shoot at each other noisily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Action movies or crime reports | casual | Often used colloquially to describe shootout scenes or gang conflicts. |
| Major disputes at work | casual / figurative | Sometimes used figuratively for very severe, noisy debates or clashes between opposing parties. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばんばん ばんばん / similar | Used for repeated banging sounds, gunfire, or doing something vigorously in quick succession. | 'バンバン' focuses more on the repetition of a loud sound or action, while 'ドンパチ' specifically carries the nuance of an armed shootout or deadly conflict. | 銃をバンバン撃つ。 |
ばちばち ばちばち / similar | Used for the sound of sparks, static electricity, or to describe fierce rivalry and tension between individuals. | 'バチバチ' leans towards psychological tension, sparks, or fights without firearms, whereas 'ドンパチ' implies a noisy conflict often involving guns or large-scale physical violence. | バチバチと火花を散らす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'donpachi' for a minor verbal argument.
'Donpachi' implies a shootout or a large-scale violent conflict. For a minor argument, use terms like 'kouron' (口論).
Using it for a single, small gunshot.
It is usually associated with a sustained, noisy shootout or continuous explosive sounds, not just a single small pop.
Examples
Examples
映画のクライマックスで、派手なドンパチが始まった。
えいがのクライマックスで、はでなドンパチがはじまった。
At the climax of the movie, a flashy shootout began.
LiteralUsed as a noun referring directly to a shootout scene.
遠くで花火がドンパチと音を立てている。
とおくではなびがドンパチとおとをたてている。
Fireworks are making popping and banging sounds in the distance.
LiteralRepresents the actual sound of fireworks exploding continuously.
ギャングたちが街の真ん中でドンパチやっている。
ギャングたちがまちのまんなかでドンパチやっている。
The gangs are having a shootout in the middle of the city.
VisualShows action and violent conflict involving groups.
会議室で社長と部長がドンパチをやっている。
かいぎしつでしゃちょうとぶちょうがドンパチをやっている。
The president and the department manager are having a fierce clash in the meeting room.
FigurativeFigurative use for a loud, intense argument.
警官隊と武装犯のドンパチは夜まで続いた。
けいかんたいとぶそうはんのドンパチはよるまでつづいた。
The shootout between the police force and the armed criminals lasted until night.
LiteralUsed as a noun indicating a real armed engagement.
Similar Words
バンバン
banban
Focuses on the repetition of a loud sound, whereas donpachi is the actual shootout.
バチバチ
bachibachi
More often used for fierce psychological tension (like sparks flying) without large-scale physical fights.
Questions
Is 'donpachi' a formal word?
No, it is a very casual, colloquial term. In formal news broadcasts, terms like 'jūgekusen' (銃撃戦 - gun battle) are used instead.
Does it only apply to guns?
While originally representing the sound of guns and fireworks, it is widely used to mean a fierce, noisy physical or figurative conflict of any kind.
Can I use it for an argument with my friend?
It implies a very extreme, loud, or violent clash. Using it for a normal argument among friends sounds exaggerated or comical.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1089570
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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