Entry
どんと
donto
Donto describes an action done with great force, a bold and unwavering attitude, or a large amount of something appearing all at once.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Originating from the sound of a heavy thud, this word has expanded to describe strong physical impacts (like slamming a heavy object down), an unshakeable and bold mental stance, or the sudden arrival of a substantial quantity (especially money or goods).
- Forceful and firm actions
- Unwavering bold attitudes
- Massive quantities
Sense Map
Boldness & Power
Acting decisively with strength, or maintaining a firm, unbothered attitude when facing difficulties.
どんと構える。
Large Quantities
Receiving or providing a massive amount of something all at once, usually money or physical goods.
ボーナスがどんと入る。
Heavy Impact
A forceful physical action resulting in a blunt, heavy impact.
背中をどんと押す。
Usage Note
How to Use
どんと + verb
Used before a verb to show that an action is performed with great force, or that something happens on a massive scale.
どんと構える
A fixed expression used to describe someone who maintains a bold, unflappable attitude in the face of trouble.
How to Use
Common Phrases
どんと構える
to stand firm / be unfazed
どんと置く
to put down forcefully / with a thud
どんと増える
to increase massively
どんと来い
bring it on!
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Facing crises or problems | positive | Indicates a reliable, strong leader who does not easily panic. |
| Discussing money or quantities | positive | Gives the impression that the amount is abundantly large, satisfying, and exceeds expectations. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どっさり どっさり / nearby | Use when focusing purely on a large, heavy quantity of physical objects. | Unlike donto, dossari does not describe strong physical impacts or bold mental attitudes. | どっさりもらう |
どっと どっと / nearby | Use for a sudden rush of people, things, or actions happening simultaneously. | Dotto emphasizes sudden, collective movement (like a crowd rushing), rather than the heavy mass or firm attitude of donto. | どっと押し寄せる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'donto' when placing an object gently and carefully.
'Donto' implies a heavy, forceful impact; use 'sotto' for gentle, quiet movements.
Using 'donto' only for large quantities of items, confusing it with 'dossari'.
While both can mean 'a lot', 'donto' is also widely used for bold attitudes and physical force. 'Dossari' is strictly for quantities.
Examples
Examples
重い荷物を床にどんと置いた。
おもいにもつをゆかにどんとおいた。
Put the heavy luggage on the floor with a thud.
LiteralDescribes a heavy physical impact.
後ろから背中をどんと押された。
うしろからせなかをどんとおされた。
Was pushed forcefully on the back from behind.
LiteralFocuses on the forceful power of the push.
今月は売上がどんと伸びた。
こんげつはうりあげがどんとのびた。
Sales grew significantly this month.
FigurativeFiguratively describes a massive increase in quantity.
どんな困難にもどんと構えているべきだ。
どんなこんなんにもどんとかまえているべきだ。
One should stand firm against any difficulty.
FigurativeUses the classic expression for mental attitude.
お金がどんと手に入った。
おかねがどんとてにはいった。
A large amount of money was suddenly acquired.
VisualShows a large amount all at once.
Similar Words
どっと
dotto
Dotto describes a sudden, large influx of people, or a simultaneous outbreak of sound or applause. Dotto is for things happening all at once in a rush.
どっさり
dossari
A surprisingly large amount of physical objects piling up, or the heavy thud of a large mass dropping. Both mean a large amount, but dossari is specifically for physical goods.
Questions
What is the difference between donto and dossari?
Both can mean 'a large amount', but donto is also used for strong physical actions or bold attitudes, whereas dossari is only used for piles of physical objects.
What does the phrase 'donto kamaeru' mean?
It is a very common idiom meaning to stay calm, firm, and unflappable when facing trouble, much like a solid rock.
Can donto be used for small or gentle actions?
No, donto carries a strong nuance of heavy weight, power, and large amounts. It is inappropriate for slow, gentle actions or small quantities.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2717830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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