Entry
ガチャン
gachan
A sound word describing a loud, sharp impact such as a door slamming shut or a dish breaking.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Gachan is used for sharp and loud sounds resulting from a hard impact. It is most commonly associated with slamming a door or a telephone receiver, or the crashing sound of glass or ceramic breaking.
- The sound of a door or window slamming.
- The sound of glass or ceramic dishes breaking.
- The sound of a heavy metal impact.
Sense Map
Impact and Slamming
The loud noise made when closing a door or hanging up a phone forcefully.
The door closed with a loud bang.
Breaking Objects
The sound of hard materials like glass or ceramic hitting the floor and shattering.
The plate fell and broke with a crash.
Usage Note
How to Use
ガチャンと + verb
Functions as an adverb to describe how an action creates a slamming or clashing sound.
ガチャンという + noun
Used to identify or describe a specific sound as a 'gachan' noise.
ガチャンと閉める
A very common phrase meaning to slam something (like a door) shut.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドアをガチャンと閉める
to slam the door shut
受話器をガチャンと置く
to slam down the telephone receiver
お皿がガチャンと割れる
a plate breaking with a crash
鍵をガチャンとかける
to lock a door with a metallic clank
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slamming a door | negative | Often indicates anger, frustration, or being in a hurry. |
| Accidental breaking | neutral | Simply describes the physical sound of an impact. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がたん がたん / similar | Used for the sound of heavy objects falling or sliding doors closing. | Gatan is a duller 'thump' sound, while gachan is a sharper 'clash' or 'bang'. | The heavy box fell with a thud (gatan). |
がちゃり がちゃり / similar | Used for a single, lighter metallic sound like a key turning in a lock. | Gachari is much quieter and more precise than the loud gachan. | The lock clicked (gachari) open. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gachan for a soft clicking sound.
Use gachari or kachi for lighter, more delicate sounds.
Thinking gachan only implies anger.
While common in angry contexts, it is also used for accidental breakage or heavy machinery.
Examples
Examples
怒ってドアをガチャンと閉めた。
おこってドアをガチャンとしめた。
Slammed the door shut in anger.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a door being slammed.
受話器をガチャンと置いて電話を切った。
じゅわきをガチャンとおいてでんわをきった。
Slammed the receiver down and hung up the phone.
LiteralThe sound of hanging up a landline phone forcefully.
大切なお皿が床に落ちて、ガチャンと割れてしまった。
たいせつなおさらがゆかにおちて、ガチャンとわれてしまった。
The precious plate fell to the floor and broke with a crash.
LiteralThe sound of a ceramic plate shattering.
工場の門をガチャンと閉めて鍵をかけた。
こうじょうのもんをガチャンとしめてかぎをかけた。
Slammed the factory gate shut and locked it.
LiteralThe sound of a heavy metal gate closing.
踏切の音がガチャンと鳴って、遮断機が下りた。
ふみきりのおとがガチャンとなっで、しゃだんきがおりた。
The crossing signal clanked and the barrier came down.
LiteralThe clanking sound of a mechanical railway crossing.
Similar Words
ガチャリ
gachari
Gachari is a lighter version of gachan.
がたり
gatari
Describes the heavy, dull sound or abrupt movement of a solid object shifting, colliding, or falling.
がたん
gatan
A word describing the heavy sound of an object bumping, a mechanical jolt, or a sudden sharp decline. Gatan is for a duller thump, while gachan is for a sharper clash.
Questions
What is the difference between gachan and gatan?
Gachan is a sharp sound (like glass breaking), while gatan is a heavier, duller sound (like a wooden door slamming).
Can I use gachan for a car door?
Yes, if the car door is slammed very hard, gachan is appropriate.
Is gachan used in manga?
Yes, it is a very common sound effect in manga for any loud impact or slamming action.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003140
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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