Entry
ガラガラ
garagara
A word describing a loud rattling or clattering sound, or a state where a place is strikingly empty of people.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Garagara is a common Japanese onomatopoeia used in two main ways: to describe the loud, dry sound of hard objects colliding (like a shutter opening) and to describe a public space like a train or theater that is almost entirely empty.
- A loud, dry rattling or clattering noise.
- A state of being mostly vacant or unoccupied.
- A husky or gravelly quality in someone's voice.
Sense Map
Empty State
Used to emphasize that a train, bus, or room has very few people inside.
The train was completely empty.
Rattling Sound
The sound of hard materials like metal or wood clattering together.
The shutter opened with a loud rattle.
Usage Note
How to Use
ガラガラだ
Used as a predicate to state that a place is empty.
ガラガラと
Functions as an adverb to describe the manner of a sound.
ガラガラの
ガラガラ声
How to Use
Common Phrases
電車がガラガラ
the train is empty
ガラガラ声
raspy voice
ガラガラとうがいをする
to gargle with a rattling sound
シャッターをガラガラと開ける
to open a shutter with a clatter
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | neutral | A common observation during off-peak hours. |
| Health | neutral | Used to describe a sore or hoarse throat. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
からから からから / nearby | Used for things that are bone-dry or small containers that are empty. | Karakara doesn't describe empty trains or rooms; it focuses on lack of moisture. | The soil is bone-dry. |
がらん がらん / nearby | Used for large halls or buildings that feel deserted and quiet. | Garan emphasizes the quietness and echo of a space, while garagara is more colloquial. | The temple hall was deserted. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for an empty glass of water.
Use karappo for empty containers.
Confusing it with gachagacha.
Gachagacha is for smaller, more chaotic clinking noises.
Examples
Examples
平日の昼間なので、電車はガラガラだ。
へいじつのひるまなので、でんしゃはガラガラだ。
Since it is a weekday afternoon, the train is almost empty.
VisualDescribes a train with very few passengers.
シャッターをガラガラと開けて、開店の準備をする。
シャッターをガラガラとあけて、かいてんのじゅんびをする。
I open the shutter with a clatter and prepare for the store opening.
LiteralDescribes the physical sound of a metal shutter opening.
風邪をひいて、ガラガラ声になってしまった。
かぜをひいて、ガラガラごえになってしまった。
I caught a cold and my voice has become raspy.
LiteralDescribes a husky or gravelly voice due to illness.
帰宅したら、ガラガラとうがいをしてください。
きたくしたら、ガラガラとうがいをしてください。
Please gargle after you get home.
LiteralThe sound of water vibrating in the throat while gargling.
赤ちゃんがガラガラを振って笑っている。
あかちゃんがガラガラをふってわらっている。
The baby is laughing while shaking a rattle.
VisualHere the word is used as a noun meaning a baby's rattle.
Similar Words
ガチャガチャ
gachagacha
A loud metallic clattering sound or a state of being visually cluttered and messy.
ガラリ
garari
Describes a sudden, complete change in a situation, or the clattering sound of a door forcefully sliding open.
がらん
garan
Garan describes a large space that is completely empty and deserted, or the clanging sound of a hollow metal object. Emphasizes the emptiness and quietness of a large space.
からから
karakara
Karakara describes a state of being completely dry or entirely empty, a light rattling sound made by hard objects, or a loud and cheerful laugh. Used for dryness or small empty containers.
Questions
Can I use it for an empty restaurant?
Yes, if the restaurant has very few customers, you can say it is garagara.
What is a garagara-kuji?
It refers to a lottery wheel that makes a rattling sound when you turn it.
Is it different from 'empty' in a literal sense?
Yes, it specifically refers to people being absent in a space designed for them.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003290
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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