Entry
がらん
garan
Garan describes a large space that is completely empty and deserted, or the clanging sound of a hollow metal object.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main usages. First, it describes a room, building, or space that is bare, deserted, or completely empty of people and furniture, emphasizing the vastness of the empty space. Second, it represents the echoing, clanging sound made when a hollow metallic object like a can or a bell is struck or dropped.
- a completely empty space
- hollow metallic sound
Sense Map
Empty Space
A state where a room, building, or street is completely bare, deserted, and spacious.
部屋ががらんとしている。
Metallic Sound
A resounding clanging sound from a hollow metal object.
空き缶ががらんと落ちた。
Usage Note
How to Use
がらんとする
Verb form expressing that a place has become empty or deserted.
がらんとした + noun
Used to modify a noun (like a room or house), describing it as bare and empty.
がらんと + verb
Adverbial usage describing an action that produces a hollow clanging sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がらんとした部屋
completely empty room
がらんとした家
bare house
店内ががらんとしている
inside the store is deserted
がらんと空く
to become completely empty
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A room right after moving out. | neutral | Conveys the feeling of the room being surprisingly spacious and bare now that everything is gone. |
| Dropping a can. | neutral | Highlights the hollow, echoing nature of the metallic sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がらがら がらがら / similar | For public transport or venues that are relatively empty of people, or a rattling sound. | Garan focuses more on the physical emptiness and bareness of a wide space without objects. | ガラガラの電車 |
ひっそり ひっそり / similar | For a quiet, still, and silent atmosphere. | Garan focuses on the physical lack of objects or people, while hissori focuses on the lack of noise. | ひっそりとした通り |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'garan' for an empty stomach (hungry).
Use 'pekopeko' for a hungry stomach.
Using 'garan' to say your schedule is empty/free.
Use 'hima' or 'suite iru' for a clear schedule.
Examples
Examples
荷物を運び出した後の部屋は、がらんとしていた。
にもつを はこびだした あとの へやは、 がらんとしていた。
The room was completely empty after the luggage was moved out.
VisualEmphasizes the sudden emptiness of a space that used to have things in it.
平日の映画館はがらんとしていて、貸し切りのようだった。
へいじつの えいがかんは がらんとしていて、 かしきりのようだった。
The movie theater on a weekday was completely empty, as if it were rented out.
VisualUsed to describe a large venue that is unusually deserted.
落とした空き缶が、がらんと音を立てて転がった。
おとした あきかんが、 がらんと おとをたてて ころがった。
The dropped empty can rolled with a clanging sound.
LiteralDescribes the metallic hollow sound of a falling object.
店内には客が一人もおらず、がらんとしている。
てんないには きゃくが ひとりもおらず、 がらんとしている。
There is not a single customer in the store, and it is completely empty.
VisualShows the atmosphere of a deserted place.
広いホールががらんと空いていて、声がよく響く。
ひろい ホールが がらんと あいていて、 こえが よく ひびく。
The large hall is wide open and empty, so voices echo well.
VisualOften pairs well with echoing sounds due to the lack of objects absorbing the noise.
Similar Words
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. Focuses on spaces with few people.
ひっそり
hissori
ひっそり describes a quiet and still state due to the absence of people, or a modest, inconspicuous way of living. Focuses on silent and quiet atmosphere.
Questions
Can 'garan' be used for an empty street?
Yes, it can describe a street or town that is completely deserted, though 'garagara' or 'hissori' are also common depending on the focus.
How is 'garan to shita' different from 'kara no' (empty)?
'Kara no' is a general adjective for something containing nothing (like an empty box). 'Garan to shita' specifically evokes the visual and spatial feeling of a wide, bare area.
Can I say 'garan garan'?
Yes, the repeated form 'garan garan' is used for continuous clanging sounds, such as repeatedly ringing a handbell.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1612840
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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