Entry
がらんがらん
garangaran
Garangaran is an onomatopoeic word that represents the loud, repetitive clanging or ringing sound of a large metal bell being shaken.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term vividly captures the noisy echoing sound of metal objects striking each other. It is most commonly associated with shaking large handbells, ringing old school bells, or turning traditional Japanese lottery machines (garapon).
- ringing of large bells
- clashing metal sounds
Sense Map
Ringing Bells
Describes the loud, reverberating sound of a large handbell or warning bell being shaken vigorously.
ハンドベルをがらんがらんと鳴らす。
Lottery Wheels
Represents the clattering and clanging sound of turning a Japanese lottery wheel (garapon) to draw a prize ball.
福引きの抽選器をがらんがらん回す。
Usage Note
How to Use
がらんがらん（と）鳴る
Used when a bell or metal object rings loudly on its own.
がらんがらん（と）鳴らす
Used when someone intentionally shakes or rings a bell vigorously.
がらんがらん回す
Specifically refers to turning a rotary lottery machine that produces this sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がらんがらん鳴る
to ring loudly
がらんがらんと鳴らす
to shake and ring loudly
がらんがらん響く
to echo with a clanging sound
鐘をがらんがらん鳴らす
to ring a bell loudly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ringing an emergency or school bell | neutral | Emphasizes the urgency and loudness of the repetitive clangs. |
| Spinning a lottery wheel | positive | Evokes excitement and the festive atmosphere of local shopping district lotteries. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がんがん がんがん / similar | For continuous loud banging, pounding, or throbbing sounds. | Not focused on the echoing ring of a metal bell, but rather on direct impact or throbbing pain. | 頭がガンガンする。 |
じゃんじゃん じゃんじゃん / similar | For the loud ringing of smaller bells or doing something continuously. | Conveys a more continuous, almost overwhelming action or ringing, not the specific hollow clang of a large bell. | 鐘をじゃんじゃん鳴らす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using garangaran for modern electronic doorbells.
Electronic chimes are usually ping-pong. Garangaran is strictly for physical metal bells.
Using it to describe a small coin dropping.
Small metal drops are charin. Garangaran implies a larger, louder metallic object.
Examples
Examples
彼らは福引きの抽選器をがらんがらんと回した。
かれらはふくびきのちゅうせんきをがらんがらんとまわした。
They turned the lottery wheel, making a loud clanging sound.
LiteralLottery wheels (garapon) are strongly associated with this sound.
注意を引くために、大きなハンドベルをがらんがらん鳴らした。
ちゅういをひくために、おおきなはんどべるをがらんがらんならした。
To attract attention, the large handbell was rung loudly (garangaran).
LiteralShows the forceful action of ringing a large bell.
古い金属の鐘が風でがらんがらんと響いている。
ふるいきんぞくのかねがかぜでがらんがらんとひびいている。
The old metal bell is echoing (garangaran) in the wind.
LiteralRepetitive clanging sound of metal.
子供がいたずらして、ドアの鈴をがらんがらん鳴らして逃げた。
こどもがいたずらして、どあのすずをがらんがらんならしてにげた。
A mischievous child rang the door bell loudly (garangaran) and ran away.
LiteralHere, the bell is physical, not electronic.
荷車に積んだ空き缶が、道でがらんがらんと音を立てた。
にぐるまにつんだあきかんが、みちでがらんがらんとおとをたてた。
The empty cans loaded on the cart made a loud clanging sound (garangaran) on the road.
LiteralAlso used for loud clashing sounds of empty metal objects.
Similar Words
がらん
garan
Garan describes a large space that is completely empty and deserted, or the clanging sound of a hollow metal object.
ガンガン
gangan
Gangan describes a loud, repetitive clanging sound, a severe throbbing headache, or performing an action with intense energy. For continuous pounding sounds.
じゃんじゃん
janjan
じゃんじゃん describes doing something freely, vigorously, and continuously without holding back, or the loud clanging sound of a bell. For continuously ringing bells.
カーンカーン
kaankaan
カーンカーン is a mimetic word (onomatopoeia) for a loud, sharp, and resonant clanging or ringing sound of metal.
ガチッと
gachitto
A sudden, heavy clanging sound or the firm locking of hard objects.
Questions
What is the difference between garangaran and rinrin?
Rinrin is used for high-pitched, delicate bells like a bicycle bell. Garangaran is used for heavier, larger metal bells.
Can I use this word when a lot of pots and pans fall?
Yes, if they create a loud, repetitive metallic clanging as they hit the floor and each other.
Is garangaran considered noisy?
It can be perceived as noisy or disruptive, but in celebratory contexts like a lottery, it is considered exciting.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2101990
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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