Entry
がたり
gatari
Describes the heavy, dull sound or abrupt movement of a solid object shifting, colliding, or falling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to emphasize a single physical impact or sudden shift of a heavy item, such as furniture or an old door, moving out of place with a harsh, dull noise.
- heavy impact noise
- abrupt movement
Sense Map
Heavy Impact or Falling
Indicates the heavy, dull sound made when a solid object drops or hits something once.
本ががたりと落ちる
Sudden Shift
Describes heavy items, doors, or machinery abruptly moving or jolting out of position.
ドアががたりと開く
Usage Note
How to Use
がたりと + Verb
Describes an action (like falling or opening) happening with an accompanying sudden, heavy sound.
がたりと音がする
A standard expression meaning 'to make a sudden heavy, clanking sound'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がたりと音がする
make a heavy clunking noise
がたりと動く
move with a jolt
がたりと落ちる
fall with a thud
がたりと開く
open with a clatter
がたりと傾く
tilt with a clunk
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| An object falling or sliding. | Neutral | Simply emphasizes the physical mass and the abruptness of the single sound. |
| Machinery or structures making a sound. | Negative/Warning | Can imply that something shifted out of place or is slightly broken. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がたん がたん / similar | Used for louder, more metallic crashes or stronger jolts (such as trains). | 'Gatan' often implies large machinery or strong shocks, whereas 'gatari' is a duller, single shift of objects like furniture. | 列車ががたんと揺れる |
ごつん ごつん / similar | Used when a hard object directly strikes another, like bumping one's head. | 'Gatari' focuses on the movement and shift of an entire object, while 'gotsun' focuses on the localized point of physical impact. | 頭をゴツンとぶつける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for small items like dropping a coin or pen.
Reserve this word for bulky and heavy items like desks or large boxes.
Applying it to continuous shaking or rattling.
'Gatari' describes a single shift. For a continuous rattle, use 'gatagata'.
Examples
Examples
重い箱が棚からがたりと落ちた。
おもいはこがたなからがたりとおちた。
The heavy box fell from the shelf with a thud.
LiteralDescribes the heavy physical sound of an object hitting the floor.
古いドアが突然がたりと開いた。
ふるいドアがとつぜんがたりとひらいた。
The old door suddenly opened with a clunk.
VisualShows the surprising movement of an object that is hard to move.
電車が止まる時、がたりと大きく揺れた。
でんしゃがとまるとき、がたりとおおきくゆれた。
As the train stopped, it jolted heavily with a clunk.
VisualUsed for a large physical jolt of a heavy machine or vehicle.
隣の部屋からがたりと大きな音がした。
となりのへやからがたりとおおきなおとがした。
I heard a loud thump coming from the room next door.
LiteralShows hearing a strong sound even if the source of movement is unseen.
地震の時、大きな本棚ががたりと傾いた。
じしんのとき、おおきなほんだなががたりとかたむいた。
During the earthquake, the large bookshelf tilted with a clatter.
VisualEmphasizes the sudden shifting of a large, heavy structure due to a shock.
Similar Words
がたん
gatan
A word describing the heavy sound of an object bumping, a mechanical jolt, or a sudden sharp decline. Gatan is used for mechanical jolts or stronger impacts like a train, whereas gatari focuses on a single object shifting.
ゴツン
gotsun
ゴツン describes the solid, dull thud of two hard objects striking each other, like bumping one's head. Gotsun is used for a direct hard impact like bumping a head, not for the shifting of large structures.
Questions
Can I use 'gatari' when I drop my phone?
No, a phone is too small. 'Gatari' is for heavier objects like a heavy box or a piece of furniture.
Does it mean something is broken?
Not necessarily, though it can sound like a structure unexpectedly shifted, which might imply minor damage or looseness.
What's the difference between 'gatari' and 'gatagata'?
'Gatari' is a one-time sound or movement, whereas 'gatagata' represents a continuous rattling or shaking.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631730
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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