Entry
がたっと
gatatto
A word that describes a heavy clunking sound or a sudden, drastic drop in state.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that mimics a rough, heavy sound, like something clattering, clunking, or falling suddenly. Figuratively, it is widely used to describe a sudden, significant, and usually negative drop or collapse in non-physical states, such as a sharp plummet in sales, profits, or physical vigor.
- A physical clunking or heavy rattling sound.
- A sudden, sharp decline in amount, quality, or health.
Sense Map
Physical clunk
Describes a heavy and slightly rough sound made by an object shifting, falling, or opening abruptly.
ドアががたっと開く
Sudden decline
Describes a sharp, unexpected drop in abstract things like health, performance, or financial figures.
売上ががたっと落ちる
Usage Note
How to Use
がたっと + Verb
Functions as an adverb modifying the following verb, emphasizing the suddenness and severity of an action.
がたっと + 音がする
A standard phrase meaning 'a clattering/clunking sound is heard'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がたっと落ちる
to drop suddenly / plummet
がたっと下がる
to decrease sharply
がたっと崩れる
to collapse suddenly
がたっと音がする
to make a clunking noise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Finance | negative | Frequently used to lament a sudden loss of revenue, profits, or stock prices. |
| Physical Health | negative | Describes losing one's stamina or immunity abruptly, usually due to aging or overwork. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かたっと かたっと / similar | Use for a lighter clattering or clinking sound, often involving smaller objects. | Does not carry the heavy, severe impact of がたっと. | かたっと音がする |
どすっと どすっと / similar | Use for a heavy, dull thud, like dropping a sandbag or someone punching a stomach. | Lacks the metallic or rattling nuance, and is not used for figurative drops in numbers. | どすっと倒れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using がたっと to describe a gradual decrease in temperature over months.
This word implies a sudden, shock-like drop. For gradual changes, use words like だんだん or 徐々に.
Using it for a delicate sound like a pen dropping on a desk.
It implies a heavier, bulkier object. Use a lighter mimetic word for small items.
Examples
Examples
椅子ががたっと音を立てて倒れた。
いすががたっとおとをたててたおれた。
The chair fell over with a loud clunk.
VisualShows the physical sound of a fairly heavy object hitting the floor.
先月から店の売上ががたっと落ちた。
せんげつからみせのうりあげががたっとおちた。
Since last month, the store's sales have dropped suddenly.
FigurativeA very common figurative use for numbers or money plunging suddenly.
働きすぎて、体力ががたっと落ちた気がする。
はたらきすぎて、たいりょくががたっとおちたきがする。
I feel like my physical stamina has dropped sharply from overworking.
FigurativeShows a drastic drop in health or bodily strength.
強い風で、窓ががたっと鳴った。
つよいかぜで、まどががたっとなった。
The strong wind made the window rattle loudly.
LiteralUsed for the sound of objects shaking or clunking forcefully.
チームの集中力ががたっと崩れた。
チームのしゅうちゅうりょくががたっとくずれた。
The team's concentration collapsed suddenly.
FigurativeThe verb 崩れる (collapse) is often paired with gatatto to describe the breaking of a stable state.
Similar Words
かたっと
katatto
A lighter, smaller-scale version. Used only for the sound of lighter objects.
どすっと
dosutto
A dull thud. Not used for describing drops in numbers or performance.
Questions
Can I use 'gatatto' for a good thing, like prices dropping?
While technically possible if the drop is massive, it still carries a slightly jarring tone. It is overwhelmingly used for negative things like losing strength or sales.
What is the difference between 'gatatto' and 'katatto'?
'Gatatto' (with a voiced 'g') feels heavier and more impactful than 'katatto' (with an unvoiced 'k').
Is this a formal word?
It is casual but very common in everyday speech and business conversations to emphasize a sharp decline.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2179810
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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