Entry
かちゃり
kachari
A single, light clicking or clinking sound of hard or metallic objects touching.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that represents a single, brief, and clear metallic or hard sound. It is often used to describe the sound of a door latch clicking into place, keys lightly clinking once, or a small hard object being set down.
- Click of a lock or latch
- Single clink of small metal objects
Sense Map
Locks and Latches
The single, short clicking sound of a door latch engaging or a lock being opened and closed.
ドアがかちゃりと閉まった。
Small Metal Objects
The brief clink made when placing down small metallic or hard objects like keys or cups.
テーブルに鍵をかちゃりと置いた。
Usage Note
How to Use
かちゃりと + verb (e.g., 閉まる, 鳴る)
Acts as an adverb modifying an action that produces a single click, commonly paired with verbs like 'to close' or 'to sound'.
かちゃり + verb
A slightly more casual adverbial form without the 'to' particle, meaning the exact same thing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
かちゃりと閉まる
closes with a click
かちゃりと開く
opens with a click
かちゃりと鳴る
makes a clicking sound
かちゃりと置く
to put down with a clink
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Locking a door or fastening a latch. | neutral / secure | Conveys that something is safely secured or mechanically engaged. |
| Placing a small object like a cup or key. | neutral | Describes a brief physical contact without a loud, disturbing noise. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かちゃかちゃ かちゃかちゃ / similar | Used when the hard or metallic sound is repeated continuously, such as typing on a keyboard or rattling keys. | Kachari is a single, momentary sound, whereas this term refers to a prolonged rattling or clattering. | キーボードをカチャカチャ打つ |
かちっと かちっと / similar | Used when something snaps or locks firmly and tightly into its proper place. | This term focuses more on the physical sensation of something locking securely, while kachari is slightly more focused on the metallic clink itself. | カチッと閉まる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a loud, heavy metallic crash.
Use this word only for small, light sounds. For a heavy crash, use a different expression.
Using it for continuous noises like fast typing.
Use a repeated form for continuous clattering.
Examples
Examples
ドアが風でかちゃりと閉まった。
ドアがかぜでかちゃりとしまった。
The door clicked shut in the wind.
LiteralShows the single mechanical sound of the door latch falling into place.
テーブルに鍵をかちゃりと置いた。
テーブルにかぎをかちゃりとおいた。
I set the keys down on the table with a light clink.
LiteralDescribes the quiet sound of metal touching a hard surface once.
金庫のダイヤルがかちゃりと鳴った。
きんこのダイヤルがかちゃりとなった。
The safe's dial made a single clicking sound.
LiteralShows a single mechanical sound indicating a mechanism settling into position.
ティーカップをソーサーにかちゃりと置く。
ティーカップをソーサーにかちゃりとおく。
Placing the teacup on the saucer with a light clink.
LiteralCan be used for hard non-metal items like ceramics, as long as the sound is short and light.
自転車の鍵をかちゃりと開けた。
じてんしゃのかぎをかちゃりとあけた。
I unlocked the bicycle lock with a click.
LiteralA common context for unlocking, highlighting the release mechanism.
Similar Words
カチャカチャ
kachakacha
The light, repeated clinking or clicking sound of small, hard objects like keys, dishes, or a keyboard. Used for continuous clicking or clinking sounds.
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner. Emphasizes something locking securely and tightly into place.
Questions
What is the difference between kachari and kachakacha?
Kachari describes a single click or clink (happening once), while kachakacha describes the same sound happening continuously, like a rattle.
Can I use kachari for a heavy metal door slamming?
No, kachari implies a light, small sound. A heavy metal door closing would be better described by a heavier sound expression.
Is kachari used for digital sounds?
Typically not. It is mostly reserved for physical, mechanical clicks of hard objects rather than electronic beeps.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2085920
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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