Entry
カチン
kachin
'Kachin' (カチン) is a Japanese expression for a sharp, sudden feeling of annoyance or offense.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
'Kachin' describes a sharp, instantaneous emotional reaction to something perceived as annoying or offensive. It often signifies a brief, sharp pang of irritation or a feeling of being 'pricked' or hurt by words or actions, rather than sustained anger.
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Sense Map
Sharp Annoyance
A sudden feeling of irritation or displeasure caused by something perceived as rude or inconsiderate.
His careless comment provoked a sharp pang of irritation in me.
Feeling Offended
Describes the sensation of being emotionally 'pricked' or hurt by someone's words or actions.
Her dismissive tone was quite offensive.
Usage Note
How to Use
カチンとくる (kachin to kuru)
To suddenly feel annoyed, offended, or irritated.
カチンとした + noun
Describes something (like an expression or atmosphere) that shows or triggers a feeling of annoyance or offense.
カチンとさせる (kachin to saseru)
To act or speak in a way that causes someone else to feel annoyed or offended.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カチンとくる
To suddenly feel annoyed or offended.
カチンとした表情
An annoyed or displeased facial expression.
カチンとさせる
To make someone feel annoyed or offended.
カチンと来た
Felt annoyed or offended (past tense).
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Responding to remarks | negative | Indicates that the speaker felt offended or annoyed by the words, a sharp emotional reaction. |
| Social interactions | neutral/negative | Can describe mild discomfort or irritation due to minor slights or social missteps. |
| Personal feelings | neutral | Refers to a sharp, sudden feeling of annoyance or offense, often triggered by something perceived as unfair or inconsiderate. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
むかっ むかっ / similar | When experiencing sudden anger or a stronger sense of nausea/disgust than mere annoyance. | 'Kachin' is for a sharp, sudden pang of offense or irritation. ムカッ can imply more intense anger or a queasy, sickening feeling. | I felt a slight annoyance ('kachin') when my phone rang loudly, but seeing the blatant injustice made me feel sick ('muka-muka'). |
かちり かちり / similar | When describing a soft, precise 'click' or 'clink' sound. | 'Kachin' is predominantly used for emotions; its use for sound is rare and usually implies a sharper sound than 'kachiri'. | The lock turned with a soft 'kachiri' (click). That cold remark made my heart feel 'kachin' (offended). |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'kachin' for intense anger.
'Kachin' is best for sharp, sudden annoyance or offense. For stronger anger, use words like 'ikari' (怒り) or 'muka-muka' (ムカムカ).
Assuming 'kachin' only refers to sound because of some glosses.
The emotional meaning of annoyance or offense is the primary and much more common usage of 'kachin'. Treat sound as a secondary, rarer meaning.
Examples
Examples
友達の無神経な言葉にカチンときた。
ともだちの むしんけいな ことばに カチンときた。
My friend's insensitive remark made me feel annoyed.
FigurativeDescribes a sharp emotional reaction.
その言い方には、少しカチンとくるものがあった。
その いいかたには、すこし カチンとくるものが あった。
That phrasing struck me as a bit irritating.
FigurativeIndicates discomfort due to word choice.
彼の無神経な言葉にカチンときた。
かれの むしんけいな ことばに カチンときた。
His insensitive words made me feel annoyed.
FigurativeEmotional reaction to words.
その表現は少しカチンとくるものがあった。
その ひょうげんは すこし カチンとくるものが あった。
That expression felt a bit irritating.
FigurativeFeeling of discomfort from an expression.
鍵がカチンと閉まった。
かぎが カチンと しまった。
The key closed with a 'kachin' sound.
LiteralDescribes a sharp clicking or clinking sound.
Similar Words
ムカッ
muka
Stronger than kachin, can imply nausea or intense anger.
ムカムカ
mukamuka
ムカムカ is an onomatopoeia for a physical sensation of nausea in the stomach or a psychological feeling of welling anger.
かちり
kachiri
Kachiri describes a single, clear clicking sound, such as a lock engaging, a switch being flipped, or hard objects touching once. Soft click sound, contrasts with kachin's emotional meaning.
カランコロン
karankoron
The clear, hollow sound of wooden clogs (geta), an old-fashioned shop doorbell, or ice clinking in a glass.
ジーンと
jiinto
Describes a profound emotional resonance that touches the heart deeply, or a physical sensation of lingering numbness and stinging pain.
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner.
かちゃり
kachari
A single, light clicking or clinking sound of hard or metallic objects touching.
Questions
What is the main meaning of 'kachin' (カチン)?
The primary meaning of 'kachin' is a sharp, sudden feeling of annoyance or offense, often triggered by the words or actions of someone else.
'Kachin' can refer to a sound?
Yes, 'kachin' can sometimes refer to a sharp 'clink' or 'clack' sound, but this usage is much rarer than its emotional meaning.
How does 'kachin' differ from 'muka-muka' (ムカムカ) or 'muka' (ムカッ)?
'Kachin' is for a sharp, sudden annoyance or offense. ムカムカ or ムカッ can imply stronger anger or a feeling of nausea/disgust.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1002860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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