Entry
カンカン
kankan
This word describes extreme anger, the fierce heat of the sun, or the sharp clanging sound of striking metal.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
カンカン (kankan) is an onomatopoeia that expresses a state of extreme intensity. It is most commonly used to describe someone who is furiously angry, the relentless and blazing heat of the midsummer sun, or the sharp, resonant clanging of hard objects like metal.
- Furious anger
- Blazing sun or heat
- Repeated metallic clanging
Sense Map
Anger
Describes a state of extreme anger where someone has lost their temper.
父はカンカンに怒っている。
Blazing Heat
Describes the blazing heat of the sun or a red-hot fire.
真夏のカンカン照り。
Metallic Sound
Describes the sharp, clanging sound of metal or a bell.
鐘がカンカンと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
カンカンに + verb
Used as an adverb with the particle 'ni' before verbs like to get angry (怒る) or to heat (熱する).
カンカンだ
Used as a predicate at the end of a sentence to state that someone is absolutely furious.
カンカンと + verb
Used with the particle 'to' to describe a continuous clanging sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カンカンに怒る
to be furiously angry
カンカン照り
blazing sunshine
怒ってカンカンだ
to be absolutely furious
カンカンと鳴る
to ring with a clang
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anger | negative | Suggests a high level of fury where the person might yell or be completely unapproachable. |
| Weather | neutral | Implies scorching summer sun that feels relentless. |
| Sound | neutral | Represents a sharp, clear, and continuous metallic striking sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かっと かっと / similar | Used for a sudden, explosive burst of anger or heat. | Kankan emphasizes a sustained state of high intensity, rather than just a sudden momentary reaction. | カッとなって怒る。 |
からんからん からんからん / similar | Used for a light, echoing clatter or bell (like an ice cube in a glass or a shop doorbell). | Kankan is a hard, sharp, and warning-like clang, such as a railroad crossing or hitting solid iron. | ベルがカランカランと鳴る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'kankan' for slight irritation.
'Kankan' means furious. For slight internal irritation, use 'iraira'.
Using 'kankan' for all types of bright lights.
'Kankan' implies intense, scorching heat. For pretty, sparkling lights, use 'pikapika'.
Examples
Examples
父はカンカンに怒っている。
ちちはカンカンにおこっている。
My father is furiously angry.
FigurativeDescribes a state of intense, explosive anger.
真夏のカンカン照りが続く。
まなつのカンカンでりがつづく。
The blazing midsummer sunshine continues.
VisualRefers to the relentless, scorching heat of the sun.
踏切の警報機がカンカンと鳴っている。
ふみきりのけいほうきがカンカンとなっている。
The railroad crossing alarm is clanging loudly.
LiteralDescribes the continuous, high-pitched metallic sound.
鉄をカンカンに熱する。
てつをカンカンにねっする。
Heating the iron until it is red-hot.
VisualShows intense heat applied to metal, often making it glow.
彼女は約束を破られてカンカンだ。
かのじょはやくそくをやぶられてカンカンだ。
She is absolutely furious because her promise was broken.
FigurativeUsed as a predicate to describe someone in a furious state.
Similar Words
カランカラン
karankaran
A lighter, echoing clatter, like a small bell.
Questions
Can I use kankan if someone is secretly angry?
No, kankan describes visible, explosive, and intense fury.
Can kankan describe hot food?
No, it describes radiating heat like the blazing sun or red-hot iron, not boiling water or hot food.
What is the difference between kankan and iraira?
Iraira is internal frustration or irritation, while kankan is explosive, intense fury.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2018690
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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