Entry
からから
karakara
A bone-dry state with no moisture left, a container whose contents are gone, a light rattle from hard objects, or a loud unrestrained laugh.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word covers a few closely related uses. First, a throat, soil, or laundry that has lost water until it is bone-dry. Second, a bottle or other container with nothing left inside. Third, a light sound from hard objects knocking in an empty space. Fourth, a loud, cheerful, unrestrained laugh.
- A throat, soil, or object that is bone-dry.
- A container with nothing left inside.
- A light rattling sound from hard objects.
- A loud, cheerful, unrestrained laugh.
Sense Map
Parched and Dry
Used when a throat, soil, or laundry has lost water until it is completely dry.
のどがからからだ。
Empty Container
Used when a bottle, cup, or other container has nothing left inside.
水筒の中はからからだ。
Light Rattle
Used for a light sound from hard objects knocking in a space that is already empty.
箱がからからと鳴る。
Hearty Laughter
Used for a loud, cheerful laugh that is not held back.
からからと笑う。
Usage Note
How to Use
からからに + verb
Marks the process or result of becoming completely dry, such as a parched throat or dried-out soil.
からからの + noun
Modifies a noun, usually something already bone-dry or a container that is empty.
からからだ
からからと + verb
Mimics a light rattling sound or marks a loud, unrestrained way of laughing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のどがからからだ
the throat is bone-dry
からからに乾く
to dry out completely
からからと笑う
to laugh loudly and freely
からからと鳴る
to rattle lightly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical dryness | Neutral | Very common for a thirsty throat, drought-dry soil, or laundry that has dried out completely. |
| Laughter | Neutral | Used for a loud, cheerful laugh, often in narrative, not a mocking laugh. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
からり からり / similar | Used for a clean, light dryness: laundry that dries quickly, bright weather, or food fried crisp. | This word is more extreme: a parched throat, bone-dry soil, or a container that is truly empty. It is not a pleasant bright or crisp feeling. | 洗濯物がからりと乾いた。 |
ぱさぱさ ぱさぱさ / similar | Used for a texture that has lost moisture or oil, such as dull hair or stale bread. | This word stresses total dryness or empty contents, not a rough texture in hair or food. | パンがパサパサしている。 |
がらがら がらがら / contrast | Used for a heavier rattling sound, a space empty of people, or a raspy voice. | This word is lighter: a small rattle in an empty container, a lack of liquid, or a laugh. Not an empty train or falling stones. | 電車がガラガラに空いている。 |
げらげら げらげら / similar | Used specifically for a bursting guffaw that is hard to hold back. | This word also covers dryness and empty containers. For laughter, it is loud and cheerful, but it is not only a bursting guffaw. | テレビを見てゲラゲラ笑う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for the sound of a heavy object falling or crashing.
For a heavy impact, choose a word that marks a crash or a thud. This word is only for a light rattle in empty space.
Using this word for an empty heart or an emotional void.
This word refers to a lack of water or of contents in a container, not an empty feeling.
Examples
Examples
暑くてのどがからからだ。
あつくてのどがからからだ。
It is hot, and the throat is bone-dry.
LiteralA throat that has lost moisture until it is bone-dry.
雨が降らず、土がからからに乾いている。
あめがふらず、つちがからからにかわいている。
There has been no rain, and the soil has dried out completely.
LiteralSoil that has lost water until no moisture remains.
水筒の中はからからだ。
すいとうのなかはからからだ。
The water bottle has nothing left inside.
LiteralA container whose contents are gone, not an empty heart.
箱を振ると、中でからからと音がした。
はこをふると、なかでからからとおとがした。
When the box was shaken, a light rattling sound came from inside.
VisualMimics a light sound from hard objects in empty space.
その話を聞いて、からからと笑った。
そのはなしをきいて、からからとわらった。
Hearing that story, there was a loud unrestrained laugh.
FigurativeA loud cheerful laugh, not a mocking laugh.
Similar Words
からり
karari
Used when something is perfectly clear, dry, or crisp, or when a person is frank and cheerful. A lighter, cleaner dryness: laundry, bright weather, or crisp fried food. Not bone-dry or an empty container.
パサパサ
pasapasa
Describes the state of lacking moisture or natural oils, resulting in an unpleasantly dry or coarse texture. A dry texture in hair or food, not total dryness or empty contents.
ガラガラ
garagara
A word describing a loud rattling or clattering sound, or a state where a place is strikingly empty of people. A heavier rattle, a space empty of people, or a raspy voice. Not a light rattle, a lack of liquid, or a laugh.
ゲラゲラ
geragera
It describes roaring with loud, uninhibited laughter. A bursting guffaw. This word also covers dryness and empty containers, not only laughter.
Questions
Can this word be used for thirst?
Yes. The expression for a bone-dry throat is very common when someone is extremely thirsty and needs a drink.
Is this word only for dryness?
No. Dryness is one use. The word also covers empty containers, a light rattling sound, and unrestrained laughter.
How is this word used for laughter?
The to form plus the verb for laughing marks a loud, cheerful laugh that is not held back, often in stories.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003000
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- カツカツ (katsukatsu)
- Next entry
- からっと (karatto)