Entry
カランカラン
karankaran
The light, resonant clinking or ringing sound of hard objects like metal or glass striking each other.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word imitating the clear, light sound produced when hard objects collide, such as ice cubes clinking in a glass, a small handbell ringing, or an empty can rolling on a hard surface.
- Light metallic or glass clinking
Sense Map
Glass or Metal Clinking
Describes the light, resonant sound of small glass (like ice in a drink) or metal items touching.
グラスの氷がカランカランと鳴る
Ringing of a Small Bell
Describes the bright ringing of a small bell, such as a handbell or a vintage cafe door bell.
ドアのベルがカランカランと鳴る
Rolling/Dropping Sound
Describes the clanking sound of a hollow metal object (like an empty can) hitting or rolling on a hard surface.
空き缶がカランカランと転がる
Usage Note
How to Use
カランカランと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like falling or rolling) produces a clinking sound.
カランカランと鳴る
The most common phrasing, meaning 'to sound with a clink/ring'.
カランカランと音がする
Used to express that a clinking or clanking sound is heard.
How to Use
Common Phrases
氷がカランカランと鳴る
ice clinking
カランカランと鐘を鳴らす
to ring a bell (with a clank)
空き缶がカランカランと転がる
an empty can rolling with a clatter
カランカランと音がする
a clinking sound is heard
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks in a cafe | positive | Ice clinking in a glass evokes a refreshing, relaxed atmosphere. |
| Ringing a handbell | neutral | Often associated with shop lotteries or announcements where a brass bell is shaken vigorously. |
| A rolling can | neutral | A classic trope in anime/manga where the lonely sound of a can rolling on the asphalt emphasizes quiet or emptiness. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
からんころん からんころん / similar | Used for a rhythmic, echoing double sound, most notably the clip-clop of wooden geta sandals. | Focuses on a two-tone rhythm (high-low) and wooden resonance, whereas カランカラン is typically single or continuous clinking of metal/glass. | 下駄の音がカランコロンと響く |
がちゃん がちゃん / similar | Used for a heavier, louder, or more forceful metallic crash, slam, or clank. | Implies impact, shutting forcefully, or breaking, whereas カランカラン is light and harmless. | ドアをガチャンと閉める |
かちゃかちゃ かちゃかちゃ / similar | Used for the sound of small hard items clicking together repeatedly, like keys, a spoon in a teacup, or typing on a keyboard. | Lacks the lingering resonance of カランカラン; it is more of a dry, repetitive clicking. | キーボードをカチャカチャと叩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using カランカラン for a heavy car crash.
This word is only for light objects (glass, small metal). For heavy crashes, use ガシャン (gashan) or ドン (don).
Using it for dropping a book.
It only applies to hard, resonant materials like metal, glass, or ceramic.
Examples
Examples
冷たい麦茶のグラスの中で、氷がカランカランと鳴った。
つめたいむぎちゃのグラスのなかで、こおりがカランカランとなった。
The ice clinked inside the glass of cold barley tea.
VisualEvokes a refreshing summer atmosphere.
喫茶店のドアを開けると、カランカランとベルの音が響いた。
きっさてんのドアをあけると、カランカランとベルのおとがひびいた。
When I opened the cafe door, the sound of the bell rang out.
VisualA common scene at a classic shop or cafe.
落とした鍵がコンクリートの床に当たり、カランカランと音を立てた。
おとしたかぎがコンクリートのゆかにあたり、カランカランとおとをたてた。
The dropped keys hit the concrete floor and made a clattering sound.
LiteralThe sound of a small metal object falling on a hard surface.
誰もいない夜道で、空き缶がカランカランと転がっていく。
だれもいないよみちで、あきかんがカランカランところがっていく。
On an empty night street, a hollow can rolled by with a clatter.
LiteralThis sound is often used to emphasize a sense of loneliness or quiet.
福引で大当たりが出て、店員がカランカランと鐘を鳴らした。
ふくびきでおおあたりがでて、てんいんがカランカランとかねをならした。
Someone won the jackpot in the lottery, and the shop clerk rang the bell with a clang.
LiteralA tradition in Japan to celebrate lottery winners in shops.
Similar Words
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. Used for a double-tone rhythm like geta sandals.
ガチャン
gachan
A sound word describing a loud, sharp impact such as a door slamming shut or a dish breaking. A heavier metal slam or crash.
カチャカチャ
kachakacha
The light, repeated clinking or clicking sound of small, hard objects like keys, dishes, or a keyboard. Small, dry, repetitive clicking sounds.
Questions
Can I use カランカラン for stirring coffee?
You can, but if the spoon is making small repetitive clicks against the cup, カチャカチャ is often more natural.
What is the difference between カランカラン and ガランガラン?
Changing the 'ka' to a voiced 'ga' (ガランガラン) makes the sound much larger, heavier, or more obnoxious, like a giant temple bell or heavy scrap metal.
Is this word used for footsteps?
No. The clip-clop of wooden sandals is specifically カランコロン.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2516260
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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