Entry
かさかさ
kasakasa
かさかさ (kasakasa) is a Japanese onomatopoeia used to describe the light rustling sound of dry objects like leaves or paper, as well as the physical state of being dry and rough, such as dry skin.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main physical uses and one figurative use. First, it mimics the light, dry friction sound made by crisp objects rubbing together, such as stepping on fallen leaves. Second, it describes surfaces that have lost their natural moisture and become rough or flaky, which is very commonly used for winter skin or chapped lips. Figuratively, it can describe a rigid, unfeeling, or dry personality or atmosphere lacking emotional warmth.
- Rustling of dry objects
- Dry and rough texture
- Emotionally dry or rigid
Sense Map
Rustling Sound
Describes the light friction sound of dry objects, such as fallen leaves being stepped on or paper being crumpled.
かさかさと落ち葉を踏んで歩く
Dry Skin or Objects
Indicates a physical state that has lost its moisture and natural oils, feeling rough to the touch, like winter skin or lips.
乾燥して肌がかさかさする
Dry Personality
Used metaphorically to describe an atmosphere, conversation, or personality that lacks warmth, softness, or empathy.
かさかさした人間関係
Usage Note
How to Use
かさかさと + 動詞
かさかさする
Used as a verb to express that something, usually skin, currently feels dry and rough.
かさかさした + 名詞
かさかさに + なる
How to Use
Common Phrases
落ち葉がかさかさと鳴る
leaves rustle
肌がかさかさする
skin is dry and rough
唇がかさかさになる
lips become chapped
かさかさした音
light rustling sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Winter skincare | Negative | Very common when complaining about skin that needs moisturizer. |
| Autumn atmosphere | Neutral | Describes the sound of footsteps on fallen leaves, evoking a poetic autumn image. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がさがさ がさがさ / similar | Use がさがさ for louder, harsher rustling sounds of dry objects, or for surfaces that are extremely rough and unpleasant to touch. | かさかさ is lighter in sound and focuses on a lack of moisture, whereas がさがさ indicates extreme roughness or a much noisier rustling. | がさがさと茂みをかき分ける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using かさかさ for the sound of flowing water.
かさかさ is only for completely dry things like leaves or paper. For water, use words like ぴちゃぴちゃ or ざあざあ.
Using かさかさ for a hard and solid texture like a rock.
かさかさ focuses on surfaces that have lost moisture like skin. For rough stones or concrete, ざらざら is more appropriate.
Examples
Examples
秋の公園を歩くと、足元で落ち葉がかさかさと音を立てた。
あきのこうえんをあるくと、あしもとでおちばがかさかさとおとをたてた。
As I walked through the park in autumn, the fallen leaves rustled under my feet.
Literalかさかさ perfectly captures the dry, light sound of stepping on crisp fallen leaves.
冬は空気が乾燥しているので、手がかさかさになりやすい。
ふゆはくうきがかんそうしているので、てがかさかさになりやすい。
Because the air is dry in winter, my hands easily become rough and dry.
LiteralUsed to describe skin that has lost its moisture and become rough and dry.
唇がかさかさして痛いから、リップクリームを塗ろう。
くちびるがかさかさしていたいから、リップクリームをぬろう。
My lips are chapped and sore, so I will put on some lip balm.
Literalかさかさ is the standard way to describe chapped or severely dry lips.
暗い部屋の隅で、スーパーの袋がかさかさと鳴った。
くらいへやのすみで、スーパーのふくろがかさかさとなった。
In the corner of the dark room, a plastic shopping bag rustled.
LiteralDescribes the light, airy friction sound of thin, dry materials like paper or plastic bags.
毎日仕事ばかりしていると、心がかさかさしてくる。
まいにちしごとばかりしていると、こころがかさかさしてくる。
If you do nothing but work every day, your heart starts to feel emotionally dry and drained.
FigurativeA metaphor showing a lack of emotional moisture or warmth due to overwork and stress.
Similar Words
Questions
Does かさかさ (kasakasa) always have a negative meaning?
Not always. When describing skin or personality, it is usually negative. However, for the sound of leaves in autumn, it is completely neutral or poetic.
What is the difference between かさかさ (kasakasa) and ざらざら (zarazara)?
かさかさ emphasizes the loss of moisture, while ざらざら focuses on an uneven, sandy, or gritty surface, regardless of moisture.
Why is it often written in Katakana?
As an onomatopoeia mimicking a sound, Katakana is standard. Additionally, in skincare ads, Katakana is used because it catches the eye more effectively.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 912918420
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- kotobank.jp/word/かさかさ
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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