Entry
かしゃかしゃ
kashakasha
Kashakasha describes the light, continuous clicking or clattering sound of hard, thin objects rubbing or knocking together.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents a dry, rapid clicking or clattering sound. It is typically used for hard plastic, thin metal pieces, keys, computer keyboards, or small mechanical parts moving and knocking against each other repeatedly.
- Light clicking sound
- Rigid mechanical movement
Sense Map
Clicking & Clattering Sound
The continuous, light clattering sound made by thin, hard objects colliding.
鍵の束をかしゃかしゃと鳴らす。
Mechanical Movement
The act of moving mechanically or rigidly, often accompanied by a light clicking noise.
おもちゃがかしゃかしゃ動く。
Usage Note
How to Use
かしゃかしゃと + verb
Acts as an adverb to describe how an action is performed, such as typing or shaking something.
かしゃかしゃ + verb
かしゃかしゃ鳴る
A common combination meaning 'to make a clicking/clattering sound'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
かしゃかしゃ鳴る
to click / to clatter
かしゃかしゃ音を立てる
to make a clicking/clattering sound
かしゃかしゃ動く
to move mechanically (with a clicking sound)
かしゃかしゃ振る
to shake (making a clattering sound)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small hard objects colliding | neutral | Used when keys, pens, or thin metal pieces rattle together in a pocket or bag. |
| Typing or mechanical movement | neutral | Describes the rapid clicking of a keyboard or the rigid, noisy movement of a wind-up toy. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かちかち かちかち / similar | For a solid, rhythmic clicking or ticking sound, like a clock or hard objects striking distinctly. | Kashakasha feels lighter, more continuous, and often involves multiple thin pieces. | 時計がカチカチと鳴る。 |
かたこと かたこと / similar | For a slightly heavier clattering sound, often from larger or wooden objects like a loom. | Kashakasha is lighter, metallic or plastic, and more rapid. | 機織り機がかたことと音を立てる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for wet, squishy sounds.
Kashakasha is exclusively for dry, hard objects.
Using it for heavy crashes or explosions.
It only applies to light, relatively small objects colliding.
Examples
Examples
おもちゃのロボットが、かしゃかしゃと音を立てて歩いている。
おもちゃのロボットが、かしゃかしゃとおとをたててあるいている。
The toy robot is walking while making a clickety-clack sound.
LiteralShows the sound of small mechanical parts moving.
鍵の束をかしゃかしゃと鳴らしながら歩く。
かぎのたばをかしゃかしゃとならしながらあるく。
Walking while rattling a bunch of keys with a clinking sound.
LiteralA common example of small metal objects colliding.
パソコンのキーボードをかしゃかしゃと叩く。
パソコンのキーボードをかしゃかしゃとたたく。
Typing on a computer keyboard with a continuous clicking sound.
LiteralUsed for the sound of plastic keys being pressed repeatedly.
ブリキのおもちゃがかしゃかしゃ動く。
ブリキのおもちゃがかしゃかしゃうごく。
The tin toy moves mechanically with a clattering noise.
LiteralDescribes the rigid movement of thin sounding metal.
カバンの中でペンがかしゃかしゃと鳴っている。
カバンのなかでペンがかしゃかしゃとなっている。
The pens in the bag are clattering against each other.
LiteralDescribes the sound of small plastic items colliding.
Similar Words
かたこと
katakoto
Katakoto is slightly heavier, often from wooden objects.
かしゃっ
kasha
A sharp, mechanical clicking sound, such as a camera shutter snapping or a lock engaging.
かちかち
kachikachi
A state of something hardening, being stiff from nervousness, or the continuous ticking sound of a clock. Kachikachi is a firmer, rhythmic clicking.
Questions
Can かしゃかしゃ be used for a loud explosion?
No, it is strictly used for the light, dry sound of hard objects rubbing or knocking together.
Is this word used for splashing water?
No, it is only for dry objects. Wet sounds require different words like ぐちゃぐちゃ.
What is the difference between かしゃかしゃ and カチカチ?
Both describe hard objects, but かしゃかしゃ implies a faster, lighter, and continuous clattering, whereas カチカチ is a firmer, rhythmic clicking.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2523830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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