Entry
カシャリ
kashari
カシャリ depicts a single, crisp clicking sound, typically of a camera shutter or a small mechanical part.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia (giongo) is most frequently used to describe the sound of a camera shutter releasing when taking a photograph. It can also describe the sharp, precise sound of small metal or mechanical components snapping into place. Unlike repetitive noises, it emphasizes a single, firm click.
- camera shutter sound
- single mechanical click
Sense Map
Camera
The sound of a camera shutter snapping.
カメラのシャッターをカシャリと切る。
Mechanism
The clicking sound of mechanical parts locking or operating.
鍵がカシャリと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
カシャリと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action that produces a click (e.g., sounding, opening, closing).
カシャリという + noun
Describes a noun (such as 'sound' or 'noise') that makes a clicking noise.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カシャリと鳴る
to make a click
カシャリと音がする
a clicking sound is heard
シャッターをカシャリと切る
to release the shutter with a click
カシャリと閉まる
to close with a click
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Camera shutter | neutral | The standard depiction for the precise moment a photo is taken. |
| Locks or switches | neutral | Implies the precision of a part snapping securely into its proper place. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かしゃっ かしゃっ / similar | Used when the click is faster, sharper, and ends abruptly without lingering. | Unlike カシャリ, which has a slight resonance at the end. | かしゃっと写真を撮る。 |
かちり かちり / nearby | More often used for solid mechanical sounds, like metal gears or heavy locks engaging. | Different from カシャリ which is lighter and more strictly associated with camera clicks. | かちりと鍵をかける。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using カシャリ for the continuous clicking of a computer mouse.
Use a repetitive word like カチカチ (kachikachi) for a mouse; カシャリ focuses on a single mechanical or camera click.
Using it to describe a heavy object falling with a loud thud.
カシャリ is strictly for light metal or small mechanical sounds, not for heavy impacts.
Examples
Examples
カメラのシャッターをカシャリと切って、記念撮影をした。
カメラのシャッターをカシャリときって、きねんさつえいをした。
I pressed the camera shutter with a click and took a commemorative photo.
LiteralThe most common usage, describing the sound of a camera shutter.
鍵がカシャリと鳴って、ドアが開いた。
かぎがカシャリとなって、ドアがあいた。
The lock made a click, and the door opened.
LiteralShows the sound of a metallic mechanical part unlocking.
スイッチをカシャリと押すと、機械が動き出した。
スイッチをカシャリとおすと、きかいがうごきだした。
When I pressed the switch with a click, the machine started moving.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a physical switch being toggled.
部品がカシャリとはまって、完成した。
ぶひんがカシャリとはまって、かんせいした。
The parts snapped into place with a click, and it was complete.
LiteralImplies the sound of small parts locking firmly into place.
スマホからカシャリという音が聞こえた。
スマホからカシャリというおとがきこえた。
I heard a clicking sound from the smartphone.
LiteralCan also be used for the artificial sound effect of digital cameras.
Similar Words
かしゃっ
kasha
A sharp, mechanical clicking sound, such as a camera shutter snapping or a lock engaging. A shorter and more abrupt click.
かちり
kachiri
Kachiri describes a single, clear clicking sound, such as a lock engaging, a switch being flipped, or hard objects touching once. A more solid metallic or gear clicking sound, like a lock.
カチャッ
kacha
Represents a light, sharp, and short clicking sound made by small metal or plastic objects.
Questions
Can I use カシャリ for smartphone cameras?
Yes, even though smartphones lack true mechanical shutters, the artificial sound effect is still broadly described as カシャリ.
What is the difference between カシャリ and カシャッ?
They are very similar, but カシャッ (with a small 'tsu') sounds more abrupt and cut-off, while カシャリ allows a tiny bit more resonance at the end.
Is this word exclusively used for cameras?
No. While closely tied to camera lenses and shutters, it is perfectly natural for light metal or mechanical noises, like a padlock snapping shut.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2778510
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ごくっ (goku)
- Next entry
- ビリッと (biritto)