Entry
カタカタ
katakata
A light, dry clattering or rattling sound made by small, hard objects.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Katakata represents a continuous, light, and dry rattling or clattering sound. It is commonly used to describe the sound of typing on a keyboard, a sewing machine operating, small hard objects hitting each other, or a loose window rattling lightly in the wind.
- typing or small machinery
- light rattling objects
- teeth chattering
Sense Map
Typing & Machinery
The continuous mechanical sound of typing on a keyboard or running small machinery.
キーボードをカタカタと叩く
Rattling Objects
The sound of light, hard objects vibrating or hitting each other.
窓がカタカタと鳴る
Teeth Chattering
The sound of teeth lightly chattering due to the cold.
歯がカタカタ鳴る
Usage Note
How to Use
カタカタ（と）+ verb
Used with a verb to describe an action that produces a light clattering sound.
カタカタする
Functions as a verb meaning to rattle or to clatter lightly.
カタカタ + noun
Modifies a noun to describe a rattling sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カタカタと鳴る
to rattle lightly
カタカタ音がする
to make a clattering sound
窓がカタカタする
the window rattles
カタカタと打ち込む
to type clatteringly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Typing on a keyboard | neutral | Indicates a steady, productive working rhythm. |
| Wind rattling a window | slightly negative | Can be mildly annoying, but does not indicate severe danger. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がたがた がたがた / contrast | When the rattling is heavy, loud, or violent (e.g., a heavy door or strong earthquake). | Katakata is for light, small sounds; gatagata is for heavy, large sounds. | ドアがガタガタ揺れる |
ことこと ことこと / contrast | When the sound is a gentler, quieter clinking or a soft simmering sound. | Katakata is a dry, repetitive mechanical sound; kotokoto is softer and calmer. | スープをコトコト煮る |
かちかち かちかち / contrast | When the sound is a sharper, distinct clicking or ticking (like a mouse click or clock). | Katakata is a continuous clatter; kachikachi is a sharp, precise click. | 時計がカチカチ鳴る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using katakata for a severe earthquake.
Katakata is only for light, small items. Use gatagata for heavy shaking or strong earthquakes.
Using katakata for a single sharp mouse click.
Use kachikachi for sharp, distinct clicks instead.
Examples
Examples
風で窓がカタカタと鳴っている。
かぜでまどがカタカタとなっている。
The window is rattling lightly in the wind.
LiteralDescribes the light rattling sound of a loose object vibrating.
キーボードをカタカタと叩いて仕事をしている。
キーボードをカタカタとたたいてしごとをしている。
I am working, typing clatteringly on the keyboard.
LiteralOne of the most common uses, referring to the rapid tapping of hard plastic keys.
箱を振ると中でカタカタ音がする。
はこをふるとなかでカタカタおとがする。
When you shake the box, there is a rattling sound inside.
LiteralIndicates the presence of small, hard objects shifting inside the box.
古いミシンがカタカタと音を立てて動く。
ふるいミシンがカタカタとおとをたててうごく。
The old sewing machine operates with a clattering sound.
LiteralDescribes the constant, rhythmic mechanical noise of small machinery.
寒さで歯がカタカタと鳴った。
さむさではがカタカタとなった。
My teeth chattered lightly from the cold.
LiteralWhile gatagata is also common for extreme shivering, katakata focuses purely on the light sound of teeth hitting together.
Similar Words
ガタガタ
gatagata
A word describing a loud rattling sound of hard objects, violent physical shivering, or a state of being shaky and unstable. For much heavier and louder rattling or shaking sounds.
コトコト
kotokoto
コトコト describes the sound of something simmering gently over low heat, or a light rattling and tapping noise. For gentler, softer, and more muted sounds, like a pot lightly simmering.
かちかち
kachikachi
A state of something hardening, being stiff from nervousness, or the continuous ticking sound of a clock. For sharp, distinct clicking or ticking sounds, like a clock or mouse click.
Questions
Can I use katakata for a big earthquake?
No, katakata is only for light objects. Use gatagata for strong earthquakes and heavy rattling.
What is the difference between katakata and kachikachi?
Katakata is a continuous rattling or clattering, while kachikachi is usually a distinct, sharp clicking or ticking sound.
Why is katakata often used for computers?
It perfectly describes the light, repetitive, and dry sound of plastic keys hitting the keyboard while someone is typing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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