Entry
かたり
katari
かたり (katari) or カタン (katan) describes a single, light clattering, clicking, or thunking sound, like a latch engaging or a small object falling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the sound of solid, relatively light objects making brief contact just once. It is commonly used for the sound of a door latch clicking, a lock turning, or a small item gently dropping onto a surface.
- light clicking
- light clattering
Sense Map
Clicking / Latching
Describes the light click of a lock, latch, or hinge moving.
鍵がかたりと開く
Light Impact / Clatter
Describes the sound of a small or light object making a single impact or falling.
物がカタンと落ちる
Usage Note
How to Use
かたりと + verb
Used to describe how an action occurs with a light clicking or clattering sound.
カタンと + verb
Functions similarly, but is often written in katakana to emphasize the mechanical or physical nature of the sound.
かたりと + する
Used to describe the occurrence of the light clicking sound itself.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドアがカタンと鳴る
the door makes a clicking sound
鍵をかたりと閉める
to lock with a click
かたりと開く
to open with a click
カタンと落ちる
to drop with a light clatter
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Objects falling | neutral | Applies only to light items that make a subtle sound. |
| Locking a door | neutral | Suggests the mechanism operates smoothly and lightly. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がちゃがちゃ がちゃがちゃ / similar | Used for loud, persistent, and heavy metallic clanking. | かたり is just a single light click, while ガチャガチャ is noisy, chaotic, and continuous. | ガチャガチャと音を立てる |
かちゃかちゃ かちゃかちゃ / similar | Used for continuous light clicking, like typing on a keyboard or plates clinking. | かたり is a single sound, not an ongoing continuous sound. | キーボードをカチャカチャ打つ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using かたり for heavy objects falling.
Use ガタン (gatan) or ドスン (dosun) to describe heavy impacts.
Using かたり for a continuous rattling noise.
Use カタカタ (katakata) for repeated, ongoing clattering.
Examples
Examples
机から鉛筆がカタンと落ちた。
つくえからえんぴつがカタンとおちた。
A pencil dropped from the desk with a light clatter.
LiteralIndicates a single sound when a light object hits a surface.
静かな部屋で、ドアの鍵がかたりと開く音がした。
しずかなへやで、ドアのかぎがかたりとあくおとがした。
In the quiet room, there was a light click of the door unlocking.
LiteralDescribes the smoothness of a small locking mechanism.
コーヒーカップをソーサーの上にカタンと置いた。
コーヒーカップをソーサーのうえにカタンとおいた。
I set the coffee cup down on the saucer with a light clink.
Literalカタン is often used to emphasize the sound of two inanimate objects touching.
留め具がかたりと所定の位置に収まった。
とめぐがかたりとしょていのいちにおさまった。
The latch snapped into place with a click.
Literalかたり gives an impression of mechanical precision and subtlety.
おもちゃのブロックがカタンと崩れた。
おもちゃのブロックがカタンとくずれた。
The toy block tumbled down with a light clatter.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a light wooden or plastic impact.
Similar Words
ガチャガチャ
gachagacha
A loud metallic clattering sound or a state of being visually cluttered and messy. Loud, continuous metallic clanking.
カチャカチャ
kachakacha
The light, repeated clinking or clicking sound of small, hard objects like keys, dishes, or a keyboard. Continuous light clicking sound.
Questions
What is the difference between かたり (katari) and カタン (katan)?
Both refer to the same type of sound and can often be used interchangeably. カタン sometimes feels slightly more abrupt, solid, or inanimate.
Can I use かたり for footsteps?
No, it's not typical for footsteps. Use コツコツ (kotsukotsu) for hard shoes or タッタッ (tatta) for running.
Does かたり apply to metal sounds?
Yes, if the sound is light and brief, like a small metal latch. For loud or heavy metal clashes, use ガチャン (gachan) instead.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2077980
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- かしゃっ (kasha)
- Next entry
- カチャカチャ (kachakacha)