Entry
かたっと
katatto
A sudden, single clunking or clacking sound made by a light, hard object shifting or falling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Represents a single, abrupt sound produced when a relatively lightweight, hard object drops, shifts, or locks into place. It emphasizes a discrete, instantaneous action rather than a continuous noise.
- single clunk
- latching sound
Sense Map
Light Impact
The sound of a light, hard object suddenly falling, shifting, or hitting a surface.
かたっと落ちる
Latching & Shutting
The crisp sound of a door, window, or mechanism snapping shut or locking.
かたっと閉まる
Usage Note
How to Use
かたっと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs of motion or impact, such as dropping or closing.
かたっと音がする
Used to describe the occurrence of the clunking sound itself.
かたっと鳴る
Used when an object emits a single clunk or clack.
How to Use
Common Phrases
かたっと閉まる
shut with a clack
かたっと落ちる
fall with a clunk
かたっと音がする
make a clunking sound
かたっと動く
shift with a clunk
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A door or window shutting | neutral | Describes the crisp sound of the latch engaging. |
| An object falling off a desk | neutral | Suggests the object is small and hard, like a pen or a light cup. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がたっと がたっと / similar | When the object is heavier or the impact is stronger. | かたっと is for lighter, smaller objects. | がたっと崩れる |
かたかた かたかた / similar | When the sound is continuous or repetitive rattling. | かたっと is a single, momentary sound. | カタカタ鳴る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for continuous rattling or shaking.
Use カタカタ instead; かたっと is for a single, abrupt sound.
Using it for the sound of very heavy objects falling.
Use がたっと for heavy, forceful impacts.
Examples
Examples
風で窓がかたっと閉まった。
風(かぜ)で窓(まど)が[かたっと]閉(し)まった。
The window blew shut with a clack in the wind.
LiteralIndicates the crisp sound of the window frames hitting together.
机の上のペンがかたっと落ちた。
机(つくえ)の上(うえ)のペンが[かたっと]落(お)ちた。
The pen on the desk fell with a clunk.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a light but hard object hitting the floor.
鍵がかたっと音を立てて開いた。
鍵(かぎ)が[かたっと]音(おと)を立(た)てて開(あ)いた。
The lock clicked open with a clack.
LiteralDescribes the internal locking mechanism shifting into place.
椅子がかたっと動いて、彼は立ち上がった。
椅子(いす)が[かたっと]動(うご)いて、彼(かれ)は立(た)ち上(あ)がった。
The chair shifted with a clunk, and he stood up.
LiteralA single sound as the wooden chair leg shifts against the floor.
箱を置くと、中身がかたっと鳴った。
箱(はこ)を置(お)くと、中身(なかみ)が[かたっと]鳴(な)った。
When I put the box down, the contents made a clunking sound.
LiteralShows that the contents are light, hard, and shifted once.
Similar Words
がたっと
gatatto
A word that describes a heavy clunking sound or a sudden, drastic drop in state. Heavier, stronger, and louder than かたっと.
カタカタ
katakata
A light, dry clattering or rattling sound made by small, hard objects. Indicates a repeated rattling, unlike the single sound of かたっと.
ことん
koton
The light, slightly hard, and blunt sound of a small or lightweight object making an impact.
ガタゴト
gatagoto
ガタゴト describes a heavy, continuous rattling or clattering sound, typically made by large vehicles moving over uneven surfaces or heavy objects knocking together.
Questions
What is the difference between かたっと and がたっと?
かたっと is used for lighter objects or softer impacts, while がたっと describes heavier objects and louder, more forceful sounds.
Can I use かたっと for a continuous rattling sound?
No, かたっと describes a single, discrete sound. For continuous rattling, use カタカタ.
What kind of objects make a かたっと sound?
Lightweight, hard objects like small boxes, light doors, latches, or wooden chairs typically make this sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2750050
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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