Entry
キコキコ
kikokiko
Mimics a rhythmic, repetitive squeaking or creaking sound, typically produced by unlubricated or rusty metal parts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the dry, repetitive friction sound made by metal objects, such as pedaling an old bicycle, swinging on a rusty swing, or a squeaky hinge. It highlights a rhythmic "kiko-kiko" pattern rather than a continuous screech.
- metallic squeaking
- repetitive mechanical creak
Sense Map
Rusty Metal Friction
Describes the squeak of worn or rusty metal parts in motion, like hinges or chains.
錆びたブランコがキコキコ鳴る。
Machinery & Mechanical Tools
The repetitive sound of machinery, pedals, or mechanical tools operating without enough lubrication.
ペダルをキコキコと漕ぐ。
Usage Note
How to Use
キコキコ（と）鳴る
Used to state that something (like a bike or swing) is naturally emitting a squeaking noise.
キコキコ（と）音を立てる
Similar to "鳴る", but emphasizes the generation of the friction noise.
キコキコ（と） + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action that produces the squeak, such as "pedaling" (漕ぐ) or "moving" (動く).
How to Use
Common Phrases
キコキコ鳴る
to squeak
キコキコ音を立てる
to make a squeaking sound
ペダルをキコキコ漕ぐ
to pedal with a squeak
キコキコ動く
to move with a creaking noise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pedaling an old bicycle | neutral | Represents the rhythmic sound of a dry chain or pedal mechanism. |
| Opening an old hinged door | neutral | Indicates the door's hardware is worn or un-oiled. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎこぎこ ぎこぎこ / similar | Used for heavier, harsher friction, like sawing thick wood or a very stiff, rusted mechanism. | キコキコ is a lighter, sharper metal squeak, while ぎこぎこ feels more burdensome and labored. | ぎこぎこと木を切る。 |
きゅるきゅる きゅるきゅる / similar | Used for high-speed friction squeaks, such as rubber engine belts or tires slipping. | キュルキュル is for rubber and belts, whereas キコキコ is for unlubricated metal joints. | ベルトがキュルキュルと鳴る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using キコキコ for a person's squeaky voice.
キコキコ is strictly for the mechanical squeak of inanimate objects, not human or animal voices.
Using キコキコ for squeaky shoes on a gym floor.
Shoe squeaks are usually expressed with キュッキュッ, not キコキコ.
Examples
Examples
古い自転車のペダルをキコキコと漕ぐ。
ふるいじてんしゃのペダルをキコキコとこぐ。
Pedaling an old bicycle with a squeak.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a dry pedal and chain.
公園の錆びたブランコが、風でキコキコ鳴っている。
こうえんのさびたブランコが、かぜでキコキコなっている。
The rusty swing in the park is squeaking in the wind.
LiteralDescribes the metal friction at the swing's joints.
油が切れたドアが、開けるたびにキコキコと音を立てる。
あぶらがきれたドアが、あけるたびにキコキコとおとをたてる。
The unlubricated door makes a squeaking sound every time it opens.
LiteralThe sound of a rusted or dry door hinge.
ロボットのおもちゃが、腕をキコキコ動かして歩く。
ロボットのおもちゃが、うでをキコキコうごかしてあるく。
The toy robot walks, moving its arms with a squeak.
LiteralThe sound of mechanical joints moving in a toy.
機械の部品がキコキコと擦れ合っている。
きかいのぶひんがキコキコとすれあっている。
The machine parts are rubbing together with a squeak.
LiteralDescribes the friction of two hard, unlubricated objects.
Similar Words
ぎこぎこ
gikogiko
A rough, rhythmic squeaking or sawing sound, like a rusty hinge or sawing wood. A heavier, slower, or more laborious friction sound.
キュルキュル
kyurukyuru
A high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound caused by friction, such as a slipping engine belt, tires, or skis on snow. Fast friction sound on rubber or engine belts.
Questions
Does キコキコ mean something is broken?
Not necessarily broken, but it strongly implies it needs oiling or maintenance.
Can I use it for a squeaky wooden floor?
Wooden floors creaking underfoot are usually described with ミシミシ or ギシギシ rather than キコキコ.
What is the difference between キコキコ and ぎこぎこ?
キコキコ is lighter and sharper, like a small hinge or bicycle chain. ぎこぎこ implies a heavier, slower, more difficult friction, like sawing a thick piece of wood.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2838244
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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