Entry
コトリ
kotori
コトリ represents a quiet, crisp, and light sound, such as a small object making contact with a surface or a delicate tap.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to describe a soft tap, a gentle clinking, or a subtle clicking sound. It implies that the sound is not loud, often suggesting a careful action or an object of small size and weight.
- putting down softly
- light tap
- subtle click
Sense Map
Putting something down
A soft sound made when a cup, glass, or small object is placed on a table.
グラスをコトリと置く。
Light tap
A soft footstep or a light tapping sound on a hard surface.
コトリと足音がする。
Clicking sound
A quiet sound when a small mechanism moves or locks, like a switch or a key.
鍵がコトリと開く。
Usage Note
How to Use
コトリと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action produces a light tapping sound.
コトリと音がする
A standard phrase to express that a subtle click or soft tap is heard.
コトリと鳴る
How to Use
Common Phrases
コトリと置く
to put down with a soft click
コトリと音がする
a light click/tap is heard
コトリと落ちる
to fall with a light sound
コトリと鳴る
to make a clicking sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Setting objects down | neutral | Demonstrates politeness, calmness, or care as it does not create a disruptive noise. |
| Sounds at night | neutral | Can create a sense of mystery or mild surprise in a quiet room because the sound is small but audible. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かちっと かちっと / similar | For a sharper, firmer mechanical switch or locking sound. | カチッと focuses more on a mechanism locking into place firmly, while コトリ is softer. | スイッチをカチッと押す。 |
ぱたり ぱたり / similar | For a light closing sound, such as a book or small door, rather than a hard impact. | パタリ gives the impression of a flat surface falling or closing, whereas コトリ is a smaller, harder point of impact. | 本がパタリと閉まる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy or large items.
コトリ is only suitable for small, light objects. For heavy ones, use ドスン or ガタン.
Using it for a loud knock on a door.
Use トントン or ドンドン for knocking on a door; コトリ is too subtle.
Examples
Examples
テーブルの上にティーカップをコトリと置いた。
テーブルのうえにティーカップをコトリとおいた。
They placed the teacup on the table with a soft clink.
LiteralExplains the soft sound of setting a small object down.
鍵穴に鍵を差し込むと、コトリと音がして扉が開いた。
かぎあなにかぎをさしこむと、コトリとおとがしてとびらがあいた。
Inserting the key into the keyhole, there was a click and the door opened.
LiteralShows the quiet mechanical sound of a lock tumbling.
本棚から小さな辞書がコトリと落ちた。
ほんだなからちいさなじしょがコトリとおちた。
A small dictionary fell from the bookshelf with a light tap.
LiteralHighlights the light impact sound of a small, hard object falling.
夜中、誰もいないはずの廊下でコトリと足音がした。
よなか、だれもいないはずのろうかでコトリとあしおとがした。
In the middle of the night, there was a soft footstep in the hallway that was supposed to be empty.
LiteralEvokes a subtle, faint noise breaking the silence.
ラジオのダイヤルを回すと、コトリと止まった。
ラジオのダイヤルをまわすと、コトリととまった。
Turning the radio dial, it stopped with a soft click.
LiteralRefers to the subtle audible click of a mechanical dial.
Similar Words
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner. For a firmer, more distinct mechanical switch sound.
パタリ
patari
Describes the light sound of a flat object closing or something stopping abruptly. For the light sound of a flat object closing or falling.
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.
Questions
Is コトリ the same as 'small bird'?
Pronunciation-wise, it is identical to 小鳥 (small bird), but as an onomatopoeia, コトリ means a light tapping sound.
Can I use コトリ for knocking on a door?
Usually not. For a door, トントン (tonton) is more natural. コトリ is better for mechanisms or dropping small items.
What's the difference between コトリ and カチッと?
Both are similar for switches, but カチッと feels sharper and firmer, whereas コトリ is softer and quieter.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2863922
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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