Entry
キャンキャン
kyankyan
The high-pitched yapping of a small dog, or the sound of someone nagging loudly and persistently.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This phonomime describes a high-pitched, sharp sound. It is primarily used to represent the yapping, barking, or yelping of small dogs and puppies. Figuratively, it is used to describe a person who is constantly nagging, complaining, or snapping at others in a shrill and annoying manner.
- A small dog yapping or yelping.
- A person persistently complaining or nagging in a high-pitched voice.
Sense Map
Animal Sounds
The high-pitched barking, yapping, or yelping of a puppy or a small breed of dog.
子犬がキャンキャン鳴く。
Nagging
The act of a person constantly complaining, scolding, or fussing in an irritating, high-pitched voice.
キャンキャン文句を言う。
Usage Note
How to Use
キャンキャン（と）吠える
キャンキャン鳴く
キャンキャン言う
How to Use
Common Phrases
キャンキャン吠える
to bark with a high pitch (yap)
キャンキャン鳴く
to cry out or yelp in a high pitch
キャンキャン言う
to complain persistently; to nag
キャンキャン騒ぐ
to make a high-pitched fuss
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small dogs | neutral | Simply describes the natural, high-pitched vocalization of a small breed or puppy. |
| Humans | negative | Implies the person is being overly talkative, fussy, or nagging in an unpleasant way. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
わんわん わんわん / nearby | To describe the standard bark of any dog, particularly medium or large dogs. | It is not limited to the high-pitched yapping of small dogs like キャンキャン is. | 犬がワンワン吠える。 |
ぎゃーぎゃー ぎゃーぎゃー / nearby | To describe loud, harsh human screaming or a chaotic, noisy argument. | キャンキャン implies shrill nagging, whereas ギャーギャー implies much louder, harsher, and more aggressive screaming. | ギャーギャー騒ぐ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a large dog's bark.
Use ワンワン (wanwan) for large dogs. キャンキャン is specifically for small dogs or puppies.
Using it as a compliment for a lively person.
When used for humans, it means they are annoying, nagging, or complaining. Do not use it as a compliment.
Examples
Examples
子犬がキャンキャン鳴いている。
こいぬがキャンキャンないている。
The puppy is yapping.
LiteralDescribes the natural sound of a puppy.
小型犬が知らない人に向かってキャンキャン吠えた。
こがたけんがしらないひとにむかってキャンキャンほえた。
The small dog yapped at the stranger.
LiteralOften used for small dogs on alert.
彼女はいつもキャンキャン文句を言う。
かのじょはいつもキャンキャンもんくをいう。
She is always nagging in a high-pitched voice.
FigurativeImplies that her complaints are noisy and irritating.
ちょっと注意しただけで、そんなにキャンキャン怒らないで。
ちょっとちゅういしただけで、そんなにキャンキャンおこらないで。
Don't snap at me so loudly just for a little warning.
FigurativeDescribes a noisy and somewhat childish angry reaction.
しっぽを踏まれて、犬がキャンキャン鳴いた。
しっぽをふまれて、いぬがキャンキャンないた。
The dog yelped when its tail was stepped on.
LiteralCan also mean a high-pitched yelp of surprise or pain.
Similar Words
ギャーギャー
gyāgyā
A louder and harsher screaming noise compared to キャンキャン.
Questions
Can I use キャンキャン for a large dog?
No. For normal or large dogs, use ワンワン (wanwan). キャンキャン gives the impression of a small, shrill sound.
Is it rude to use this word for a person's voice?
Yes. Describing someone's speech as キャンキャン implies they are nagging, noisy, and annoying to listen to.
What is the difference between キャンキャン and ギャンギャン?
ギャンギャン (gyangyan) is a harsher, louder, and more aggressive version of the same sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2107460
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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