Entry
パーン
paan
パーン represents a loud, sharp, and sudden explosive sound, such as a gunshot or a balloon popping.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
As a Japanese onomatopoeia (giongo), パーン describes high-pitched, crisp explosive noises. It is commonly used for sounds that occur instantly with a lot of force, such as a balloon bursting, a firework popping, a sharp impact on a surface, or a gunshot.
- sharp explosion
- gunshot
- bursting sound
- crisp impact
Sense Map
Bursting & Popping
The sharp, sudden sound of something bursting due to pressure.
風船がパーンと割れた。
Gunshots & Fireworks
The loud, instantaneous sound of a shot or a small explosion.
ピストルがパーンと鳴る。
Crisp Strikes & Impacts
A sharp, echoing sound when striking a surface.
机をパーンと叩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
パーンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action occurring with a sharp bang or pop.
パーンと音がする
A common phrase meaning 'to make a loud bang' or 'a loud crack is heard'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パーンと割れる
to burst with a pop
パーンと鳴る
to ring out with a bang
パーンと叩く
to strike sharply
パーンと弾ける
to pop open instantly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Balloons and small fireworks | neutral | Describes a high-pitched, clean burst. |
| Striking or hitting | neutral | Implies a forceful, crisp impact on a flat surface that creates an echo. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どかん どかん / opposite | When describing a massive, heavy, low-pitched explosion or thud. | Not for sharp, high-pitched snaps or pops. | ドカンと爆発する |
ぱんぱん ぱんぱん / similar | When describing repeated striking/popping sounds, or something filled to the bursting point. | Not for a single, isolated sharp bang. | パンパンと手を叩く |
ばーん ばーん / similar | When describing a loud slam, a powerful impact, or an explosion that echoes slightly longer. | Not for short, crisp pops like a small balloon. | ドアをバーンと閉める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy, rumbling explosions like thunder.
Use ドカン (dokan) or ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) for heavy, low-pitched rumbles instead of パーン.
Using it for continuous loud sounds.
パーン describes a single, instantaneous sharp noise. For repeated clapping or popping, use パンパン (panpan).
Examples
Examples
膨らませすぎた風船がパーンと割れた。
ふくらませすぎたふうせんがパーンとわれた。
The overinflated balloon popped with a loud bang.
LiteralEmphasizes the sharp pop of the balloon bursting.
静かな森の中に、猟銃の音がパーンと響いた。
しずかなもりのなかに、りょうじゅうのおとがパーンとひびいた。
In the quiet forest, the sound of a hunting rifle echoed with a sharp crack.
LiteralDepicts a sharp gunshot echoing instantly.
テニスのラケットでボールをパーンと打った。
テニスのラケットでボールをパーンとうった。
The tennis ball was hit with the racket with a crisp smack.
LiteralDescribes the crisp, satisfying sound of a racket hitting a ball.
夜空に花火が上がって、パーンと音がした。
よぞらにはなびがあがって、パーンとおとがした。
Fireworks shot up into the night sky, and there was a loud bang.
LiteralIndicates the sudden, sharp explosion sound of fireworks.
パーティーのクラッカーがパーンと弾けて紙吹雪が舞った。
パーティーのクラッカーがパーンとはじけてかみふぶきがまった。
The party cracker burst with a pop, and confetti fluttered down.
LiteralCaptures the crisp bursting sound of a small party cracker.
Similar Words
ドカン
dokan
Dokan represents the loud bang of a massive explosion or a heavy, forceful impact. Used for a heavy, low-pitched boom, opposite to the sharp crack of paan.
パンパン
panpan
パンパン describes a sharp, dry sound like clapping or popping, as well as the state of being stuffed or filled to the point of bursting. Indicates repeated popping or clapping sounds, rather than a single bang.
バーン
baan
This word represents a sudden, loud, and resonating impact or explosive noise. A slightly heavier and more resonant bang or slam than the lighter paan.
Questions
What is the difference between パーン and ドカン?
パーン is a high-pitched, sharp, and instantaneous crack, like a balloon popping. ドカン is a heavy, low-pitched boom, like a bomb exploding or a boulder falling.
Can I use パーン for a door slamming?
You can, but バタン (batan) or バーン (baan) are much more common for a heavy door slamming shut.
Is this word only used for sounds?
Yes, it is primarily a sound word (giongo) for sharp, loud noises.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2857974
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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