Entry
パチッ
pachi
A word describing a short, sharp sound like a snap or crackle, or the sudden action of eyes snapping wide open.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia is used to express a brief, sharp sound such as a light switch clicking, static electricity snapping, or a small spark crackling. Additionally, it is very commonly used to describe the visual action of eyes abruptly opening wide, such as when waking up suddenly or acting in surprise.
- Short snapping, clicking, or crackling sound
- Sudden wide-opening of the eyes
Sense Map
Snap / Crackle Sound
Describes a short, sharp sound, like a switch clicking, static electricity, burning wood, or a clasp snapping shut.
スイッチをパチッと押す。
Eyes Snapping Open
Describes the state of the eyelids abruptly opening wide, usually due to surprise or suddenly waking up.
目をパチッと開ける。
Usage Note
How to Use
パチッと + verb
Most commonly used as an adverb with the particle 'と' to describe how a sudden action or sound happens instantly.
目がパチッと開く
A common set phrase meaning 'eyes snap open wide'.
パチッと鳴る
Used to say that something 'makes a snapping sound' or 'clicks' once.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パチッと音がする
a snapping/clicking sound is heard
目をパチッと開く
to snap one's eyes wide open
電気をパチッと消す
to click off the light
火花がパチッと散る
sparks scatter with a crackle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Opening eyes | neutral | Often used with a sense of sudden alertness, waking up without any lingering sleepiness, or surprise. |
| Static electricity / Switches | neutral | Sounds small but sharp and slightly surprising to the person experiencing it. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱっちり ぱっちり / similar | Use パッチリ to describe eyes that are naturally large, round, and bright on a continuous basis. | パチッ focuses on the momentary *action* of eyes snapping open, while パッチリ focuses on the physical *state* of attractive, wide eyes. | パッチリした目。 |
ぱきっ ぱきっ / similar | Use パキッ when something hard and rigid (like a twig or ice) breaks or cracks with a sharp sound. | パキッ implies something rigid is breaking, whereas パチッ is more about a small snap, static, or a switch where the object itself is not breaking. | 枝がパキッと折れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'パチッ' for continuous applause or a constantly crackling campfire.
For repeated or continuous events, use the doubled form 'パチパチ' (pachipachi) instead.
Using this word for a loud explosion.
'パチッ' is only for small snaps, clicks, or crackles. For loud explosions, use 'ドカン' (dokan).
Examples
Examples
部屋を出る時、電気をパチッと消した。
へやを でるとき、 でんきを パチッと けした。
When leaving the room, I clicked the light off.
LiteralIndicates the sharp sound of pressing a light switch.
大きな音がして、目をパチッと開けた。
おおきな おとが して、 めを パチッと あけた。
There was a loud noise, and I snapped my eyes wide open.
VisualDescribes the eyelids fully opening instantly out of surprise.
ドアノブを触ったら、パチッと静電気が起きた。
ドアノブを さわったら、 パチッと せいでんきが おきた。
When I touched the doorknob, I got a static shock with a snap.
LiteralThis is a very common way in Japanese to describe the sound or feeling of a static shock.
上着のボタンをパチッと留める。
うわぎの ボタンを パチッと とめる。
I snap the buttons of my jacket closed.
LiteralUsually used for snap fasteners that click when closed.
指をパチッと鳴らして合図した。
ゆびを パチッと ならして あいずした。
I snapped my fingers to give a signal.
LiteralDescribes the single sharp sound of a finger snap.
Similar Words
パキッ
pakih
The sound of rigid objects like wood cracking or snapping.
パッチリ
pacchiri
Describes eyes that are large, bright, and wide open, or being fully awake without drowsiness. Used for eyes that are continuously large and bright.
プチッ
puchi
プチッ describes the light clicking sound of a small button, the sudden snap of a thin thread, or the appearance of a small protrusion like a pimple.
Questions
Can I use 'パチッ' when breaking chopsticks?
You can, but 'パキッ' (pakih) or 'ポキッ' (pokih) are much more common for the sound of snapping hard, rigid objects.
What is the difference between 'パチッ' and 'パチパチ'?
'パチッ' is a single, instantaneous event. 'パチパチ' is repeated, like the sound of applause or an ongoing fire.
Is this word only for sounds?
No. It is extremely common for the visual state of eyes snapping wide open.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010410
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ぱちくり (pachikuri)
- Next entry
- パクリ (pakuri)