Entry
パチン
pachin
A sharp, light clicking or snapping sound, or an ornamental hair clip that makes such a sound.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, "pachin" is used to represent a clear, relatively light clicking or snapping sound. This can be the sound of flipping a small switch, closing a metal clasp, a thin thread snapping, or snapping one's fingers. It is also commonly used as a noun to refer to a small ornamental hair clip that makes this characteristic sound when fastened.
- Light clicking sound
- Snapping of a string or fingers
- Hair clip
Sense Map
Clicking Sound
The light, sharp sound of closing a clasp, flipping a switch, or fastening a clip.
スイッチをパチンと入れる。
Snapping Sound
The sound of a thin string snapping or snapping one's fingers.
指をパチンと鳴らす。
Hair Clip
An ornamental clip, especially for hair, that snaps shut.
髪をパチンで留める。
Usage Note
How to Use
パチンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action produces a snapping or clicking sound.
パチンと鳴る
A common pattern to state that something makes a clicking or snapping sound.
パチン (noun)
Used as a standalone noun to mean a 'snap clip' for hair.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パチンと鳴る
to click; to snap
パチンと閉める
to shut with a click
パチンと切れる
to snap (of a string/wire)
髪をパチンと留める
to fasten hair with a snap clip
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fastening a clasp or switch | Neutral | Emphasizes the secure, mechanical click of a small object. |
| A string snapping | Neutral to negative | Indicates a sudden, sharp break of a taut thread or wire. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱちっ ぱちっ / similar | Use when the snap or click is slightly sharper or shorter. | Does not typically function as a noun for 'hair clip'. | パチッと音がした。 |
ぱたん ぱたん / similar | Use for the sound of a door or something flat closing or falling. | Not used for small clasps, switches, or thin strings. | ドアがパタンと閉まった。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the sound of a heavy door closing.
Use 'patan' or 'batan' for heavier, larger objects closing.
Confusing the noun form with other types of accessories.
As a noun, it specifically refers to clips that make a snapping sound, usually hair clips.
Examples
Examples
スイッチをパチンと入れる。
スイッチをパチンといれる。
Turning on the switch with a click.
LiteralDescribes the firm mechanical sound of a small switch.
がま口の財布をパチンと閉めた。
がまぐちのさいふをパチンとしめた。
Closed the clasp purse with a snap.
LiteralEmphasizes the sound when a metal clasp snaps securely shut.
張り詰めた糸がパチンと切れた。
はりつめたいとがパチンときれた。
The taut thread snapped.
LiteralIndicates the sudden breaking of the string with a sharp sound.
指をパチンと鳴らして合図した。
ゆびをパチンとならしてあいずした。
Snapped fingers to give a signal.
LiteralUsed for the clear snapping sound of fingers.
彼女は前髪をパチンで留めた。
かのじょはまえがみをパチンでとめた。
She fastened her bangs with a hair clip.
LiteralUses the word as a noun meaning a snap-on hair clip.
Similar Words
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. A sharper, shorter sound variant of pachin.
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.
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner.
パタン
patan
Represents the light, sharp sound of a flat object closing, or something abruptly coming to a stop. A closing sound, but for larger, flat objects like doors or books, not small clasps.
Questions
Can 'pachin' be a noun?
Yes, it is often used as a noun to refer to a snap-on hair clip.
Is 'pachin' the same as 'pachi-pachi'?
No, 'pachi-pachi' is a continuous crackling or clapping sound, whereas 'pachin' is a single, isolated snap or click.
What kind of objects make a 'pachin' sound?
Small switches, clasps on bags, snap buttons, thin strings breaking, and fingers snapping.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2523860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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