Entry
パチパチ
pachipachi
Represents light, sharp, repeated sounds like a crackling fire, clapping hands, or the visual action of blinking.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics continuous, light snapping or popping noises. It is commonly used for the sound of wood crackling in a fire, hands clapping in applause, or keys clicking on a keyboard. Visually, it describes eyes repeatedly blinking, often from sleepiness or mild surprise.
- sound of crackling fire or static electricity
- sound of hands clapping
- sound of typing or clicking
- action of blinking eyes
Sense Map
Crackling & Popping
Used for light, repeated popping or crackling sounds, such as firewood, fireworks, or static electricity.
薪がパチパチと燃える
Clapping
Describes the sound of light or standard applause and hands clapping.
手をパチパチと叩く
Clicking & Typing
Indicates the light, rhythmic clicking of keyboard keys, mouse buttons, or a calculator.
キーボードをパチパチ叩く
Blinking Eyes
Used visually for the action of blinking one's eyes repeatedly.
目をパチパチさせる
Usage Note
How to Use
パチパチ（と）音がする
Used when a crackling or popping noise is heard.
パチパチ（と）+ verb
Describes how an action is performed with a light snapping or clicking sound (like clapping or typing).
パチパチさせる
A specific causative pattern mostly used with 'eyes' (目) to mean 'making one's eyes blink'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パチパチと音がする
to make a crackling/popping sound
手をパチパチ叩く
to clap hands
目をパチパチさせる
to blink one's eyes repeatedly
パチパチと拍手する
to applaud
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Listening to a fire | neutral | Gives a cozy, pleasant image of dry wood burning nicely. |
| Describing eyes | neutral | Can make the subject seem cute, innocent, sleepy, or mildly confused. |
| Typing on a keyboard | neutral | Indicates a steady, clear typing rhythm without implying anger. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばちばち ばちばち / similar | Use when the crackling or sparking sound is much louder, more intense, or heavier. | Unlike the light pachipachi, this conveys a harsh, heavy sparking sound or intense interpersonal friction. | 火花がバチバチと散る |
ぱちくり ぱちくり / similar | Use specifically when someone blinks their eyes due to surprise or bewilderment. | This is restricted solely to eye movement and carries a tone of surprise, whereas pachipachi can be used for sleepy eyes or non-eye-related sounds. | 驚いて目をぱちくりさせる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a single, loud breaking sound.
Pachipachi is for continuous, repeated light sounds. A single snap of a branch is better described with 'poki' or 'pakin'.
Applying it to the sound of knocking on a door.
Use 'tonton' (トントン) for knocking, as pachipachi refers to dry snapping or clapping sounds.
Examples
Examples
焚き火の薪がパチパチと音を立てて燃えている。
たきびの まきが パチパチと おとを たてて もえている。
The firewood in the campfire is burning with a crackling sound.
LiteralDescribes the sound of fire burning dry wood.
観客は素晴らしい演奏に対してパチパチと拍手をした。
かんきゃくは すばらしい えんそうに たいして パチパチと はくしゅを した。
The audience clapped in applause for the wonderful performance.
LiteralDescribes the clear, continuous sound of hands clapping.
服を脱ぐと、静電気がパチパチと鳴った。
ふくを ぬぐと、せいでんきが パチパチと なった。
When I took off my clothes, static electricity popped and crackled.
LiteralIndicates the small snapping sound of static electricity when taking off clothes in dry air.
子供は眠そうに目をパチパチさせている。
こどもは ねむそうに めを パチパチさせて いる。
The child is blinking sleepily.
VisualVisual usage for the repeated opening and closing of eyelids.
彼はキーボードをパチパチと素早く叩いて仕事を進めた。
かれは キーボードを パチパチと すばやく たたいて しごとを すすめた。
He worked quickly, tapping away on the keyboard with a steady clicking sound.
LiteralThe rhythmic sound of typing consecutively and quickly.
Similar Words
バチバチ
bachibachi
Heavier/louder version of pachipachi. Used for large sparks or intense conflict.
Questions
Does pachipachi only mean applause?
No. While clapping is a very common use, it equally applies to crackling fires, clicking keyboards, and blinking eyes.
Can I use pachipachi when I am typing furiously on my keyboard?
Yes, but it indicates a light, continuous clicking. If you are typing so hard that you sound angry, 'katakata' or 'gatagata' might convey the heaviness better.
What is the difference between pachipachi and bachibachi?
Bachibachi implies a heavier, louder, and potentially dangerous sound (like strong electrical sparks), while pachipachi is light and generally safe.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1101650
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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