Entry
ぱちり
pachiri
A crisp clicking or snapping sound, especially the sound of a camera shutter taking a picture.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that represents a sharp, clean clicking or snapping sound. It is most commonly used to describe the sound of taking a photograph with a camera, or the sound of a small object snapping securely shut.
- camera shutter
- snapping shut
Sense Map
Camera Shutter
The sound of taking a photograph.
カメラでパチリと撮る
Snapping Closed
The crisp sound of a small object (like a clasp or case) snapping shut.
ケースがパチリと閉まる
Usage Note
How to Use
パチリと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like taking a picture or closing something) occurs with a crisp click.
パチリと + する
Describes something making a clicking or snapping sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パチリと撮る
to take a picture with a click
パチリと音がする
to make a clicking sound
パチリと閉まる
to snap shut
パチリと押す
to press with a click
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taking pictures | positive/neutral | Gives a lighthearted, crisp feeling to capturing a moment. |
| Closing a clasp | neutral | Emphasizes that something is securely and neatly shut. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱしゃり ぱしゃり / similar | When describing a camera sound, often giving a slightly softer nuance or used for splashing. | Not used for solid objects snapping shut. | パシャリと写真を撮る |
ぱちん ぱちん / similar | For a louder snapping sound like snapping fingers, snap fasteners, or something breaking. | Rarely used for taking photographs. | 指をパチンと鳴らす |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy, mechanical clanking sounds like a heavy metal door closing.
Pachiri is for light, crisp clicks like a camera shutter or a small clasp. For heavier metal clicks, use 'gachin'.
Using it for a stick or branch breaking.
Pachiri is a snapping sound of things closing or clicking, not snapping in half. For breaking snaps, use 'paki'.
Examples
Examples
観光地で記念写真をパチリと撮った。
かんこうちできねんしゃしんをパチリととった。
I took a commemorative photo with a click at the tourist spot.
LiteralDescribes the clicking sound of taking a photo to capture a moment.
スマホのカメラで風景をパチリと一枚撮る。
スマホのカメラでふうけいをパチリといちまいとる。
I take a picture of the scenery with my smartphone camera with a click.
LiteralCan also be used for the digital shutter sound on a smartphone.
バッグの留め具がパチリと音を立てて閉まった。
バッグのとめぐがパチリとおとをたててしまった。
The clasp of the bag closed with a crisp snapping sound.
LiteralShows a small object closing or locking precisely.
新しいカメラのシャッターが小気味よくパチリと鳴る。
あたらしいカメラのシャッターがこきみよくパチリとなる。
The shutter of the new camera makes a pleasant clicking sound.
LiteralFocuses on the clean, mechanical characteristic of the sound.
スイッチをパチリと押して電源を入れた。
スイッチをパチリとおしてでんげんをいれた。
I pressed the switch with a click and turned on the power.
LiteralThe mechanical sound of pressing a button or switch.
Similar Words
パシャリ
pashari
Softer, also commonly used for camera sounds.
パチン
pachin
A louder snapping sound, like snapping fingers.
Questions
Does pachiri always mean taking a photo?
Not always. It can also mean a sharp click of a lock or clasp, but photography is its most common context today.
What is the difference between pachiri and pashari?
Both are used for camera sounds. 'Pachiri' sounds slightly drier and more mechanical, while 'pashari' can sometimes imply a softer touch or a digital shutter sound.
Can I use pachiri for a computer mouse click?
You could, but mouse clicks are usually softer and are more frequently described with 'kachi' (カチッ).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2086600
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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