Entry
パシャ
pasha
The light, crisp sound of a camera shutter clicking.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing the sound of a camera shutter taking a picture. It is commonly used not only to describe the sound itself, but also the action of snapping a quick photo, especially with smartphones or digital cameras.
- Camera shutter sound
- Taking a quick photo
Sense Map
Camera Shutter Sound
Represents the crisp, brief mechanical click of a camera shutter.
パシャと鳴る
Taking a Snapshot
Used to describe the action of taking a quick photograph, often casually.
パシャと撮る
Usage Note
How to Use
パシャと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like taking a picture or making a sound) occurs.
独立して使用
Used on its own as an exclamation or sound effect representing the moment a picture is taken.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パシャと撮る
to take a snap
パシャと鳴る
to sound a click
スマホでパシャ
snapping with a smartphone
記念にパシャ
taking a souvenir photo
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taking photos with a smartphone | neutral | Often used to express the casual nature of mobile photography. |
| Expressing the act of saving a memory | positive | Gives a cheerful vibe when talking about taking commemorative photos with friends. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱちり ぱちり / similar | Use when focusing on the decisive, completed action of taking a well-framed single photograph. | ぱちり sounds slightly more deliberate and traditional than the very light, casual パシャ. | カメラでぱちりと撮る |
ぱしゃり ぱしゃり / similar | Use to emphasize a single, definitive shutter click and the completion of the shot. | The 'ri' suffix makes the action feel more final and isolated compared to the brief sound of パシャ. | 思い出の一枚をパシャリ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a computer mouse click.
Use カチカチ (kachikachi) or カチッ (kachitto) for mouse clicks. パシャ is specifically for cameras.
Using it for the sound of a heavy door or lock.
Use ガチャッ (gachatto) for heavy locks. パシャ is a light, specific camera sound.
Examples
Examples
スマホのカメラでパシャと撮った。
スマホのカメラでパシャととった。
I snapped a picture with my smartphone camera.
LiteralDescribes the digital shutter sound of a smartphone.
景色が綺麗だったので、思わずパシャとやった。
けしきがきれいだったので、おもわずパシャとやった。
The scenery was so beautiful that I instinctively snapped a picture.
VisualIndicates the spontaneous action of taking a photo.
静かな部屋に、シャッターがパシャと鳴った。
しずかなへやに、シャッターがパシャとなった。
The shutter clicked in the quiet room.
LiteralEmphasizes the brief, crisp click sound.
友達と一緒に記念写真をパシャと撮りました。
ともだちといっしょにきねんしゃしんをパシャととりました。
I took a commemorative snap with my friend.
LiteralGives a cheerful impression when capturing a moment.
レストランで料理が出るたびに、パシャと記録する。
レストランでりょうりがでるたびに、パシャときろくする。
Every time a dish is served at the restaurant, I snap it for the record.
VisualThe word can imply the action of taking a picture to record something.
Similar Words
ぱちり
pachiri
A crisp clicking or snapping sound, especially the sound of a camera shutter taking a picture. Also means taking a snap, but focuses more on taking a single, steady photograph.
パシャリ
pashari
This word mimics the sound of a camera shutter clicking or a light splash of water. Has the same meaning, but the 'ri' ending gives a nuance that the action is a single, completed event.
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner.
Questions
Can I use パシャ for blinking eyes?
No, blinking is usually ぱちぱち (pachipachi). パシャ is for a camera shutter.
Is パシャ a loud sound?
No, it represents a very light, brief click, typical of modern digital cameras or smartphones.
Can it be used as a verb?
Usually it acts as an adverb with verbs like 撮る (toru), but casually people might say 'パシャする' (pasha suru) meaning 'to snap a photo'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2851613
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ピッカリン (pikkarin)
- Next entry
- キンキラ (kinkira)