Entry
パシャン
pashan
A light splashing sound made when a small object hits liquid or shallow water is disturbed.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that represents a crisp, light splashing sound. It is typically heard when a relatively small or light object hits a body of water, or when shallow water like a puddle is disturbed.
- Sound of a small object falling into water
- Sound of splashing shallow water
Sense Map
Dropping objects in water
The sound of a relatively light, small object falling into water.
小石がパシャンと落ちる。
Stepping or splashing in shallow water
The sound made when stepping into a puddle or playfully splashing water with hands.
水たまりをパシャンと踏む。
Usage Note
How to Use
パシャンと + verb
Used to describe an action that produces a light splash, such as dropping or jumping.
パシャン + verb
A slightly more casual way to modify verbs directly without the particle to.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パシャンと落ちる
to fall with a light splash
水をパシャンとはねる
to splash water lightly
パシャンと音を立てる
to make a light splashing sound
水たまりをパシャンと踏む
to step in a puddle with a splash
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping a small item into water. | neutral | Emphasizes the clear, crisp impact sound on the surface of the liquid. |
| Splashing or stepping in shallow water. | positive | Often implies a minor, lighthearted splash, like a child playing. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばちゃん ばちゃん / opposite | When a heavy or large object falls into water, creating a big splash. | It conveys a much heavier, louder splash than pashan. | 大きな石がばちゃんと落ちる。 |
ぴちゃん ぴちゃん / contrast | When a tiny drop of water falls or makes a very small sound. | It is for much smaller, high-pitched drips compared to pashan. | 水がぴちゃんと垂れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a person diving into a pool with a huge splash.
A person's body is too heavy. Use dobun or zabun instead.
Using it to describe continuously flowing water.
It describes a single, distinct impact. For flowing water, use zaazaa.
Examples
Examples
池に小石がパシャンと落ちた。
いけにこいしがパシャンとおちた。
A small pebble dropped into the pond with a light splash.
LiteralDescribes the light impact sound of a small object hitting the water surface.
子どもが水たまりをパシャンと踏んだ。
こどもがみずたまりをパシャンとふんだ。
The child stepped into the puddle with a splash.
VisualIllustrates a light action that generates a visual and audible splash.
カエルが水にパシャンと飛び込んだ。
カエルがみずにパシャンととびこんだ。
The frog jumped into the water with a small splash.
LiteralThe entry of a small body into water naturally produces this crisp sound.
魚が水面でパシャンとはねた。
さかながすいめんでパシャンとはねた。
A fish splashed lightly on the surface of the water.
VisualCaptures both the sudden sound and the sight of water being disturbed.
洗面器の水をパシャンと顔にかけた。
せんめんきのみずをパシャンとかおにかけた。
I splashed water from the washbasin onto my face.
VisualDepicts the quick, light action of splashing water onto oneself.
Similar Words
ばちゃん
bachan
For a larger, heavier splash.
Questions
Can I use pashan for an adult diving into a pool?
No, an adult creates too heavy of a splash. Use dobun or zabun instead.
What is the difference between pashan and bashan?
The p sound in pashan makes it sound lighter and smaller, whereas the b in bashan indicates a much heavier and more forceful splash.
Is pashan only written in katakana?
No, it can also be written in hiragana (ぱしゃん). However, katakana is more common when emphasizing the sharp acoustic quality of the sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2747780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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