Entry
パシッ
pashi
パシッ (pashi) describes the sharp, dry, and abrupt sound of a physical impact, a slap, or a rigid object snapping.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is frequently used to express the sound of a sharp smack or slap against a surface, as well as the sharp crack of something snapping, like a twig or a snapping rubber band. The trailing sokuon (ッ) emphasizes that the sound is sudden, fleeting, and decisive.
- Sound of a smack, whack, or slap
- Sound of something dry snapping or cracking
Sense Map
Slapping and Smacking
Describes the sound of a sharp and forceful slap or smack against a surface.
虫をパシッと叩いた。
Snapping and Breaking
Describes the sudden snapping sound of a rigid object or a taut string breaking.
枝がパシッと折れた。
Usage Note
How to Use
パシッと + Verb
Used as an adverb to describe that an action (like hitting, snapping, or catching) produces a sharp, resounding smack.
パシッ (as a standalone sound effect)
Stands alone, often in speech bubbles or as background text, to mimic the sound of an impact or snap.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パシッと叩く
to slap/smack with a sharp sound
パシッと折れる
to snap cleanly with a sharp sound
パシッと当たる
to hit something with a sharp impact
パシッと切れる
to snap/break (of a rubber band or string)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slapping or hitting a surface | neutral | Emphasizes the sharp, stinging nature of the impact. Can imply pain if directed at a person's skin. |
| Rigid objects snapping | neutral | Focuses on the clean, sudden, and dry break of a small or rigid object. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺしっ ぺしっ / similar | When the sound is lighter, softer, and the impact is relatively painless or small. | Not for strong, damaging impacts or the snapping of rigid objects. | ペシッと軽く叩く |
ばしっ ばしっ / similar | When the impact is very strong, heavy, loud, and potentially painful or damaging. | Not for light, sharp, and fleeting snaps. | バシッと力強く打つ |
ぱきっ ぱきっ / nearby | When the focus is purely on a hard or dry object snapping or cracking. | Not for slapping impacts on flexible surfaces like human skin. | パキッと割れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the sound of a heavy object falling to the floor.
パシッ is strictly for sharp smacks or snaps, not for heavy thuds. Use ドスン for a heavy drop.
Using it for a squishy or wet impact.
The sound profile is dry and sharp. It does not fit wet or soft impacts (use グチャッ instead).
Examples
Examples
虫をパシッと叩いた。
むしをパシッとたたいた。
I slapped the bug with a sharp smack.
LiteralIndicates a quick and sharp smacking sound on a surface.
枝がパシッと折れた。
えだがパシッとおれた。
The branch snapped with a sharp crack.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a rigid twig suddenly breaking.
パシッと手を叩いた。
パシッとてをたたいた。
I clapped my hands with a sharp smack.
LiteralFocuses on a single, short, and loud clap.
ボールがグローブにパシッと収まった。
ボールがグローブにパシッとおさまった。
The ball landed in the glove with a sharp smack.
LiteralDescribes the sharp impact sound of catching a fast-moving object.
ゴムがパシッと切れた。
ゴムがパシッときれた。
The rubber band snapped abruptly with a crack.
LiteralIndicates the sudden sound of an elastic object snapping under tension.
Similar Words
バシッ
bashi
Stronger, heavier, and louder than パシッ.
ペシッ
peshi
A sharp, relatively light smacking or slapping sound, usually made with an open hand or flat object. Lighter and softer impact than パシッ.
バシッと
bashitto
Represents the sharp sound of a forceful smack, or the figurative act of doing something decisively and perfectly.
パキッ
paki
パキッ represents the sharp, crisp, and high-pitched sound made when something hard but relatively thin or brittle snaps cleanly. Used specifically for hard objects snapping, not for slapping flexible surfaces.
Questions
What is the difference between パシッ and バシッ?
パシッ sounds lighter, drier, and sharper, whereas バシッ describes a heavier, stronger, and much harder impact.
Can I use this word when a glass window shatters?
No. This word is for snapping twigs or slaps. For shattering glass, it is more natural to use ガシャン (gashan) or パリン (parin).
Is this commonly used in anime and manga?
Yes, it is very common. It is often drawn in large letters next to a character swatting something or snapping a stick.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869916
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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