Entry
パタン
patan
Represents the light, sharp sound of a flat object closing, or something abruptly coming to a stop.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to describe a relatively light, sharp sound when a flat object like a book or a light door is closed. Figuratively, it is also used to express something suddenly stopping, ending abruptly, or someone collapsing flat.
- Sound of flat objects closing
- Falling flat
- Stopping or ending abruptly
Sense Map
Closing
The light sound of closing flat objects like books or small lids.
本をパタンと閉じた。
Falling
Collapsing or falling flat abruptly, usually out of exhaustion.
ベッドにパタンと倒れた。
Stopping Abruptly
Something like sound, communication, or movement coming to a complete and sudden halt.
連絡がパタンと途絶えた。
Usage Note
How to Use
パタンと + verb (sound/action)
Used with the particle to as an adverb modifying the verb that follows.
パタンと閉める
パタンと倒れる
Used when someone collapses limply onto a bed or the floor.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パタンと閉まる
to close with a snap/click
パタンと閉める
to close (something) with a snap
パタンと倒れる
to fall flat / collapse
パタンと止む
to stop abruptly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Closing a book or light door | Neutral | Merely describes the physical sound without particular emotion. |
| Communication breaking off | Neutral to Negative | Can imply surprise that communication was suddenly lost without a clear reason. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばたん ばたん / similar | Use batan for heavy, massive objects that create a loud noise or a strong slam. | Patan is lighter, such as for a book or thin door, whereas batan is for a heavy door or slamming a car door. | ドアをバタンと閉める |
ぱたり ぱたり / similar | Very similar and often interchangeable, but patari emphasizes the breaking of continuity or loss of movement. | Patan often highlights the physical sound of closing, while patari is frequently used for situations falling completely silent or still. | 足音がパタリと止む |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using patan for the loud slam of a heavy front door.
Use batan for heavy doors or loud slams; patan is exclusively for light sounds.
Using patan for a continuous, ongoing noise.
This word represents a single, brief action or a sudden stop.
Examples
Examples
読み終わった本をパタンと閉じた。
よみおわったほんをパタンととじた。
I closed the book I finished reading with a snap.
LiteralIndicates the specific light sound of flat objects meeting.
風でドアがパタンと閉まった。
かぜでドアがパタンとしまった。
The door closed with a click due to the wind.
LiteralTypically used for interior or lightweight doors.
家に帰るなり、ベッドにパタンと倒れた。
いえにかえるなり、ベッドにパタンとたおれた。
As soon as I got home, I collapsed flat onto my bed.
VisualDescribes dropping flat or collapsing forward due to exhaustion.
歩いていた足音がパタンと止んだ。
あるいていたあしおとがパタンとやんだ。
The walking footsteps suddenly stopped dead.
FigurativeShows an abrupt cessation of movement or sound.
先月から彼からの連絡がパタンと途絶えた。
せんげつからかれからのれんらくがパタンととだえた。
Since last month, communication from him completely stopped.
FigurativeUsed when social interaction or a habit ends abruptly and entirely.
Similar Words
パタリ
patari
Describes the light sound of a flat object closing or something stopping abruptly. Emphasizes the break in continuity or becoming silent, rather than the sound.
バタン
batan
A loud, heavy sound of impact, such as a door slamming or someone falling flat. A heavier version of patan; used for loud slams or massive doors.
がたん
gatan
A word describing the heavy sound of an object bumping, a mechanical jolt, or a sudden sharp decline.
Questions
What is the difference between patan and batan?
Patan represents a lighter, sharper sound like closing a book, while batan represents a much heavier impact like slamming a car door.
Can patan be used for things that do not make noise?
Yes, it is often used metaphorically when something suddenly comes to a complete stop, like footsteps, rain, or messages from someone.
Is it more common to use hiragana or katakana?
Katakana is more common to highlight the sound effect, but hiragana is perfectly fine and does not change the meaning.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121690
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- パタパタ (patapata)
- Next entry
- ぶすっと (busutto)