Entry
パタリ
patari
Describes the light sound of a flat object closing or something stopping abruptly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that describes a light, dry sound, such as a book closing or something flat falling with a soft thud. It also figuratively describes an ongoing action, movement, or state (like wind, communication, or foot traffic) coming to a sudden and complete halt.
- light closing sound
- abrupt stopping
Sense Map
Sound of closing
The light, dry sound of a flat object like a book or a light door closing.
本がパタリと閉じる
Abrupt stop
An ongoing action, movement, or flow (like wind, communication, or steps) stopping suddenly and completely.
風がパタリと止む
Usage Note
How to Use
パタリと + verb (止まる, 閉じる, 倒れる)
Used as an adverb followed by the particle と (to) to describe the manner in which a verb's action occurs (usually stopping or closing).
How to Use
Common Phrases
パタリと止まる
to stop abruptly
本をパタリと閉じる
to snap a book shut
連絡がパタリと途絶える
communications cease suddenly
足音がパタリと止む
footsteps stop suddenly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Closing books or light doors | neutral | Focuses on the dry, snapping sound of flat surfaces coming together. |
| Ceasing of communication or visits | neutral to negative | Implies that something that was occurring regularly has unexpectedly and completely stopped. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱたん ぱたん / similar | Used for a slightly heavier or crisper closing sound, like a door shutting firmly. | Does not typically refer to an abstract state or communication stopping. | ドアがパタンと閉まる |
ぱったり ぱったり / similar | Used for an abrupt stop, very similar to パタリ, but slightly more emphatic. Also used for unexpectedly running into someone. | パタリ has a lighter nuance and is less commonly used for unexpected encounters. | ぱったりと客が来ない |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using パタリ for heavy objects falling with a loud crash.
For heavy impacts, use words like ドスン (dosun) or バタン (batan). パタリ is for light, flat objects.
Using パタリ for actions that start suddenly.
パタリ is strictly for things that stop or close. Use 突然 (totsuzen) or 急に (kyuu ni) for starting actions.
Examples
Examples
彼は読みかけの文庫本をパタリと閉じた。
かれはよみかけのぶんこぼんをパタリととじた。
He lightly snapped shut the paperback he was reading.
LiteralFocuses on the dry sound of a book closing.
先月から彼女からの連絡がパタリと途絶えた。
せんげつからかのじょからのれんらくがパタリととだえた。
Since last month, communication from her has completely and suddenly ceased.
FigurativeDescribes communication coming to a sudden and complete halt.
疲れ果てて、ベッドにパタリと倒れ込んだ。
つかれはてて、ベッドにパタリとたおれこんだ。
Exhausted, he collapsed onto the bed with a soft thud.
LiteralDescribes the action of collapsing with a light sound.
さっきまで吹いていた強い風が、夕方になってパタリと止んだ。
さっきまでふいていたつよいかぜが、ゆうがたになってパタリとやんだ。
The strong wind that had been blowing until earlier completely died down in the evening.
FigurativeDescribes a strong wind suddenly dying down completely.
この時間は、店の前を通る人がパタリといなくなる。
このじかんは、みせのまえをとおるひとがパタリといなくなる。
At this time of day, the foot traffic passing in front of the store suddenly disappears.
FigurativeDescribes foot traffic abruptly disappearing.
Similar Words
ぱったり
pattari
A more emphatic stop than patari. Also used for unexpectedly running into someone.
パタン
patan
Represents the light, sharp sound of a flat object closing, or something abruptly coming to a stop. Sound of something like a door closing a bit more firmly.
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt.
Questions
What is the difference between パタリ (patari) and パタン (patan)?
パタン generally describes a sharper, slightly louder closing sound (like a door). パタリ describes a lighter, flatter sound (like a book) and is much more frequently used to describe a sudden halt in activity or communication.
Can I use パタリ to say 'it suddenly started raining'?
No, パタリ is only used for actions that stop abruptly. For suddenly starting to rain, use 突然 (totsuzen) or a mimetic word like ザーッと (zaatto).
Is it written in hiragana or katakana?
Both are common. Katakana (パタリ) is often used to emphasize the dry sound, while hiragana (ぱたり) might look softer, but they mean the same thing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2096950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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