Entry
ぺたん
petan
Describes a single, flat contact with a surface, such as sticking something flatly or sitting down on the floor.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeia representing the sound or visual state of something making firm, flat contact with a surface. It is commonly used to describe sticking a sticker, stamping, plopping down to sit, or something losing its volume and becoming flat.
- Sticking perfectly flat without gaps
- Plopping down flat on the floor
- Losing volume and becoming flat
Sense Map
Sticking flatly
Something attaching perfectly flat against a surface without gaps.
シールをぺたんと貼る。
Plopping down
Dropping or sitting flat on the ground in a relaxed or exhausted manner.
床にぺたんと座る。
Losing volume
Becoming completely flat or losing volume, especially hair.
髪がぺたんとする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぺたんと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed flatly.
ぺたんとする
Used as a verb to describe a state of being flat or losing volume.
ぺたんとなる
Describes the change into a flat state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぺたんと座る
sit flatly
ぺたんと貼る
stick flatly
ぺたんとする
become flat
ぺたんと倒れる
fall flat
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pasting or sticking | neutral | Emphasizes that the object is attached perfectly flat with no gaps. |
| Sitting on the floor | neutral | Implies dropping one's weight entirely, often plopping down in exhaustion with legs spread. |
| State of hair or objects | negative | Often used when something loses its desired volume, like hair becoming flat and lifeless. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺたぺた ぺたぺた / similar | When the flat action is repeated multiple times (e.g., flat footsteps, pasting many things). | Petan is for a single action, while petapeta is for repeated actions. | ぺたぺたと歩く |
ぺったんこ ぺったんこ / similar | When emphasizing the final state of an object being completely flattened or crushed. | Petan focuses on the action or contact sound, whereas pettanko describes the resulting state. | ぺったんこのタイヤ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using petan for the loud crashing sound of a heavy object.
Petan is for light, flat contact. Use dosun for heavy impacts.
Using petan for repeated flat footsteps.
For repeated actions, use petapeta.
Examples
Examples
シールをぺたんと貼る。
シールをぺたんとはる。
Sticking a sticker perfectly flat.
VisualDescribes a contact with no gaps.
床にぺたんと座る。
ゆかにぺたんとすわる。
Plopping down flat on the floor.
LiteralDescribes dropping one's full body weight.
帽子をかぶっていたので、髪がぺたんとなった。
ぼうしをかぶっていたので、かみがぺたんとなった。
My hair became flat because I was wearing a hat.
VisualShows the loss of volume.
書類にハンコをぺたんと押す。
しょるいにはんこをぺたんとおす。
Pressing a stamp firmly onto the document.
LiteralFocuses on the sound and flat contact.
疲れてベッドにぺたんと倒れ込んだ。
つかれてべっどにぺたんとたおれこんだ。
Collapsing flat onto the bed out of exhaustion.
LiteralEmphasizes the body falling flat without energy.
Similar Words
ぺたぺた
petapeta
Petapeta describes the pitter-patter of bare feet, the action of repeatedly pasting or stamping things, or a slightly sticky texture. Shows a repeated action.
ぺったんこ
pettanko
Describes something that has been crushed flat or has completely lost its volume and air. Shows the resulting flat state.
Questions
What is the difference between petan and petapeta?
Petan is used for a single flat impact or action, while petapeta describes repeated flat actions, like slapping or flat footsteps.
Can I use petan for a heavy object falling?
No, petan is for relatively light or flat contacts. For heavy, booming impacts, use dosun.
Does petan always imply a sound?
Not always. It can be purely visual, such as describing hair that has lost its volume and become flat.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2415120
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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