Entry
ピカドン
pikadon
A historical Japanese colloquial term for the atomic bomb.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A noun formed by combining the onomatopoeia for a blinding flash ('pika') and a deafening boom ('don'). It refers specifically to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.
- atomic bomb
- flash and blast
Sense Map
Atomic bomb (historical term)
The specific term used historically to refer to the atomic bombs of World War II.
祖父からピカドンの話を聞いた。
Sensory flash and boom
The literal sensory experience of a blinding flash followed by a deafening blast from which the word derives.
ピカドンは「ピカッ」と光って「ドン」と鳴ることから名付けられました。
Usage Note
How to Use
ピカドン
Used as a standalone noun meaning atomic bomb.
ピカドンが + verb
Used as a subject taking an action, such as falling or destroying.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピカドンが落ちる
the atomic bomb falls
ピカドンの被害
damage from the atomic bomb
ピカドンの恐ろしさ
the horror of the atomic bomb
ピカドンという言葉
the word 'pikadon'
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Historical usage | neutral/somber | Heavily tied to the WWII experiences in Japan, particularly the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. |
| Sensory description | neutral | The word vividly captures the dual sequence of a nuclear explosion: the flash of light and the booming sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
原爆 げんばく / similar | Used in formal writing, news, and academic contexts. | This is the standard abbreviation for atomic bomb, whereas 'pikadon' is a historical colloquialism. | 原爆の被害 |
原子爆弾 げんしばくだん / similar | Used when stating the full technical or official name. | This is the full official term, lacking any onomatopoeic connotation of the visual or auditory experience. | 原子爆弾が投下された |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'pikadon' in an essay or news report about nuclear weapons.
Use 'genbaku' or 'genshibakudan' for formal or academic writing.
Using it casually to describe any loud explosion or fireworks.
It specifically refers to the WWII atomic bombs and carries heavy historical weight. Do not use it for everyday explosions.
Examples
Examples
祖父からピカドンの話を聞いた。
そふからピカドンのはなしをきいた。
I heard stories about the atomic bomb from my grandfather.
LiteralShows the passing down of historical stories from an older generation.
ピカドンは「ピカッ」と光って「ドン」と鳴ることから名付けられました。
ピカドンは「ピカッ」とひかって「ドン」となることからなづけられました。
Pikadon was named from the flash 'pika' and the boom 'don'.
LiteralExplains the onomatopoeic etymology of the word.
展示室でピカドンの資料を見た。
てんじしつでピカドンのしりょうをみた。
I saw materials about the atomic bomb in the exhibition room.
LiteralShows learning history through documents or exhibitions.
歴史の授業でピカドンの恐ろしさを学んだ。
れきしのじゅぎょうでピカドンのおそろしさをまなんだ。
I learned about the horrors of the atomic bomb in history class.
LiteralShows that this word often appears in the context of historical education.
ピカドンという言葉は、当時の人々の体験から生まれました。
ピカドンということばは、とうじのひとびとのたいけんからうまれました。
The word 'pikadon' was born from the experiences of the people at that time.
LiteralFocuses on the word itself as a historical linguistic phenomenon.
Questions
Can I use 'pikadon' in everyday conversation?
It is not recommended. It is a sensitive historical term, and native speakers typically use 'genbaku' instead.
What do 'pika' and 'don' mean?
'Pika' represents a bright flash of light, and 'don' represents a loud, booming explosion.
Does it apply to other nuclear weapons today?
No, it is almost exclusively used in a historical context referring to the atomic bombs dropped in 1945.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1106460
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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