Entry
ポチッ
pochi
The light clicking sound of a small button or the action of pressing it.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeia describing a light, crisp clicking sound, such as pressing a small button, switch, or computer mouse. In modern slang, it frequently refers to the act of buying something online with a single click. It can also describe a single small dot or protrusion.
- Clicking a mouse or small button
- Buying something online
- A small dot or bump
Sense Map
Clicking a button
The sound or action of pressing a small button, switch, or computer mouse.
ボタンをポチッと押す。
Online shopping
The quick action of buying something on the internet with a single click.
ネットでポチッと買う。
Small dot
A single small drop, spot, or protrusion.
ポチッとしたふくらみ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポチッと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like pressing) is performed.
ポチッとする
Functions as a verb meaning 'to click' or, in modern slang, 'to buy online'.
ポチッとした + noun
Used to describe a noun that is shaped like a small dot or bump.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ポチッと押す
to press with a click
ポチッとする
to click / to buy online
ネットでポチッ
to click online (usually to purchase)
ポチッとした
small and dot-like
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online shopping | Casual | Very commonly used in daily conversation or social media to describe an impulse buy online. |
| Operating devices | Neutral | Refers to modern devices with soft-touch buttons or light clicks, like a computer mouse or remote control. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷちっ ぷちっ / similar | For snapping, squishing, popping bubbles, or small buttons. | プチッ often implies something snapping, breaking, or being squished, while ポチッ focuses more on electronic buttons or a single static dot. | プチッと切れる |
かちっと かちっと / similar | For a solid, hard mechanical click. | カチッと indicates something locking firmly or a hard mechanical sound, unlike the light and soft click of ポチッ. | カチッと閉まる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ポチッ for loud, heavy machinery clicks like a car door.
Use ガチャッ or カチッと for heavier mechanical sounds. ポチッ is only for small, light buttons.
Using ポチッ for rapid, repeated clicking.
For repeated clicking, use the reduplicated form ポチポチ (pochipochi). ポチッ usually refers to a single click.
Examples
Examples
マウスをポチッとクリックした。
マウスをポチッとクリックした。
I clicked the mouse.
LiteralThe most basic usage to describe clicking on a computer.
欲しかった靴をネットでポチッと買った。
ほしかったくつをネットでポチッとかった。
I bought the shoes I wanted online with a click.
FigurativeDescribes the ease of online shopping (it only takes a click).
画面にポチッと黒い点がある。
がめんにポチッとくろいてんがある。
There is a small black dot on the screen.
VisualIndicates a single dot that is clearly visible but small.
このボタンをポチッと押してください。
このボタンをポチッとおしてください。
Please press this button.
LiteralGives the impression that the button is small and easy to press.
夜中にテンションが上がって、ついポチッとしてしまった。
よなかにテンションがあがって、ついポチッとしてしまった。
I got excited in the middle of the night and accidentally bought it online.
FigurativeAn example of slang indicating an impulse purchase.
Similar Words
プチッ
puchi
プチッ describes the light clicking sound of a small button, the sudden snap of a thin thread, or the appearance of a small protrusion like a pimple. Also used for buttons, but often carries a nuance of snapping or popping.
カチッと
kachitto
KachiTto is a Japanese onomatopeia for a distinct click or snap sound, or a firm, tight, and precise manner. A much more solid and harder mechanical sound compared to ポチッ.
Questions
What does 'pochitto suru' mean in daily conversation?
In modern casual talk, it most frequently means the act of buying something from an online store with a single click.
Can I use it when clicking a computer mouse?
Yes, this word is perfectly natural for describing the sound or action of left-clicking a computer mouse.
What is the difference between it and 'kachitto'?
Both mean click, but 'pochit' is light (like a silicone button or mouse), while 'kachitto' is harder and more mechanical (like locking a metal door or a wall light switch).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2192340
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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