Entry
ポキン
pokin
The sound of a hard, elongated object cleanly snapping or breaking.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word represents the sound and action of hard, long objects (like twigs, pencils, or bones) breaking cleanly. The 'po' variations (ポキン, ポキリ) suggest a higher-pitched snap for thinner objects, while the 'bo' variations (ボキン, ボキリ) convey a heavier, deeper break for thicker objects.
- snapping of thin objects
- snapping of thick objects
Sense Map
Snapping of thin objects
The crisp snapping sound of thin, hard objects like pencils or small twigs.
鉛筆がポキンと折れる。
Snapping of thick objects
The heavier breaking sound of thick objects like tree branches or bones.
骨がボキンと折れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポキンと + verb
Used with verbs like 折れる (to break/snap) to describe the manner of breaking for light objects.
ボキンと + verb
Used with breaking verbs to indicate a heavier, thicker, or harder object.
ポキンと折れる
A common set phrase meaning to snap cleanly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ポキンと折れる
to snap cleanly
枝がポキンと
branch snaps
ボキンと折れる
to break with a heavy snap
ポキンと音がする
to make a snapping sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thin or light objects | neutral | ポキン (pokin) or ポキリ (pokiri) implies that a small, thin object snapped easily. |
| Thick or heavy objects | neutral | ボキン (bokin) indicates a heavy, blunt breaking sound, often used for thick branches or bones. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱきっ ぱきっ / similar | For thin, flat objects cracking or snapping (like plastic or ice). | Focuses more on a sharp cracking sound compared to the clean structural break of ポキン. | 氷がパキッと割れる。 |
ぷつん ぷつん / similar | For a stretched thread or rope snapping. | Used for fibrous or tension-based strings, not solid rigid objects like wood. | 糸がプツンと切れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ポキン for a thread or rope snapping.
Use プツン or プッツリ for string-like objects.
Using it for paper tearing.
Tearing paper is ビリビリ, not ポキン.
Examples
Examples
木の枝がポキンと折れました。
きのえだがポキンとおれました。
The tree branch snapped cleanly.
VisualEmphasizes the auditory and visual state of snapping in half.
転んだ時に腕の骨がボキンと折れてしまった。
ころんだときにうでのほねがボキンとおれてしまった。
When I fell, my arm bone broke with a heavy snap.
VisualUses 'bokin' to convey the heavier, deeper sound of a bone breaking.
鉛筆の芯がポキンと折れる音がした。
えんぴつのしんがポキンとおれるおとがした。
I heard the sound of the pencil lead snapping.
VisualCommonly used for writing implements snapping.
枯れ枝を踏むと、ポキンと音が鳴った。
かれえだをふむと、ポキンとおとがなった。
When I stepped on the dead branch, it made a snapping sound.
LiteralFocuses purely on the sound generated by snapping.
長い棒が真ん中からポキリと折れました。
ながいぼうがまんなかからポキリとおれました。
The long stick snapped right in the middle.
VisualThe variant 'pokiri' is also common and emphasizes a clean, instantaneous break.
Similar Words
パキッ
paki
パキッ represents the sharp, crisp, and high-pitched sound made when something hard but relatively thin or brittle snaps cleanly. For thin, flat objects like ice or joints making a sharp crack.
プツン
putsun
Putsun describes the sudden, sharp snapping of something thin and taut, or the abrupt termination of an ongoing state. For thread, string, or tension suddenly breaking.
Questions
What is the difference between pokin and bokin?
Pokin is for thin objects making a light snap, while bokin is for thick objects (like bones) making a heavier sound.
Can I use pokin for a string breaking?
No, pokin is only for solid elongated objects. Use putsun for a string.
Does this word describe the pain of breaking a bone?
No, it purely describes the physical sound or the state of the bone cleanly breaking.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2735380
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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