Entry
タタタン
tatatan
Represents a light, quick, and rhythmic tapping sound, such as rapid typing or swift footsteps.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a continuous series of quick, light taps. It is commonly used to depict the lively sound of fingers typing on a keyboard, a child's rapid footsteps running down stairs, or a rhythmic tapping of fingers on a desk.
- Fast keyboard typing
- Light, swift footsteps
- Rhythmic finger tapping
Sense Map
Typing or Finger Taps
Describes the sound of fingers striking a keyboard or hard surface with a quick, lively rhythm.
キーボードをタタタンと打つ
Light Footsteps
Describes the sound of rapid, light footsteps in succession, such as a light jog or skipping.
タタタンと階段を駆け下りる
Usage Note
How to Use
タタタンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like running or typing) produces a rhythmic tapping sound.
タタタンという + noun
Modifies a noun related to the sound, such as '音' (sound) or '足音' (footsteps).
How to Use
Common Phrases
キーボードをタタタンと叩く
To type quickly and rhythmically on a keyboard
階段をタタタンと駆け下りる
To run down the stairs with light pitter-patter steps
タタタンと足音が近づく
The sound of rhythmic footsteps approaching
机をタタタンと指で叩く
To tap rhythmically on a desk with one's fingers
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Typing on a computer | neutral | Extremely common in modern contexts to show the speed and agility of one's fingers typing. |
| Walking/Running | positive | Often gives the impression of energetic, skipping, or childlike light footsteps. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こんこん こんこん / similar | Used for louder or more resonant knocking sounds, like rapping on a solid wooden door. | Does not emphasize rapid successive speed like typing or running footsteps. | ドアをコンコンとノックする |
とんとん とんとん / similar | Used for a moderate, steady tapping sound, or a gentle tap on the shoulder. | Slower and less lively compared to the rapid burst of タタタン. | 肩をとんとんと叩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a single, heavy impact.
Use it for a continuous rhythmic sequence. For a single sound, words like ポン or ドン are better.
Applying it to the sound of heavy boots or stomping.
This word strictly applies to light, high-frequency tapping sounds.
Examples
Examples
キーボードをタタタンと打って、メールを書き上げた。
キーボードをタタタンとうって、メールをかきあげた。
I typed rapidly on the keyboard and finished writing the email.
VisualShows the speed and agility of the fingers while typing.
子どもが階段をタタタンと駆け下りてきた。
こどもがかいだんをタタタンとかけおりてきた。
The child ran down the stairs with light pitter-patter steps.
LiteralDescribes the agility and lightness of the footsteps.
ドアをタタタンとリズミカルにノックした。
ドアをタタタンとリズミカルにノックした。
I knocked on the door with a rhythmic tap-tap-tap.
LiteralImplies a rapid sequence of knocks, not just a standard two-knock.
タタタンという軽快な足音が廊下に響いた。
タタタンというけいかいなあしおとがろうかにひびいた。
The light, rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway.
LiteralUsed to describe the noun (足音 - footsteps).
指先で机をタタタンと叩きながら考え事をした。
ゆびさきでつくえをタタタンとたたきながらかんがえごとをした。
I was deep in thought while rhythmically tapping my fingers on the desk.
VisualIndicates an unconscious, fast-paced finger tapping motion.
Similar Words
コンコン
konkon
A light repeated sound such as knocking on a door, a dry cough, or a fox's yelp. Used for more resonant tapping on hard objects (like a door).
とんとん
tonton
A light tapping sound, things proceeding smoothly, or a break-even state. A steady tap with a slower pace than tatatan.
Questions
Can I use this word for knocking on a door?
Yes, if it's a quick, rhythmic flurry of taps. For a standard, moderate two-knock sound, コンコン is more natural.
How many taps does this represent?
Phonetically, it suggests at least a rapid three-tap sequence, or a longer continuous rhythm.
What is the difference between this and とんとん?
とんとん is steady and moderately paced, whereas タタタン is noticeably faster and livelier.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2836689
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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