Entry
ザブン
zabun
Zabun describes a loud, heavy splashing sound caused by a large object plunging into water or a powerful wave crashing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to represent the sound of a large volume of water being forcefully displaced. It commonly describes the impact of someone diving into a pool, a heavy rock falling into the sea, or large waves breaking on the shore. The sound conveys volume, weight, and a strong impact compared to lighter splash sounds.
- Large object plunging
- Crashing waves
Sense Map
Plunging Object
The loud sound of a somewhat heavy object or person jumping and entering the water with force.
プールにザブンと飛び込む。
Crashing Waves
The sound of a large volume of water impacting, like strong ocean waves breaking.
波がザブンと打ち寄せる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ザブンと + verb
Most commonly used as an adverb modifying water-related verbs like 飛び込む (to dive in) or 浸かる (to soak/submerge).
ザブンと音を立てる
This phrase means 'to make a loud splashing sound', used when the primary focus is on the noise of the water itself.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ザブンと飛び込む
dive in with a splash
波がザブンと打つ
waves crash heavily
ザブンと浸かる
submerge with a splash
ザブンと音を立てる
make a loud splashing sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Getting into a bathtub | positive | Conveys a dynamic, refreshing feeling when plunging into a large amount of warm water. |
| Ocean waves | neutral | Conveys the raw, natural power of large bodies of water colliding. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どぶん どぶん / similar | When a very large or heavy object plunges into deep water. | Dobun sounds heavier and deeper than zabun, often suggesting the object has sunk entirely. | 重い岩がドブンと沈む。 |
ぽちゃん ぽちゃん / opposite | When a small object drops into water with a light splash. | Pochan is a small, light splash, unlike the large, heavy impact described by zabun. | 小石がぽちゃんと落ちる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using zabun for dropping a small pebble into a lake.
Use 'pochan' or 'pichan' for small objects. Zabun is strictly for medium to large-scale impacts.
Using zabun to describe a continuous heavy rainfall.
Use 'zaazaa' for heavy rain. Zabun typically refers to a single impact (or repeated rhythmic impacts like waves) rather than a constant flow.
Examples
Examples
プールにザブンと飛び込んだ。
プールにザブンととびこんだ。
They dived into the pool with a loud splash.
VisualShows the dynamic action of jumping forcefully into water.
大きな波がザンブと船に打ち寄せた。
おおきななみがザンブとふねにうちよせた。
A large wave crashed heavily against the ship.
VisualUses the 'zanbu' variation for a massive volume of water.
湯船にざぶんと浸かる。
ゆぶねにざぶんとつかる。
Submerging into the bathtub with a splash.
VisualWritten in hiragana, creating a comfortable, relaxing impression.
岩が池にザブリと落ちた。
いわがいけにザブリとおちた。
The rock fell into the pond with a heavy plop.
LiteralIndicates a heavy object breaking the water's surface.
海へざんぶりと網を投げ入れた。
うみへざんぶりとあみをなげいれた。
Throwing the net into the sea with a loud splash.
VisualFocuses on the large-scale splash of ocean water.
Similar Words
ぽちゃん
pochan
Opposite in scale; pochan is used for small objects.
Questions
Is zabun only used for water?
Yes, it specifically represents the sound of a large volume of liquid being displaced or impacting, which is almost always water.
Can I use zabun when a glass of water spills?
No, a glass holds too little volume. You would use 'bashaa' for the splash of a spilled liquid.
What is the difference between zabun and zanbu or zaburi?
They all have the same meaning. Variations like 'zanbu' or 'zanburi' can sometimes add a slightly stronger emphasis on the continuous reverberation or scale of the splash.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2630140
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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