Translation guide
The English word 'rattle' can describe a sound, an action, or a thing. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a shaking noise, the act of shaking something, or a baby's toy.
Describing a sound like objects hitting each other repeatedly, such as windows shaking in the wind or loose parts vibrating.
An onomatopoeic adverb often used with する (suru) to describe a rattling or clattering sound, especially for loose or shaking objects like windows, doors, or machinery.
The window rattles in the wind.
The shelf rattled during the earthquake.
Similar to ガタガタ but often implies a lighter, higher-pitched rattling, like a small object or a typewriter. Can also be used for chattering teeth.
The typewriter rattles.
My teeth were chattering from the cold.
Describes a noisy, clattering rattle, often metallic or chaotic, like keys or coins jangling. Can also mean a racket.
The keys rattle.
The action of moving an object so that parts inside hit each other, like shaking a box of matches or a can of spray paint.
Literally 'shake and make a sound'. A clear, natural way to describe the action of rattling something.
He rattled the matchbox.
Uses the onomatopoeia ガラガラ (a heavy rattling or rumbling) with 鳴らす (to make sound). Often for larger or louder rattles.
The child rattled the rattle.
Means to shake or jolt something, often with force. Can imply rattling if the object makes noise, but focuses on the shaking motion.
The object, typically a rattle, given to infants.
Figurative use: to make someone nervous, worried, or flustered.
Means to disturb or agitate someone's mind. The intransitive form is 動揺する (to be shaken).
The news rattled him.
Means to fluster or make someone panic. More about causing a loss of composure.
He was rattled by the sudden question.
Stronger than 慌てさせる; implies being bewildered or disconcerted. Often used in literary contexts.
His calmness rattled her.
To rattle off a list, speech, or facts without hesitation.
The sound itself, as a noun.
These onomatopoeia all describe rattling sounds but differ in nuance. ガタガタ is for heavier, lower-pitched rattles (windows, furniture). カタカタ is lighter and higher-pitched (small objects, teeth). ガチャガチャ is noisier, often metallic or chaotic (keys, coins). Choose based on the sound quality.
The window rattles (heavy sound).
The typewriter rattles (light sound).
The keys rattle (jangling sound).
ガラガラ is specifically a baby's rattle or a heavy rolling/rumbling sound. Using it for a light rattling like a window would sound odd. Use ガタガタ or カタカタ instead.
The window rattles. (unnatural unless it's a very heavy, rumbling rattle)
The windows rattled in the storm.
She rattled the handle but the door was locked.
The baby shook the rattle happily.
He was rattled by the unexpected criticism.
彼はドアを揺さぶったが、開かなかった。
He rattled the door, but it wouldn't open.
To talk rapidly and forcefully, often in a complaining or aggressive manner. Can translate 'rattle on'.
He rattled on with complaints.
荷車のガラガラがうるさい。
The rattle of the cart is noisy.