Translation guide
Describes a loud, rattling noise made by objects striking each other, often repeatedly. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with onomatopoeia, most commonly ガタガタ (gata-gata) for rattling or clattering sounds, or ガチャガチャ (gacha-gacha) for metallic clattering. The choice depends on the material and context.
Express a loud, continuous rattling or clattering sound, like objects shaking or hitting each other.
Onomatopoeia for a rattling, clattering, or shaking noise, often used for loose parts, furniture, or vehicles. Can also imply instability.
The window is rattling in the wind.
The old desk is wobbly and clatters.
Onomatopoeia for a metallic clattering or clanking sound, like keys, coins, or machinery. Often implies a harsher, more metallic noise than ガタガタ.
He jangled his keys with a clatter.
The machine is running with a clattering noise.
Onomatopoeia for a flapping, banging, or clattering noise, often from something repeatedly hitting a surface, like shutters or footsteps.
The shutters clattered in the wind.
Describe something falling and making a loud clattering noise upon impact.
Describe an action that produces a clattering sound, such as moving objects or walking noisily.
ガタガタ is used for duller, wooden, or loose rattling sounds (e.g., a shaky table, a rattling window). ガチャガチャ is sharper and more metallic (e.g., keys, coins, machinery). Use ガタガタ for general clattering unless the sound is distinctly metallic.
The desk is wobbly and clatters.
The keys jangle with a clatter.
Japanese onomatopoeia like ガタガタ can function as adverbs (with と) or as suru-verbs (ガタガタする). To describe a sound, use ガタガタ音がする or ガタガタ鳴る. To describe a state, use ガタガタだ or ガタガタしている.
The window is making a clattering noise in the wind.
The stacked boxes collapsed with a clatter.
The armored samurai walked with a clatter.