Translation guide
Describes the sound of something being placed down heavily or carelessly, often with a dull thud. In Japanese, this is expressed using onomatopoeia or mimetic words that convey the sound and manner of the action.
To describe putting an object down heavily, carelessly, or with a dull sound.
Mimetic adverb meaning 'with a thud' or 'heavily'. Often used when placing a heavy or bulky item down carelessly.
彼は荷物をどさっと床に置いた。
He put his luggage down on the floor with a plonk.
Similar to どさっと, but can imply a slightly heavier or more solid sound. Used for dropping or placing something with a dull thud.
To describe a person sitting down or collapsing with a heavy, careless motion, producing a dull sound.
Also used for a person flopping down heavily, e.g., onto a sofa or bed.
疲れてソファにどさっと座った。
Exhausted, I sat down on the sofa with a plonk.
For a heavier, more forceful sitting or falling motion, often with a louder thud.
Japanese onomatopoeia like どさっと can be used as adverbs with と, or sometimes as suru-verbs (どさっとする) to describe the action itself. They are very common in casual speech and writing.
There is no single Japanese word for 'plonk'. Using a direct translation like ポンク would not be understood. Always use an appropriate mimetic word based on the weight and sound of the object.
I placed the book on the desk with a plonk.
Indicates a heavier, more impactful thud. Often used for very heavy objects or when the sound resonates.
彼は重い箱をどしんと床に下ろした。
He lowered the heavy box onto the floor with a plonk.
A lighter, more casual 'plonk' sound. Suitable for small, light objects placed down with a soft thud.
彼女は鍵をぽんとテーブルに置いた。
She put her keys on the table with a plonk.
彼はどしんと椅子に腰を下ろした。
He plonked himself down on the chair.