Translation guide
Describes a sound or action accompanied by a rattling noise, such as shaking, clattering, or vibrating.
To describe something that produces a rattling noise while moving or being shaken.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'with a rattle' or 'clattering', often used for loose objects shaking or vibrating.
To describe the action of shaking an object that makes a rattling noise.
A phrase combining the onomatopoeia ガタガタ with the verb 揺する (to shake), meaning 'to shake with a rattle'.
彼はドアノブをガタガタ揺すった。
He shook the doorknob with a rattle.
To describe a vehicle or object moving while producing a rattling sound.
A phrase meaning 'to run/drive with a rattle', used for old cars or trains.
そのトラックはガタガタ走って行った。
The truck drove off with a rattle.
Japanese has many onomatopoeic words for rattling sounds. ガタガタ is the most common for general rattling. カタカタ is lighter and sharper, while ガラガラ is heavier and rougher. Use the one that best matches the sound you want to describe.
English 'with a rattle' is often expressed in Japanese by an onomatopoeic adverb alone or combined with a verb. A direct translation like ラトルと共に is unnatural.
窓が風でガタガタ鳴っている。
The window is rattling in the wind.
An onomatopoeic adverb for a lighter, sharper rattling or clicking sound, like a small object shaking.
机の上のペンがカタカタと転がった。
The pen on the desk rolled with a rattle.
An onomatopoeic adverb for a heavier, rougher rattling or rumbling sound, like a cart or something being dragged.
彼はスーツケースをガラガラと引いて歩いた。
He walked pulling his suitcase with a rattle.
A phrase meaning 'to make a rattling sound', using the onomatopoeia ガタガタ.
古い車がガタガタと音を立てて走っている。
The old car is running with a rattling sound.
A verb meaning 'to rattle' or 'to be loose and shaky', often used for furniture or machinery.
この椅子はがたつくので、修理が必要だ。
This chair rattles, so it needs fixing.
A phrase using カタカタ (lighter rattle) and 振る (to shake), for small objects like a box of matches.
子供がおもちゃの箱をカタカタ振っている。
The child is shaking the toy box with a rattle.
A phrase using ガラガラ (heavier rattle) and 進む (to advance), for something like a cart moving noisily.
荷車がガラガラと道を進んでいった。
The cart advanced along the road with a rattle.