カンカン
Meanings
na-adjective, adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
extremely angry; furious; enraged
Describes a state of intense anger, often with visible signs like a red face or shouting. Used as an adjectival noun or adverb.
He got furiously angry.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
fiercely (shine); blazingly; intensely
Describes the sun or light shining with intense, harsh brightness. Often used with 照りつける.
The midsummer sun is blazing down fiercely.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
merrily (burn away); red-hot
Describes a fire burning strongly and cheerfully, often with crackling sounds. Used with verbs like 燃える.
The bonfire is burning merrily.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Mimics a metallic clanging sound, like hitting metal. Less common than the other senses.
The iron bar made a clanging sound.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がカンカンに怒るfor someone to be absolutely furious
He was furious after his promise was broken.
- 太陽がカンカン(と)照りつけるfor the sun to beat down fiercely
The midsummer sun was blazing down fiercely.
- 火がカンカン(と)燃えるfor a fire to burn brightly and cheerfully
The fire in the fireplace was burning brightly.
- 〈物〉をカンカン(と)叩くto hit something with a sharp clanging sound
The craftsman was clanging away at the metal plate.