カツカツ

カ

ツ

カ

ツ

Meanings

usually written using kana aloneonomatopoeic or mimetic word

Onomatopoeic word for a sharp, light, repeated tapping or clicking sound, such as heels on a hard floor or a keyboard.

コツコツ
コツコツ is a similar onomatopoeia for a light tapping or knocking sound, but often implies a softer or more persistent rhythm, like a woodpecker or steady work. カツカツ is sharper and harder.
カチカチ
カチカチ describes a harder, more metallic clicking or ticking sound, or a state of being stiff/frozen. カツカツ is lighter and often associated with footsteps or typing.

カツカツUsage68%
kana-only spelling
Usually written in katakana for this onomatopoeic word; usually written in kana.
かつかつUsage32%
Hiragana spelling is also used, though katakana is more common for mimetic words.
戛かつ戛かつ
Rare kanji form; lists it but it is not commonly used.
戛かつ々かつ
Rare kanji form with iteration mark.
戞かつ戞かつ
Rare variant kanji form.
戞かつ々かつ
Rare variant kanji form with iteration mark.

Onomatopoeic word; the exact origin is uncertain, but it mimics a sharp, repeated tapping sound.