Translation guide
The English word 'clatter' describes a continuous, hard, rattling noise, often from objects hitting each other. In Japanese, this is expressed through various onomatopoeic words and verbs depending on the source and quality of the sound.
To describe a loud, continuous rattling or banging sound, like dishes, machinery, or hard objects striking each other.
An onomatopoeia for a rattling or clattering sound, often from loose parts, shaking, or repeated impacts. Can also describe shivering or loose objects.
風で窓がガタガタ鳴っている。
The window is clattering in the wind.
洗濯機がガタガタと大きな音を立てている。
The washing machine is making a loud clattering noise.
An onomatopoeia for a metallic clattering or clanking sound, like keys, coins, or machinery. Often implies a more chaotic or jangling noise.
鍵をガチャガチャさせながら歩いている。
He's walking while clattering his keys.
台所で誰かが鍋をガチャガチャやっている。
Someone is clattering pots and pans in the kitchen.
A lighter, sharper clattering sound, often from small hard objects like typing on a keyboard, small parts, or a light tapping noise.
キーボードをカタカタと打つ音が聞こえる。
I can hear the clatter of typing on a keyboard.
子供が積み木をカタカタと倒した。
The child knocked over the blocks with a clatter.
To describe the rhythmic clattering sound of animal hooves or hard-soled shoes on a hard surface.
Onomatopoeia for the sharp, rhythmic clatter of hard shoes or hooves on a hard surface, like high heels on pavement or a horse on cobblestones.
廊下でハイヒールのカツカツという音がした。
There was a clatter of high heels in the hallway.
馬のひづめが石畳の上でカツカツと鳴った。
The horse's hooves clattered on the cobblestones.
A lighter, more hollow clatter specifically associated with horse hooves. Often used in children's language or to evoke a cheerful trotting sound.
To describe the sudden clattering noise when objects fall or are dropped, often with a crash.
Onomatopoeia for a loud, crashing clatter, like objects falling and breaking or a heavy rolling sound. Can also describe a rattling noise.
棚から皿が落ちてガラガラと割れた。
The plates fell from the shelf and broke with a clatter.
A flapping or banging clatter, often from something repeatedly hitting a surface, like shutters in the wind or a person rushing around noisily.
To express the action of causing a clattering noise.
A general phrase meaning 'to make a clattering/rattling noise'. The onomatopoeia can be replaced with others (ガチャガチャ, カタカタ) depending on the sound.
彼は食器をガタガタ音を立てて片付けた。
He put away the dishes with a clatter.
A general verb meaning 'to sound' or 'to ring'. Used with onomatopoeic adverbs to describe something clattering.
窓が風でガタガタ鳴った。
The window clattered in the wind.
Japanese has many onomatopoeic words for clattering sounds. ガタガタ is a good default for heavy rattling, ガチャガチャ for metallic jangling, カタカタ for light tapping, and カツカツ for sharp footsteps. Pay attention to the material and rhythm of the sound.
English 'clatter' is often used as a verb ('the dishes clattered'). In Japanese, you typically use an onomatopoeic adverb with a verb like 音を立てる (to make a sound) or 鳴る (to sound). Simply translating 'clatter' as a single verb is unnatural.
ポニーがパカパカと歩いている。
The pony is trotting along with a clatter.
風で雨戸がバタバタと音を立てている。
The storm shutters are clattering in the wind.