Translation guide
The sound of a horse's hooves on a hard surface, often in a rhythmic walking gait. Japanese uses onomatopoeia that can vary by gait and surface.
パカパカ
clip-clop (horse walking)
Describe the rhythmic clip-clop sound of a horse walking or trotting on pavement or hard ground.
The most common onomatopoeia for a horse's light, rhythmic hoofbeats, especially at a walk or slow trot. Often used in children's books and everyday descriptions.
馬がパカパカと歩いている。
The horse is clip-clopping along.
A softer, more leisurely clip-clop, often for a pony or a slow, gentle walk. Can sound cuter or more relaxed.
ポニーがポクポク歩く。
The pony clip-clops along.
A heavier, more deliberate clip-clop, sometimes used for a draft horse or a more pronounced hoofbeat. Less common in modern casual speech.
荷馬車の馬がカッポカッポと進む。
The cart horse clip-clops along.
Describe the rapid, continuous sound of a horse galloping.
Onomatopoeia for a heavy, rumbling gallop, like a horse running at full speed. Often repeated for emphasis.
馬がドドドドと走ってくる。
The horse comes galloping with a thunderous clip-clop.
A lighter, more staccato galloping sound, often used in manga or playful contexts.
馬がパカラッパカラッと駆けていく。
The horse clip-clops away at a gallop.
Describe a person making a clip-clop sound, e.g., with coconut shells or toys.
Same as the horse sound; used for any imitation of hoofbeats.
子供がココナッツの殻でパカパカと音を立てる。
The child makes a clip-clop sound with coconut shells.
Japanese onomatopoeia often take the particle と (to) when used adverbially, e.g., パカパカと歩く (pakapaka to aruku). They can also be used as nouns or with する (suru) for a continuous sound.