Japanese word

丁々

Pronunciation

Romajitōtō

Meaning

  • adverbwith a thumping sound

Example

大工は丁々と杭を打ちます。dai ku wa tō tō to kui o u chi ma su

The carpenter hammers in a post with a thumping sound.

Illustration for 丁々 (with a thumping sound)

More examples

隣の工事現場から、金属を丁々と打つ音が聞こえます。tonari no kō ji gen ba ka ra kin zoku o tō tō to u tsu oto ga ki ko e ma su

The construction site next door is filled with the thumping sound of metal being struck.

Core concept

丁々 (tōtō) presents each forceful blow as a clear, repeating beat, especially when a tool strikes wood.

Common phrases

  • 丁々と打つtō tō to u tsu

    strike with a thumping sound

Similar words

どんどんdondon: It describes repeated heavy blows that make a deep, strong sound.
とんとんtonton: It describes repeated light blows that make a soft, regular sound.
かんかんkankan: It describes repeated hard blows that make a loud, ringing sound.

Definition in Japanese

木材などを工具で打つ音が、連続して響くさま。moku zai na do o kō gu de u tsu oto ga ren zoku shi te hibi ku sa ma

Word origin

丁々 (tōtō) is a reduplicated sound-symbolic form, with 丁 (tō) used to represent a striking sound and repetition suggesting successive blows.

Usage tips

  • The form 丁々と (tōtō to) places this sound word directly before an action verb, linking the repeated noise to an ongoing action.

Other meanings

  • with a chopping soundadverb

Word lists with this word