バンバン
The English phrase banban translates to the Japanese phrase バンバン.
バンバン is an onomatopoeic adverb used to describe an action being performed repeatedly, rapidly or with great force. It can also be used to describe something being done frequently or vigorously.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a reduplication of the sound ban, mimicking the sound of a loud strike or a gunshot.
Did you know?
- The phrase can be used to describe the act of knocking loudly on a door, but if the sound is softer or more rhythmic, a Japanese speaker would switch to トントン.
- The word バンバン belongs to a category of Japanese words called 'giseigo', which specifically mimic the sounds of objects or actions rather than animal cries.
- When used to describe a mistake, such as バンバン間違える, it implies not just making errors, but making them one after another in a landslide fashion.
Examples in context
- ドアをバンバン叩かないで。doa o banban tatakanaide.Don't bang on the door.
- 新しい曲をバンバンリリースしている。atarashii kyoku o banban rirīsu shite iru.They are releasing new songs constantly.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about a loud neighbor.
- 結衣 Yui隣の人が壁をバンバン叩いているよ。Tonari no hito ga kabe o banban tataite iru yo.The neighbor is banging on the wall.
- 陽太 Yota本当にうるさいね。Hontou ni urusai ne.It's really noisy, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui何かあったのかな。Nanika atta no kana.I wonder if something happened.
- 陽太 Yotaちょっと様子を見に行こうか。Chotto yousu o mi ni ikou ka.Shall we go check it out?
