ズドン
zudon
The English phrase "bang" can be translated into Japanese as ズドン (zudon). Wiktionary also lists ドスン (dosun).
Meaning: a sudden percussive noise (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ズドン | zudon |
| ドスン | dosun |
These words are examples of 擬音語 (onomatopoeia) used to represent sounds.
Which one should you use?
ズドン describes a heavy, explosive or cannon-like bang. In contrast, ドスン describes a heavy thud or a dull bang, often from a large object hitting the ground.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
zudon
Did you know?
- Japanese has a distinct category for sounds that are imagined or described by the speaker, called 擬態語 (gitaigo), which can describe things that make no actual noise, like a feeling of silence.
- Japanese onomatopoeia like ズドン are often written in katakana rather than hiragana to make them stand out visually as sound effects in manga and comics.
- Unlike English, where 'bang' is a noun or a verb, these Japanese forms are often used as adverbs to describe how an action occurs, such as 'falling with a bang'.
Examples in context
- 大太鼓の音がバンと響きました。The sound of the big drum rang out with a bang.
- ズドンという音が響いた。zudon to iu oto ga hibiita.A bang-like sound echoed.
- 大きな音でズドンと鳴った。ookina oto de zudon to natta.It went bang with a loud sound.
Example conversation
Two people are talking about a strange noise in the apartment building.
- 大翔 Hirotoさっき、ズドンという音がしたね。sakki, zudon to iu oto ga shita ne.There was a bang just now, wasn't there?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、すごく大きな音だったよ。un, sugoku ookina oto datta yo.Yeah, it was a very loud sound.
- 大翔 Hiroto何かが落ちたのかな？nanika ga ochita no kana?I wonder if something fell?
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、確認してみようか。Hiroto-kun, kakunin shite miyou ka.Hiroto, shall we go check it out?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bang” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
