ガタゴト

がたごと
adverb, onomatopoeia, noun
rumbling, clattering, rattling
onomatopoeia
1. rumbling, clattering, rattling
An onomatopoeic word describing the rhythmic, uneven rattling sound made by vehicles moving over rough surfaces or train tracks.
電車(でんしゃ)がガタゴトと走(はし)る。
The train rumbles along.
ガタゴトと揺(ゆ)れるバスに乗(の)った。
I rode a bus that rattled and shook.
古(ふる)い路面(ろめん)電車(でんしゃ)がガタゴトと音(おと)を立(た)てて街(まち)を走(はし)っていた。
An old streetcar rattled through the town.

Common patterns

Typically used with the particle と: ガタゴトと走(はし)る, ガタゴトと揺(ゆ)れる.

Related words

  • ガタガタ: sharper, more irregular rattling; also means "rickety" or "complaining"
  • ゴトゴト: deeper, heavier rumbling sound

Usage

ガタゴト evokes a nostalgic, rhythmic quality — often associated with old trains, streetcars, or horse-drawn carts. It is more pleasant-sounding than ガタガタ, which implies roughness or disrepair.

Related Words

Compare: がたがた (sharper, irregular rattling)

Related Articles

Common Onomatopoeia and Mimetic Words
general
Added 2026.2.10 17:36 · Revised 2026.10.12 3:22
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