物・衝撃の音 · Objects & impacts
カチカチ
kachi-kachigiongo · inanimate soundCommon
Tick / rock-hard
The ticking of a clock or hard tapping. As gitaigo it means rock-hard or frozen solid, and figuratively stiff with nerves.
Common forms
カチカチ（と）カチカチになる
When to use
- 時計がカチカチ鳴る — the clock ticks.
- 凍ってカチカチ — frozen rock-hard.
- 緊張でカチカチ — stiff with nerves.
Examples
餅が固くてカチカチだ。
もちがかたくてカチカチだ。
The mochi has gone rock-hard.