がたがたgatagata

1. adverb (with と), suru verbrattling; clattering
   嵐あらしが雨戸あまどをがたがたとならした。↗

   The storm rattled the shutters.
2. adverb (with と), suru verbtrembling; shivering; quaking; wobbling; swaying
3. adverb (with と), suru verbwhining; grumbling; griping; bellyaching
4. no-adjective, na-adjectiverickety; shaky; wobbly; decrepit; ramshackle; broken down

• Synonym揺れるゆれるNeutralEveryday general verb for shaking or swaying, also for wavering feelings; the most common choice in daily use, with no rattling sound.
• SynonymガクガクCasualMimetic word mostly for legs or knees shaking and loose parts; it focuses on the trembling itself, while 「ガタガタ」 also carries a heavy, jumbled rattling sound.
• SynonymカタカタCasualOnomatopoeic for the light clacking of hard objects touching, like typing on a keyboard; 「ガタガタ」 sounds heavier and noisier.
• SynonymがたつくCasualVerb for rattling and being shaky or unsteady; it can also mean shivering from cold or fear, so it works much like 「ガタガタする」.
• Related震えるふるえるNeutralGeneral, neutral verb for trembling or shivering, with no sound involved; 「ガタガタ震える」 stresses shaking violently.
• Related不安定ふあんていWrittenWritten/formal word for an unstable state, as in 「情緒不安定」; it states the condition only, with no sound and no bodily trembling.
• Related動揺どうようNeutralPhysical shaking, but more often mental agitation or turmoil, as in 「心が動揺する」; it carries no rattling sound.
• Related震動しんどうWrittenWritten/formal word for the vibration or shock of objects or the ground, e.g. from an earthquake or explosion; no onomatopoeic flavor.
• RelatedばたつくCasualVerb for noisy flapping or fluttering, or rushing around in a panic; it stresses flustered bustle and is not used for shivering from cold.
• RelatedがちゃつくCasualVerb for things clattering as they knock together repeatedly; it also describes a situation turning into a ruckus, but is not used for bodily trembling.
• Relatedぐら付くぐらつくNeutralVerb for wobbling on an unsteady base, as in 「歯がぐらつく」; it also covers wavering thoughts, without stressing any sound.
• RelatedガタピシCasualOnomatopoeic for the creaking of doors and windows opening and closing, often worn-out, ill-fitting things; it adds a creaky note beyond 「ガタガタ」.
• RelatedカチャカチャCasualOnomatopoeic for the clinking of small metal objects knocking together, like tableware or keys; lighter and crisper than 「ガタガタ」.
• AntonymスムーズNeutralLoanword meaning smooth and trouble-free; the opposite of 「ガタガタ」 running jerkily or bumping along.
• Antonym安定あんていNeutralStability or steadiness, as in 「経営が安定する」; the opposite of the shaky, unsteady 「ガタガタ」.

「ガタガタ」 covers heavy rattling sounds, shaking or wobbling, shivering from cold or fear, and grumbling. For lighter clacking use 「カタカタ」; for legs or knees knocking use 「ガクガク」; for trembling with no sound use 「震える」; for swaying use 「揺れる」; 「がたつく」 works like 「ガタガタする」. Opposites: 「安定」, 「スムーズ」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 堅かたい物ものが触れ合ふれあって出でる、重おもく騒さわがしい音おと。
2. 寒さむさや恐怖きょうふのため体からだが震ふるえるさま。
3. 混乱こんらんして落ち着おちつかないさま。
4. うるさく不平ふへいを言いうさま。
5. 組み立くみたてが緩ゆるみ壊こわれかかっているさま。
6. 道路どうろがでこぼこして通とおりにくいさま。
7. 体調たいちょうがわるいさま。組織そしきの運営うんえいなどがうまくいかないさま。