どんどん
don-don EverydayCommon Casual to Semi-formal
Rapidly, steadily, pounding sound
What does どんどん mean?
Describes things happening one after another in quick succession, or a heavy thumping/pounding sound.
The Image: A rhythmic, forward-moving energy. It's the sound of a drum propelling things forward.
When to use it
- Technology advancing quickly
- Eating a lot of food one by one
- Someone knocking loudly on a door
Translation Warning
Extremely versatile. Can be an adverb for 'rapid progress' or a sound for 'pounding'.
Avoid using when:
- For slow progress
- For quiet actions
Example Sentences
日本語がどんどん上手になる。
Your Japanese is getting better and better (rapidly).
Progressドアをトントンではなくドンドン叩く。
Pound on the door loudly (not just a light tap).
Sound