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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Cute / Playful

Words with a light, charming, or playful tone, often carrying a sense of friendliness or fun.

para-para(パラパラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

para-para describes light, scattered drops falling in quick, irregular succession.

peko-peko(ペコペコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Being extremely hungry

bata-bata(バタバタ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

1. Loud, repeated physical sounds

goso-goso(ゴソゴソ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

goso-goso describes small, quiet, and continuous rustling movements or sounds, often made when someone is searching through objects, shifting items, or moving secretly in a confined space.

pera-pera(ペラペラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Speaking fluently or smoothly

pachi-pachi(パチパチ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pachi-pachi describes short, sharp, repeating popping sounds such as light clapping, small sparks, or gentle crackling.

pun-pun(プンプン)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

pun-pun describes a state of being clearly angry or irritated, with the emotion visibly expressed through posture, facial expression, or behavior.

gabu-gabu(ガブガブ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Drinking in large, vigorous gulps

pachi(パチ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pachi describes a short, bright snapping or popping sound produced when something lightly bursts, snaps, or makes a crisp spark-like noise.

shobo-n(ショボーン)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

shobo-n describes a small, quiet feeling of disappointment or mild discouragement.

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