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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.

giri-giri(ギリギリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Barely managing to do something just in time or within limits

poko-poko(ポコポコ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poko-poko describes a series of small, hollow bubbling or popping sounds produced when air or gas rises repeatedly through liquid, or when a light, hollow object is tapped in a gentle, rhythmic way.

pika-n(ピカーン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pika-n describes a sudden flash of light or a sharp moment of realization.

zubo(ズボ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Sound of something sinking deeply into soft material

poko(ポコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poko describes a small bump, bulge, or protrusion that appears lightly and without force.

hera-hera(ヘラヘラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

hera-hera describes a person acting in a frivolous, unserious, or overly casual manner, often smiling or laughing without sincerity.

fuwa(フワ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Light, soft, or airy state

poko-n(ポコン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poko-n describes a light popping or plopping sound made by a small, firm object with gentle force.

uto-uto(ウトウト)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

uto-uto describes the state of dozing off, drifting in and out of light sleep, or becoming drowsy without fully losing consciousness.

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