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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Emotional / Sensitive

Words that express emotional nuance, inner feelings, or delicate psychological shifts.

kira-kira(キラキラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kira-kira is a Japanese mimetic word that describes a sparkling or glittering visual quality.

jittori(ジットリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

jittori describes an unpleasant or uncomfortable level of dampness, often caused by sweat, humidity, or moisture that clings to the skin, clothes, or air.

potsu-potsu(ポツポツ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

1. Light, sparse raindrops

zawa-zawa(ザワザワ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Natural Phenomena

1. Low, continuous murmuring or ambient noise

shuwa-shuwa(シュワシュワ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

shuwa-shuwa describes a light, fizzy sound or sensation produced by bubbles, carbonation, or gentle effervescence.

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.

gucha-gucha(グチャグチャ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Messy, crushed, or squashed state

beta-beta(ベタベタ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

beta-beta describes a heavy, sticky state caused by moisture, sweat, or a substance that clings strongly to a surface.

guzu-guzu(グズグズ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Slow, hesitant behavior

zuru-zuru(ズルズル)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Slurping sound or action

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