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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.

doro-doro(ドロドロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

doro-doro describes a thick, heavy, and viscous state, often referring to substances with low fluidity that move slowly, like mud or magma, as well as emotions or relationships that feel dense or entangled.

ka(カッ)
Others★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

ka describes a sudden, sharp widening of the eyes, used to mark an instantaneous shift in emotion or focus.

gyaa-gyaa(ギャーギャー)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Loud, high-pitched shouting or crying

pota-pota(ポタポタ)
Giongo(擬音語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

pota-pota describes small drops of liquid falling one by one in a slow, steady rhythm.

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.

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

1. Being extremely hungry

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.

muka-muka(ムカムカ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

muka-muka describes a feeling of disgust, irritation, or emotional nausea, often directed toward something unpleasant, offensive, or frustrating.

biku-biku(ビクビク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Trembling or twitching slightly due to fear or tension

puni(プニ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

puni describes the small, soft deformation that occurs when something is gently pressed or poked.

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