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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.

gaku(ガク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

gaku describes a sudden emotional or physical collapse caused by shock, disappointment, or discouragement.

bara-bara(バラバラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Scattered or separated into pieces

toro-toro(トロトロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro-toro describes a thick, viscous, slow-moving texture, typically associated with semi-liquid substances that flow gently and continuously.

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.

zuki-zuki(ズキズキ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

1. Throbbing or pulsating pain

toro(トロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro describes the moment when a soft or semi-melted substance begins to loosen and move.

tsuya-tsuya(ツヤツヤ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

tsuya-tsuya describes a smooth, glossy, and well‑moisturized surface.

gatan-goton(ガタンゴトン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Sound of a slow, local train running on tracks

toro-ri(トロリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro-ri describes a thick, cohesive substance that stretches or drips in a single, heavy stream.

sube-sube(スベスベ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

sube-sube describes a smooth, even surface with no roughness or friction.

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