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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Serious / Disciplined

Words that convey formality, orderliness, or a sense of responsibility and structure.

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

1. Throbbing or pulsating pain

zun(ズン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

zun describes a deep, heavy, and impactful sound or sensation, often associated with something large or weighty moving, landing, or resonating.

bishi(ビシ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A sharp, snapping or striking sound

zun-zun(ズンズン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

zun-zun describes continuous, heavy, and forceful movement or impacts, often produced by someone or something advancing with weight and momentum.

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

zaku-zaku(ザクザク)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A crunchy, cutting, or digging sound

zara-zara(ザラザラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

zara-zara describes a rough, coarse, or uneven texture that creates friction when touched or moved.

suta-suta(スタスタ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

suta-suta describes a brisk, steady walking pace characterized by quick, uninterrupted steps.

zoro-zoro(ゾロゾロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

zoro-zoro describes a large number of people or animals moving together in a continuous line or group.

bota-bota(ボタボタ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Natural Phenomena

bota-bota describes the sound or state of heavy drops of liquid falling one after another, usually in a slow but weighty rhythm.

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