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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Word type: Giongo(擬音語)

Japanese onomatopoeic words that represent actual sounds such as impacts, movements, or environmental noises.

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.

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.

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

1. Low, continuous murmuring or ambient noise

goro(ゴロ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A heavy rolling or rumbling sound

piyo-piyo(ピヨピヨ)
Giongo(擬音語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

piyo-piyo describes the high-pitched chirping sound made by small birds, especially chicks.

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

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

1. A crunchy, cutting, or digging sound

pyon(ピョン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pyon describes a light jumping or hopping motion, especially the quick upward movement made by small animals.

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

1. Slurping sound or action

gacha(ガチャ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A mechanical clacking or turning sound

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