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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

uto-uto(ウトウト)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

uto-uto describes the state of dozing off, drifting in and out of light sleep, or becoming drowsy without fully losing consciousness.

hera-hera(ヘラヘラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

hera-hera describes a person acting in a frivolous, unserious, or overly casual manner, often smiling or laughing without sincerity.

bari-bari(バリバリ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

bari-bari describes a hard, tearing or ripping sound, such as paper or material being forcefully torn.

pika-n(ピカーン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pika-n describes a sudden flash of light or a sharp moment of realization.

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.

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

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

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