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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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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.

kusu-kusu(クスクス)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

kusu-kusu describes a soft, restrained form of laughter, typically a quiet chuckle or giggle made under one’s breath.

koro-koro(コロコロ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Rolling lightly

kira(キラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A brief flash or sparkle of light

kiraan(キラーン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. A sharp, sparkling flash of light

kira-kira(キラキラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kira-kira is a Japanese mimetic word that describes a sparkling or glittering visual quality.