Skip to content
onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Human‑crafted theory, refined with AI.

  • Home
  • About
  • How to Use
  • DeepDive

Archetype: Calm / Gentle

Words that express softness, tranquility, or a soothing and comforting atmosphere.

ton-ton(トントン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Light tapping or knocking sound

juwa(ジュワ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

juwa describes the sound or state of liquid spreading, seeping, or releasing moisture or heat.

shittori(シットリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

shittori describes a state of gentle moistness or soft richness, often used for textures, atmospheres, or emotional impressions that feel calm, smooth, and quietly refined.

potsu-potsu(ポツポツ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

1. Light, sparse raindrops

kari-kari(カリカリ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kari-kari describes a dry, crisp, and crunchy sound produced when something firm is bitten, broken, rubbed, or scratched.

gara-gara(ガラガラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

gara-gara describes a rough, rattling, or clattering sound produced by objects moving, shaking, or sliding.

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

1. Rolling lightly

para-para(パラパラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

para-para describes light, scattered drops falling in quick, irregular succession.

goshi-goshi(ゴシゴシ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

goshi-goshi describes a strong, repetitive scrubbing or rubbing sound produced when two surfaces are pressed together and moved back and forth with force.

kara-kara(カラカラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kara-kara describes a light, dry rattling sound produced by small or hollow objects moving or shaking.

← Previous
Next →