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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

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Archetype: Calm / Gentle

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

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.

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.

pera(ペラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pera describes something thin, light, and flimsy moving or bending easily, often with a soft flipping or fluttering motion.

poto(ポト)
Giongo(擬音語)★☆☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poto describes a small, light object or droplet falling and making a soft, minimal sound.

pota-pota(ポタポタ)
Giongo(擬音語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

pota-pota describes small drops of liquid falling one by one in a slow, steady rhythm.

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

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

pasha(パシャ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

pasha describes a light, quick splash sound produced when water is struck, disturbed, or splashes outward.

pari-pari(パリパリ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pari-pari describes a crisp, dry cracking sound or texture, often associated with thin surfaces breaking, tearing, or snapping.

poko-poko(ポコポコ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poko-poko describes a series of small, hollow bubbling or popping sounds produced when air or gas rises repeatedly through liquid, or when a light, hollow object is tapped in a gentle, rhythmic way.

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

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

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