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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Emotional / Sensitive

Words that express emotional nuance, inner feelings, or delicate psychological shifts.

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

1. A light, bouncing or hopping movement

niko-niko(ニコニコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

niko-niko describes a state of smiling cheerfully and continuously.

moko-moko(モコモコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

moko-moko describes something that appears soft, fluffy, and thickly padded.

gera-gera(ゲラゲラ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

gera-gera describes loud, unrestrained laughter marked by a sharp, open sound.

waku-waku(ワクワク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

waku-waku describes a bright, eager feeling of excited anticipation.

sara-sara(サラサラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

sara-sara describes a smooth, light, and free-flowing quality in texture or movement.

pusu-pusu(プスプス)
Giongo(擬音語)★☆☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

pusu-pusu describes a faint, weak sound of air, heat, or energy escaping, often associated with smoldering, leaking, or something gradually losing strength.

doki-doki(ドキドキ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

doki-doki describes the rapid beating of the heart caused by excitement, nervousness, or anticipation.

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.

shito-shito(シトシト)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

shito-shito describes light, quiet, and continuous rainfall.

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