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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Energetic

Words that convey liveliness, movement, or a strong sense of vitality.

suta-suta(スタスタ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

suta-suta describes a brisk, steady walking pace characterized by quick, uninterrupted steps.

bata-bata(バタバタ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

1. Loud, repeated physical sounds

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

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

biri-biri(ビリビリ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

1. Continuous electric stimulation or tingling

pata-pata(パタパタ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pata-pata describes light, rapid, and repetitive sounds or movements.

pachi-pachi(パチパチ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pachi-pachi describes short, sharp, repeating popping sounds such as light clapping, small sparks, or gentle crackling.

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.

pachi(パチ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pachi describes a short, bright snapping or popping sound produced when something lightly bursts, snaps, or makes a crisp spark-like noise.

goro-goro(ゴロゴロ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Heavy rolling or rumbling movement

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

pyon describes a light jumping or hopping motion, especially the quick upward movement made by small animals.

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