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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Mischievous / Trickster

Words with a teasing, sly, or lightly mischievous tone, often playful with a hint of trouble.

hera-hera(ヘラヘラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

hera-hera describes a person acting in a frivolous, unserious, or overly casual manner, often smiling or laughing without sincerity.

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

1. A sharp, sparkling flash of light

shiin(シーン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Complete silence or stillness

bishi(ビシ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A sharp, snapping or striking sound

gatan-goton(ガタンゴトン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Sound of a slow, local train running on tracks

peta-peta(ペタペタ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

peta-peta describes a light, flat sound or motion created when something soft or slightly sticky repeatedly touches a surface.

beta-beta(ベタベタ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

beta-beta describes a heavy, sticky state caused by moisture, sweat, or a substance that clings strongly to a surface.

piko-piko(ピコピコ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

piko-piko describes a small, light, repetitive movement or sound, often associated with simple electronic beeps, toy-like motions, or rhythmic mechanical reactions.

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

1. Rolling lightly

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.

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