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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Mysterious / Quiet

Words that evoke silence, subtlety, or an enigmatic and serene atmosphere.

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

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

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

1. Light, sparse raindrops

zawa-zawa(ザワザワ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Natural Phenomena

1. Low, continuous murmuring or ambient noise

goso-goso(ゴソゴソ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

goso-goso describes small, quiet, and continuous rustling movements or sounds, often made when someone is searching through objects, shifting items, or moving secretly in a confined space.

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

1. Complete silence or stillness

su(スッ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

1. Quick, smooth bodily movement

fuwa(フワ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Light, soft, or airy state

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.

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.

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.

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