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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.

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.

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.

poko(ポコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

poko describes a small bump, bulge, or protrusion that appears lightly and without force.

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

poko-n describes a light popping or plopping sound made by a small, firm object with gentle force.

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

moko describes a single soft, rounded bulge or puffed-up shape.

toro-toro(トロトロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro-toro describes a thick, viscous, slow-moving texture, typically associated with semi-liquid substances that flow gently and continuously.

toro(トロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro describes the moment when a soft or semi-melted substance begins to loosen and move.

toro-ri(トロリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro-ri describes a thick, cohesive substance that stretches or drips in a single, heavy stream.

moya-moya(モヤモヤ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

moya-moya describes a state of emotional or mental haziness, where feelings are unclear, unresolved, or vaguely uncomfortable.

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