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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Archetype: Serious / Disciplined

Words that convey formality, orderliness, or a sense of responsibility and structure.

gaku-gaku(ガクガク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

gaku-gaku describes a repeated, unsteady trembling or shaking motion, often caused by weakness, fear, cold, or exhaustion.

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

1. Quick, smooth bodily movement

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

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

ka(カッ)
Others★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

ka describes a sudden, sharp widening of the eyes, used to mark an instantaneous shift in emotion or focus.

pera-pera(ペラペラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Speaking fluently or smoothly

muka-muka(ムカムカ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

muka-muka describes a feeling of disgust, irritation, or emotional nausea, often directed toward something unpleasant, offensive, or frustrating.

giri-giri(ギリギリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Barely managing to do something just in time or within limits

gaku(ガク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Psychological / Emotional

gaku describes a sudden emotional or physical collapse caused by shock, disappointment, or discouragement.

bara-bara(バラバラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Scattered or separated into pieces

bari-bari(バリバリ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

bari-bari describes a hard, tearing or ripping sound, such as paper or material being forcefully torn.

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