Japanese Onomatopoeia Dictionary – All Words | onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

kari-kari（カリカリ）
Giongo（擬音語）, Gitaigo（擬態語）★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kari-kari describes a dry, crisp, and crunchy sound produced when something firm is bitten, broken, rubbed, or scratched.

koto-koto（コトコト）
Giongo（擬音語）, Gitaigo（擬態語）★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Gentle simmering sound

kyu（キュッ）
Giongo（擬音語）★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kyu describes a quick, firm tightening or constricting motion or sound.

kasa-kasa（カサカサ）
Gitaigo（擬態語）★★☆☆☆Body Sensation, Physical Movement / Sound

kasa-kasa describes a dry, rough, or moisture‑lacking condition of a surface.

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.

kusu-kusu（クスクス）
Giongo（擬音語）★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

kusu-kusu describes a soft, restrained form of laughter, typically a quiet chuckle or giggle made under one’s breath.

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

1. Rolling lightly

kira（キラ）
Giongo（擬音語）, Gitaigo（擬態語）★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A brief flash or sparkle of light

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

1. A sharp, sparkling flash of light

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.