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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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uwaa(ウワァ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. A drawn‑out exclamation of surprise or emotional reaction

gyaa(ギャー)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★★Psychological / Emotional

1. A loud, high‑pitched scream

zubo(ズボ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Sound of something sinking deeply into soft material

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

dokan(ドカン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★★Physical Movement / Sound

1. A loud explosive sound

zuki-zuki(ズキズキ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Body Sensation

1. Throbbing or pulsating pain

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

1. Complete silence or stillness

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

1. Scattered or separated into pieces

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

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

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