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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

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Word type: Giongo(擬音語)

Japanese onomatopoeic words that represent actual sounds such as impacts, movements, or environmental noises.

bishi(ビシ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A sharp, snapping or striking sound

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.

gasa-gasa(ガサガサ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

1. Dry, rough surface condition

kin(キン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

kin describes a sharp, high-pitched metallic sound produced when metal objects strike each other.

ban(バン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

ban describes a sharp, loud, and sudden impact sound.

hyun(ヒュン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

hyun describes a sharp, fast motion that cuts through the air in an instant.

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

bota-bota(ボタボタ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Natural Phenomena

bota-bota describes the sound or state of heavy drops of liquid falling one after another, usually in a slow but weighty rhythm.

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.

dogo(ドゴ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

dogo describes a heavy, dull, and forceful impact sound produced when a large or solid object strikes something.

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