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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.

gasa(ガサ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

gasa describes a single, light, dry rustling or shifting sound produced when an object moves, brushes against something, or is lightly disturbed.

byun(ビュン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★★Physical Movement / Sound

byun describes a very fast, forceful motion that cuts through the air with strong momentum.

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

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

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

1. Sound of something sinking deeply into soft material

pachi-pachi(パチパチ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pachi-pachi describes short, sharp, repeating popping sounds such as light clapping, small sparks, or gentle crackling.

pika-n(ピカーン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

pika-n describes a sudden flash of light or a sharp moment of realization.

kan-kan(カンカン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound, Psychological / Emotional

1. Repeated metallic clanging (Giongo)

gotsu(ゴツ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

gotsu describes a short, firm impact sound produced when hard objects collide or strike against a surface.

bata-n(バタン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

bata-n describes a loud, forceful sound produced when something closes, falls, or hits a surface with impact.

doki-doki(ドキドキ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

doki-doki describes the rapid beating of the heart caused by excitement, nervousness, or anticipation.

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