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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.

kusha(クシャ)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

kusha describes the sound or state of something being lightly crushed, wrinkled, or crumpled.

shara-shara(シャラシャラ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

shara-shara describes a light, delicate series of small rustling or clinking sounds produced when thin or small objects lightly touch or move.

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

1. Scattered or separated into pieces

piko-piko(ピコピコ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

piko-piko describes a small, light, repetitive movement or sound, often associated with simple electronic beeps, toy-like motions, or rhythmic mechanical reactions.

shito-shito(シトシト)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

shito-shito describes light, quiet, and continuous rainfall.

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

1. Gentle simmering sound

saa(サー)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

1. Continuous natural sound

sha-sha(シャーシャー)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

sha-sha describes a light, continuous sound created by gentle, straight-line movement.

chun-chun(チュンチュン)
Giongo(擬音語)★★☆☆☆Natural Phenomena

chun-chun describes the short, high-pitched chirping sound made by small birds, typically sparrows.

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

1. Complete silence or stillness

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