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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

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Word type: Gitaigo(擬態語)

Japanese mimetic words that describe states, conditions, or behaviors without referring to real sounds.

be-ttori(ベットリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

be-ttori describes a heavy, thick, and strongly adhesive state in which a substance clings firmly to a surface or spreads in a dense layer.

pera-pera(ペラペラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Speaking fluently or smoothly

sara-sara(サラサラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

sara-sara describes a smooth, light, and free-flowing quality in texture or movement.

puni(プニ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

puni describes the small, soft deformation that occurs when something is gently pressed or poked.

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

1. Dry, rough surface condition

puyo(プヨ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

puyo describes a soft, slightly squishy texture with mild elasticity.

dabo(ダボ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

dabo describes something that is loose, baggy, or hanging with excess space, especially clothing or fabric that does not fit tightly.

zoku(ゾク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

zoku describes a brief, sudden shiver or chill that runs through the body in a single moment.

mofu-mofu(モフモフ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

mofu-mofu describes a soft, fluffy, and moderately dense texture typically associated with fur, plush materials, or thick padding.

puka-puka(プカプカ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

puka-puka describes a light, buoyant floating motion, typically used when something drifts on water or floats in the air without sinking or falling.

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