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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.

gabu-gabu(ガブガブ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Drinking in large, vigorous gulps

zara-zara(ザラザラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

zara-zara describes a rough, coarse, or uneven texture that creates friction when touched or moved.

moko(モコ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

moko describes a single soft, rounded bulge or puffed-up shape.

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.

shiku-shiku(シクシク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

shiku-shiku describes a quiet, continuous expression of sadness or pain.

bou-bou(ボウボウ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

bou-bou describes something that is wild, overgrown, or sticking out in an unkempt way.

tokun(トクン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★☆☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

tokun describes a single, faint heartbeat or pulse occurring in one gentle moment.

kyoro-kyoro(キョロキョロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

kyoro-kyoro describes the restless movement of one’s eyes or head as they look around repeatedly.

fuka-fuka(フカフカ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

fuka-fuka describes a soft, springy, and cushion-like state, typically used when something has a plush, yielding surface that gently compresses under light pressure.

biku-biku(ビクビク)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Psychological / Emotional

1. Trembling or twitching slightly due to fear or tension

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