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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.

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.

moya-moya(モヤモヤ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

moya-moya describes a state of emotional or mental haziness, where feelings are unclear, unresolved, or vaguely uncomfortable.

shobo-n(ショボーン)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Psychological / Emotional

shobo-n describes a small, quiet feeling of disappointment or mild discouragement.

gusshori(グッショリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

gusshori describes a state of being thoroughly soaked with liquid.

ton-ton(トントン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Light tapping or knocking sound

chira-chira(チラチラ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

chira-chira describes repeated, intermittent, or flickering movements of looking or appearing.

shun(シュン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Quick movement or disappearance

goro-goro(ゴロゴロ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Heavy rolling or rumbling movement

fuwa(フワ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Light, soft, or airy state

koro-koro(コロコロ)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Rolling lightly

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