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onowords – Japanese Sound Expressions

Feel Japanese sound expressions, not just read them.

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Word type: Gitaigo(擬態語)

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

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.

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.

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

1. Trembling or twitching slightly due to fear or tension

shittori(シットリ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

shittori describes a state of gentle moistness or soft richness, often used for textures, atmospheres, or emotional impressions that feel calm, smooth, and quietly refined.

toro-toro(トロトロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

toro-toro describes a thick, viscous, slow-moving texture, typically associated with semi-liquid substances that flow gently and continuously.

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