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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.

uru-uru(ウルウル)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

uru-uru describes eyes filled with moisture, usually from tears that have not yet fallen.

kan-kan(カンカン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound, Psychological / Emotional

1. Repeated metallic clanging (Giongo)

yoro-yoro(ヨロヨロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Body Sensation

yoro-yoro describes an unsteady, weakened, or unstable way of moving, typically due to fatigue, age, injury, or lack of physical strength.

nuru-nuru(ヌルヌル)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Body Sensation

nuru-nuru describes a smooth, slippery, and slightly viscous surface quality, often associated with substances like slime, oil, or wet organic materials.

zuru-zuru(ズルズル)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★☆☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. Slurping sound or action

pyon-pyon(ピョンピョン)
Giongo(擬音語), Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

1. A light, bouncing or hopping movement

doro-doro(ドロドロ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★★☆Physical Movement / Sound

doro-doro describes a thick, heavy, and viscous state, often referring to substances with low fluidity that move slowly, like mud or magma, as well as emotions or relationships that feel dense or entangled.

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

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

tsuya-tsuya(ツヤツヤ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

tsuya-tsuya describes a smooth, glossy, and well‑moisturized surface.

gowa-gowa(ゴワゴワ)
Gitaigo(擬態語)★★★☆☆Physical Movement / Sound

gowa-gowa describes a stiff, coarse, or firm texture, especially when something feels hardened, inflexible, or not yet softened.

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