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70 Essential Japanese onomatopoeia words you should know

Japanese onomatopoeia are a unique and fascinating aspect of the language, making conversations more expressive and lively. These words mimic sounds from nature, human actions, emotions, and objects, vividly capturing the essence of what they describe. In this article, we’ll explore 70 common Japanese onomatopoeia that will not only enhance your vocabulary but also give you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

japanese onomatopoeia

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What are Japanese onomatopoeia?

Onomatopoeia in Japanese, known as giongo (擬音語) and gitaigo (擬態語), can be categorized into five types:

  • Giongo (擬音語) – Sounds made by non-living things, animals, and humans (e.g., “bow-wow”).
  • Giseigo (擬声語) – Mimics human or animal sounds.
  • Gitaigo (擬態語) – Describes conditions or states (often not audible, like feelings or movements).
  • Giyougo (擬容語) – Expresses movements or actions.
  • Gijougo (擬情語) – Describes emotions or psychological states.

70 Common Japanese onomatopoeia

Let’s explore 70 commonly used onomatopoeia, categorized by their type and meaning.

Animal and nature sounds (Giongo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
ワンワンwanwanBarking sound of a dog (like “bow-wow”)
ニャーニャーnyaanyaaCat meowing
コケコッコーkokekokkooSound of a rooster crowing
カーカーkaakaaSound of a crow cawing
モーモーmoomooCow’s mooing
ピヨピヨpiyopiyoChirping of baby chicks
ガオーgaooRoar of a lion
ポタポタpotapotaSound of water dripping
ザーザーzaazaaSound of heavy rain falling
ゴロゴロgorogoroSound of thunder rumbling
シュッshuSound of the wind blowing swiftly
バシャバシャbashabashaSplashing sound, like wading through water

Human sounds (giseigo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
ドキドキdokidokiHeart pounding (usually from excitement or nervousness)
ペコペコpekopekoSound of a rumbling stomach, indicating hunger
ゲラゲラgerageraLoud laughter
ゴホゴホgohogogoCoughing sound
ヒヒヒhihihiHigh-pitched sneaky laughter
グーグーguuguuSnoring sound
シクシクshikushikuSoft crying or sobbing
ペチャクチャpechakuchaChatter or talking non-stop
ウフフufufuGiggling

Movement and actions (giyougo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
トントンtontonKnocking on a door
ザクザクzakuzakuCrunching sound, like walking on gravel
ドシドシdoshidoshiHeavy, firm steps
バタバタbatabataRushing or flapping about
ズルズルzuruzuruSlurping sound, often for noodles
ゴクゴクgokugokuGulping sound when drinking quickly
キョロキョロkyorokyoroDarting glances around
ヨタヨタyotayotaUnsteady, wobbly walking
スタスタsutasutaWalking briskly
パクパクpakupakuEating enthusiastically

States and feelings (gitaigo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
フワフワfuwafuwaFluffy, soft texture or floating feeling
ツルツルtsurutsuruSmooth or slippery surface
ドロドロdorodoroThick, muddy consistency or emotional messiness
クタクタkutakutaCompletely worn out or exhausted
カリカリkarikariCrunchy texture
サクサクsakusakuCrispy or light crunchiness
ビショビショbishobishoSoaking wet
ベタベタbetabetaSticky or clingy feeling
ネバネバnebanebaSlimy or sticky texture

Emotions and psychological states (gijougo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
ウキウキukiukiFeeling of excitement and joy
イライラirairaFrustration or irritation
ワクワクwakuwakuAnticipation or excitement
ドキドキdokidokiNervousness or excitement (heart racing)
ゾクゾクzokuzokuFeeling chills, either from excitement or fear
ホッhoRelief after tension
ムカムカmukamukaFeeling of nausea or anger
ガッカリgakkariDisappointment
ウットリuttoriBeing entranced or deeply fascinated
モヤモヤmoyamoyaFeeling of uncertainty or confusion

Daily life sounds (giongo)

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
ピンポンpinponSound of a doorbell
ガタンgatanSound of something heavy falling
カチカチkachikachiClicking sound (e.g., a clock or lighter)
パタンpatanSound of a door closing firmly
チリンチリンchirinchirinSound of a bicycle bell ringing
ポキポキpokipokiSound of cracking knuckles
ブーブーbuubuuSound of a car horn
ゴトンgotonSound of a train moving over tracks
ピシッpishiSharp snapping sound

Miscellaneous onomatopoeia

Japanese WordRomajiMeaning
メラメラmerameraFlames blazing or burning brightly
ビュービューbyuubyuuStrong, gusting wind
パラパラparaparaLight, scattered rain or rustling sound
ヒューヒューhyuuhyuuWhistling sound of the wind
キンキンkinkinSharp, high-pitched sound (e.g., a phone ringing)
ボトボトbotobotoLarge drops of liquid falling, like rain or sweat
サラサラsarasaraSmooth, free-flowing sound or texture
シュワシュワshuwashuwaFizzing or bubbling sound
ピカピカpikapikaSomething shiny or sparkling
ギラギラgiragiraBright, glaring light (e.g., sunlight)
ゴロゴロgorogoroRolling or rumbling sound (can also refer to lounging around)

Why learn Japanese onomatopoeia?

Japanese onomatopoeia adds vivid imagery and emotional depth to language, making conversations more dynamic and colorful. Mastering these words can help you better understand and engage with Japanese culture, literature, and daily life.


How to master Japanese onomatopoeia

To effectively learn and use Japanese onomatopoeia, practice incorporating these words into your daily conversations and writing. One effective way to master these expressive terms is by using specialized language learning tools like MochiKanji.

japanese onomatopoeia

MochiKanji offers an effective way to learn Japanese onomatopoeia through its interactive features. The app provides detailed vocabulary courses and uses the Golden Time feature to remind you to review at optimal intervals. With interactive flashcards and Kanji writing practice, MochiKanji makes learning both engaging and practical.

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By integrating MochiKanji into your study routine, you can deepen your understanding of Japanese onomatopoeia and enhance your overall language skills.


Conclusion

By learning these 70 common Japanese onomatopoeia, you’ll have a solid foundation to better express sounds, feelings, and actions in Japanese. Dive into the rich world of Japanese sound words and bring more life to your conversations, making your expressions more vivid and engaging!

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