UPDATE | January 1, 2023
Do you know "onomatopoeia" that conveys sounds, states, and feelings in Japanese? There are many expressions that use the same word twice, such as "pika pika", "zaaa", and "fluffy". This time, I will introduce a list of frequently used onomatopoeias. Try using it in your daily conversations.
INDEX
What is "pikapika"Meaning: beautiful as if shiningExample: Please make the floor shiny.
What is "gritty"Meaning: lots of fine details, not smoothExample: There is dust and the floor is rough.
What is "scrubbing"Meaning: rubbing hardExample: Wash thoroughly to remove dirt.
What is "slippery"Meaning: clean and slipperyExample: It's freezing and slippery here, so be careful.
[PR]
What is "hot"Meaning: freshly prepared food is hotExample: Hot oden is ready. Please come while it's still hot.
What is "Others"Meaning: warm (warm)Example: Other rice is delicious.
What is "fluffy"?Meaning: very softExample: This bread is fluffy.
What is "mogumogu"Eating sounds (used in manga, etc.)
What is "Goku Goku"Sounds when drinking (used in manga, etc.)
What is "throbbing"Meaning: Pain that feels like waves coming over and over againExample: My head throbs on rainy days.
What is "kiri kiri"Meaning: needle-like painExample: My stomach crunches due to stress.
What is "Gangan"Meaning: like a loud noise in your headExample: I drank too much and my head hurts.
What is "Mukamuka"Meaning: looks like he's going to vomit and feels bad / angry and in a bad moodExample 1: I ate too much and got sick to my stomach.Example 2: No matter how many times I say it, they don't understand. Don't be annoyed.
What is "Muzumuzu"Meaning: itchy, restlessExample: My nose is itchy due to hay fever/I can't sleep because my legs are itchy
What is "zokuzoku"Meaning: It's a cold feeling and before you get a feverExample: I've been shivering since around noon. You may have a fever.
What is "potsupotsu"Meaning: it's rainingExample: It's raining, but you don't have to put up your umbrella yet.
What is "shitoshito"Meaning: It's raining quietly for a long timeExample: It is pouring rain. I don't think it will stop for a while.
What is "zaza"Meaning: it's rainingExample: Somehow it rained. Even with an umbrella, you might get wet.
What is "gorogoro"Meaning: The sound of thunder / The sound of a stomach acheExample 1: Thunder is rumbling. It looks like it's going to rain heavily.Example 2: My stomach is rumbling. I'm going to the bathroom for a while.
What is "picka"Meaning: lightning flashesExample: Didn't you just shine? I wonder if lightning struck somewhere.
What is "Dokidoki"Meaning: Feeling worried/expectingExample 1: Whenever a police officer is near me, I always get nervous.Example 2: Will I be able to do well in tomorrow's presentation? Don't be nervous.
What is "Disappointment"?Meaning: sad and depressedExample 1: The test failed. I'm disappointed.Example 2: Don't be so disappointed. I'm sure you'll be fine next time.
What is "harahara"Meaning: I'm worried about whether it's okayExample: A child is in such a high place. Don't be nervous.
What is "sowa sowa"Meaning: I feel restless and my body movesExample: I wonder if he hasn't come yet. It's been a long time since I've seen you, so I'm nervous.
What is "irritated"Meaning: Things don't go as planned and you feel badExample: The car in front is slow. Can you speed it up more? I get annoyed.
What is "tonton"Meaning: tappingExample: Tap here to start the monitor.
What is "click"Meaning: The sound of something fitting tightly/closed tightly, etc.Example 1: Turn the lever until it clicks.Example 2: Please close the lid of this bottle.
What is "ping pong"Meaning: The sound of pressing the bell in front of the house / The sound of answering the quiz correctlyExample 1: (ding dong) Hello. It's a courier.Example 2: A: Is this answer 〇〇? B: Ding-Dong! correct answer!
What is "Batan"Meaning: The sound of a door being slammed tightlyExample: Please close the door quietly instead of slamming it.
How much did you know about "onomatopoeia"?There are still many types of Japanese onomatopoeia. If you find a word you don't know, check its usage and meaning, and try using it in conversation!
I teach Japanese at Japanese language schools and universities in Kyushu. I love games and manga. I also work as a coordinator and web writer to create a local Japanese language class for those who are studying Japanese.
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