Japanese Onomatopoeia List
I’ve compiled a short Japanese onomatopoeia list and presented it in this fun dialogue. I’ve also provided audio for all phrases in here so you can do some Japanese shadowing, as well as English shadowing.
Table of Contents
Gengo
Ikki, what’s your view on Japanese, then?
Ikki
Sure, it’s a tough language, no doubt about it. But it’s also incredibly flexible and a whole lot of fun.
Gengo
Totally agree. I find those Onomatopoeias proper wicked.
Ikki
I love onomatopoeia. Their really cool.
Gengo
I can show you some you’ll definitely catch when you’re out in Japan.
I know ’cause, I just gotta listen in on stuff, you know?
Ikki
Well, that doesn’t sound suspicious at all.
{ long, pondering pause }
Buut, let me take note of these.
Gengo
Just remember, this is how I’ve clocked these onomatopoeias being used, yeah?
So there might be other ways they’re used that aren’t shown here, innit?
1. ワクワク【waku waku】
When summin’ proper exciting kicks off.
ワクワク【waku waku】
「この映画、ワクワクするなぁ。」
Gengo
You’ve definitely heard this one if you’re an anime fan.
Ikki
You’re right. That phrase pops up all the time in anime.
Gengo
Any of you lot got a clue which anime mentions this onomatopoeia the most?
Pop it in the comments!
2. サクサク【saku saku】
It’s when you’ve got that crispy vibe outside, but inside, it’s all soft.
サクサク【saku saku】
「とんかつがサクサク～」
Gengo
Alright, I’m getting the munchies, mate.
Ikki
You and me both, my buddy, you and me both!
3. キラキラ【kira kira】
Shiny; radiant; gleaming; flickering
キラキラ【kira kira】
「太陽はキラキラと輝いていた。」
4. とろとろ【toro toro】
Meltingly; creamy
とろとろ【toro toro】
「チーズがとろとろ！」
Gengo
Alright, I’m officially starving at this point.
Ikki
I know, right? Me too.
5. ふわふわ【fuwa fuwa】
Pillow-soft; velvety
ふわふら【fuwa fuwa】
「パンがふわふわ」
「ツーリちゃんふわふわ」
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6. ぽかぽか【poka poka】
Cozy; toasty
ぽかぽか【poka poka】
「お風呂ぽかぽか～」
7. バリバリ【bari bari】
Hustling; grinding
バリバリ【bari bari】
「たしかにユリちゃんバリバリ働くね！えらい！」
8. チラチラ【chira chira】
When you have a quick look.
チラチラ【chira chira】
「サユ先生チラチラ見た！やっば！」
Ikki
Wait, who’s Sayu Sensei? She’s not your new crush, is she? I can see it in your eye!
Gengo
Nah, what put that in your head, mate? I’m just throwing out some examples, innit?
Ikki
M’kay…
9. カリカリ【kari kari】
Another crackling one, it is.
カリカリ【kari kari】
「このポテチカリカリ！」
Gengo
Mate, why we always chattin’ ’bout grub, eh?
Ikki
I mean we are hungry.
10. バタバタ【bata bata】
When you’re all tied up.
バタバタ【bata bata】
「最近、バタバタしてる。」
11. ドキドキ【doki doki】
It’s when your heart gives a right thump-thump!
ドキドキ【doki doki】
「あれ🤭！誰に心ドキドキしてるの？🤭」
Ikki
Ha! I knew it! Gengo’s has a girlfriend! Gengo’s has a girlfriend!
Gengo
And that’s why … !
You should share your thoughts, in the comments!
How did you guys do? Let me know in the comments. Thanks so much for reaching the end. I will compile other onomatope lists. There are so many. Also, let me know if you have any content requests. I’ll see what I can do.
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