Nihongo Phonopoeia

Japan Sugoi writes:

"If you live in Japan or are learning Japanese, one thing you’ll pick up very quickly is theJapanese fondness and common usage of onomatopoeia. This is especially true if you are a manga comics reader. In English, as in Japanese, onomatopoetic words are those that imitate natural sounds. In Japanese, however, there are literally hundreds of such words, and they are used much more frequently than in English. Words that represent actual sounds (e.g., animal noises) are called giseigo e.g.Frog Croaking: English, ribbet ribbet, Japanese, kero kero Dog Barking: English, woof woof, Japanese, wan wan Cat Meowing: English, meow, Japanese, nya nya

In addition, Japanese recognizes two additional types of onomatopoeia: one that basically suggests states of the external world (gitaigo) and another that basically names internal mental conditions and sensations (gijoogo).

Examples include the word “bashi-bashi” (the natural sound of smacking some one across the head), “ton-ton” (knocking on a door) , “guu-guu” (depicts someone in a deep sleep accompanied by snoring),“gocha-gocha” (a state of disorder common to apartments) and “pika-pika” (which depicts a shiny object)"

I recommend the book, Nihongo Phonopoeia, written by an African-American IT specialist and Japanese linguist, Harry R. Lawrence III. Here is a blurb on Harry's book:

"Nihongo Phonopoeia" is an entertaining guide to learning, remembering, and using Japanese onomatopoeias. Hilarious illustrations coupled with a phonetic- based memorization system entertain you while allowing you to quickly and easily commit the onomatopoeias to memory. Included are expanded notes and over 150 practical sample sentences to assist you with building usage skills. Nihongo Phonopoeia is the fastest, simplest, and most entertaining way to learn Japanese onomatopoeias.

You can hear some of the Japanese onomatopoeias used in Nihongo Phonopoeia by clicking here. For you visual learners, this may help.

Here is a list of some common Japanese onomatopoeia found in manga."Japanese Onomatopoeia in MangaAa = general interjection: oh, uh, aha! = exclamation of surprise, alarm, amazement, relief, frustration, fury: Oh! Ack! Agh! Ah! Argh! Also inarticulate sound of pain or passion: Ah! Oh!aaaa! = same as above, but more soaa = yes, okay, sureaa(aaa)n = opening the mouth wide, as in “Say ah!” Used when feeding or being fed by someone.aan, an = cry of passion (see a!)acha = remorseagi agi = bite bite, gnaw, sink your cute little fangs into (see also agu agu, kaji)agu agu = bite bite (see also agi agi, kaji)ahaha = laughter (see also ha ha ha for masculine laughter, and ho ho ho for refined feminine laughter)arayotto, hoisatto = K-san: “These are used when one is doing some physical task and finishing it easily. One uses either or both of them at a time.”Bba = sudden impact. English equivalents would be: bam, bang, crash, ka-boom, thump, thud, wham, whomp, etc. (See also bagu, baki, ban, bashi, bata, batan, bokan, bun, dan, doka, don, doshin, dote, ga, ka, kon, paka, pan, pashi, patan, poka, pon, to, ton, among others.)Bbachi = crackle (see also bari, biri)bagu = impactbaki = impact (one of the most common impact sounds) or other very loud soundban = bang! bam!ban = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also don)bara bara = rattle rattle (see also chara chara, gara gara)bari bari = crunch, as in eating. K-san: “Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus.” (see also kori, pari, pori)bari bari = scratch scratch (see also giri giri, kiri kiri)bari bari = rip rip (see also biri biri)bari bari = crackle, crackle? Anyway, energy or electricity, just like biri biri. Pari pari is a quieter crackle, just as pori is a quieter crunch than bari. (see also bachi)basa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving (see also pasa)bashan = medium splash (see also zabun for a very big splash)bashi, bashito = impact (see also nashi, pashi)bata, batan = impact, often used for falling downbatan = door slamming (see also patan)batchiri = precise, proper, accuratebecho = dropping something. K-san says it means dropping something sticky (and see beto beto), but we’ve seen it used for Yuusuke dropping Kuwabara. Maybe Kuwabara was sticky at the moment.bee, bee da = rudeness, what you say when you stick out your tongue and pull down your eyelid at someone. From ‘Bero bero akkan-bee (or akanbei).’ Like the mocking Western ‘nya nya!’bero = peeling backbero bero = licking over and over, stronger than perobetari = people or objects that stick together (physically or metaphorically)beto beto = sticky, gummybi, biiii = highpitched sound: shriek, wail (see also kiiii)bicha bicha = small splash (see also bashan for medium splash, zabun for big splash)bichi bichi = flopping, smackingbiku, bikun, bikkun = surprise (see also piku)biri = electricity, energybiri biri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag (see also bari, piri)biron = tongue hanging outbishi = whip, slap, smack, depending on the degree of powerbo = flame, fire (see also gooo, guooo, po). W-san: “‘Bo’ is like the ‘whoosh’ of a gas range turned on.”bo = sluggish and exhausted (see also doyon)bochan = kerplunk (see also pochan)bochi bochi = something happening steadily, as in water drippingbokan = sudden impactboketto = gazing vacantlyboko = boiling, bubbling. Can also be any ‘pop’ or bursting sound. (see also buku)bon = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also pon/pom, dororonpa)bosa bosa = unkempt, also sitting around lazilyboso boso = muttering, speaking in a hushed, unclear voice. M.J. says of boso, busu, and musu: “All of them what muttered sulky Japanese sounds like–’bananas bananas’ said through the nose, so to speak; because you don’t complain out loud.” (see also busu, guzu, gyaa, musu)bota = dripping, possibly something thick dripping, like blood. Compare to pi, picha, po, pota. (see also dara dara for thick liquid dripping)boto boto, bote = fallingbotsu = whooshbuchi = snap. Can be used metaphorically, such as when Hiei snaps under the pressure of learning he’s a father.buchi buchi = ripping, tearingbuchu = kiss (see also chu, nchu, uchu)buku, bukubuku = swelling, something swollen (see also puku)buku, bukubuku = boiling, bubblesbui = ‘V’ for victory. Sound of fingers making the V-sign.bunchchacha = music. Yes, really. Bun is a slow beat and cha cha quick beats. (see also runtata)bun, buun = swishbuun = buzz, whir, as of an insectburan = hanging, danglingburororo = sound of a loud motor, as of an automobile (see also oooo)Buru = a head being shaken violently in the negativebusu busu = the sound of something smoldering or smoking. Used for the embers after Hiei’s fire attacks. (see also pusu pusu)busu, busu busu, usuto, butsu = muttered complaining (see boso, guzu, gyaa, musu)buwa = explosionbuyo buyo = squishy and swollen, waterloggedbwahaha = evil laugh, same as fwahaha, gahaha, gwahahabyu = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes (see also hyu, gyu, pyu)Cchapon, chapu = plunk (water sound) (see also shapu)chara chara = rattle, clatter, jingle (see also bara bara, gara gara)chi, ch’ = Various translators: “I think of it as a tongue-clicking noise.” “It means ’shit.’” “I think it’s better translated as ‘damn’ since it’s about the equivalent in vulgarity.” “Probably a–mm, vocal referent, would you call it?–to chikushou, another of the ‘oh shit’ words.” You can see why we decided to leave it as ch’. ^_^chichichi = how you call a catchi chi = high shrill noisechira, chirari, chiron = quick sideways glancechiri chiri = curly, frizzychiri chiri = tingle of heat, shiver of cold (see also zoku for shiver)chirin = chimechiyahoya = fuss over, butter upchoki choki = cutting, as with knives or scissorschokon = small and quietchu = kiss (see also nchu, uchu)chu = suck (as through a straw)chun chun = chirp chirp (see also pii pii for peep peep)Dda da da, daaaaaaaa = running away (see also do do do, ta, ta ta ta)dan = bang, boom, sudden impactdara dara = continuous dripping of thick liquid, like blood, sweat, saliva drool (see also jo, jururu, zururu)dere dere = sloppy, loose. Also to go goofy over someone, to fawn.do = big impactdo = heartbeat, the loudest kind! (see also doki doki, dokun, tokun)do do do do = footsteps, especially heavy footsteps, running (see also da)do do do do = quick punchesDobi = missed kickdoka = impactdoki doki = heartbeat (see also dokun, tokun)dokun = harder heartbeat (see also doki, tokun)don = BIG impactdon = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also ban)dondon = continuous actiondopyu = spurting (as in blood) K-san: “The ‘pyu’ is the spurting (quick action, just like ‘pyu’ on its own), and the ‘do’ emphasizes it, just as in ‘dosu.’”doron, dororonpa = the sound of magical transformation (see also bon, pon, pom)dorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also ora, orya, sorya, uraa)dosa = thud of something heavy (often a person or body) hitting the floordoshin = impactDosshu = a cut through bonedosu = spurting. K-san: “The ’su’ is the spurting, and the ‘do’ emphasizes it, just as in ‘dopyu.’”dotabata = running around wildly, as in panic or confusion (compare to jitabata for flailing)dote = impact, falling. W-san: “This sound is often used in reference to the frequent, usually comical falls toddler are always taking. With adults it means a careless, slapstick fall.”doyon = sluggish and exhausted, depressed (see also bo)Ee! e? = what! huh? We usually translate this as ‘eh?’ although the Japanese ‘e?’ is less colloquial and informal than the Western ‘eh?’e, eeee = cry, wail (see also hu-e, miiii)ee = yes, okay, sureeeto = (said by a character) um, er, uh. What you say while you’re thinking of what to say.ehen = we’ve had this translated as both ‘ahem!’ and ‘haha!’ei = shriekFfua, fuwa, fa = yawnfu, fua (hu hua) = sigh, blowing breath out (as in blowing out a candle)fu fu fu (hu hu hu) = a strange laugh. M.J.: “The evil chuckle in the back of the throat.” (see also ku ku ku, pu pu pu)fuki fuki = wipingfumi = step, stompfumu (humu) = hmmph, hmm, uh-huh (see also umu)funka funka (hunka hunka) = sniff sniff, inhale (see also nku, kunka)fura = yawn (see also fua)fura = driftfura = dizziness (see also kura)fura, fura fura = wobble, totterfura, furi, furu = tremble, quiver (see also puru)fusa = abundant, soft hair. (Or, in these stories, somebody touching it.)fuwa, fuwato = gentle movement, lifting or floatingfuwari, funwara = even gentler, calmer movement than fuwatofwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, gahaha, gwahahaGga = yet another impact wordgaba = grab (see also gashi, gu, gui, gya, gyu, ku, kyu)gaba gaba = gurglinggaba gaba = too big (as of clothes)gacha, gachari = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also kacha)gahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gwahahagakin = clashgaku = shaking, wobbling (see also kaku, kakun)gakun, gakunto, gakuri = to collapse, fallgapu = big bite, chomp (see also paku)gan = revelation, usually horribleGAAA-N = BIG revelation, always horriblegangan = strong or violent actiongara gara, garan = clatter, rattle (see also bara bara, chara chara)gasa, goso = rustle, stealthy movementgashan = crash, impact (see also gashin, gochin)gashi = grab (see also gaba, gyu)gashin = crash, impact (see also gashan, gochin)gasshiri = solidgata, gatan = to reel in shock from a revelationgata, gatan = to fall or collapsegatsu gatsu/gatu gatu = gobble food (see also hau hau, paku)gaya = excited crowd soundgebo = throwing upgefu = belch, burpgeho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon, koho)gennari = exhaustedgeshi geshi = not sure about this. At times it seems to be a wiping sound like goshi ; at others either a squashing or rustling sound. Maybe a general cloth sound?gi gi, giiee = sounds Kurama’s plants (and other evil plants) make. (for other menacing sounds see go go go and uzo uzo)giku, gikuri = surprise (see also biku, piku)gin = glare, stare at (see also giro)gira = twinkle, shine, glint (see also kira, kiran)giri giri = scratching, grinding, more vigorous than kiri (see also bari bari)giri giri = at the limit, to have no time or space to sparegiro = glare, stare at (see also gin)gishi = creaking (see also kishi)Gitai-go = not a sound effect, but the Japanese word for onomatopoeia, or sound effects.go go go go = general menace, a threatening atmosphere. (for other menacing sounds, see gi gi and uzo uzo)gochin = impact. W-san: “Another comical collision sound.” (see also gashan, gashin)gofu = coughgoho, gohon = a deep, wet cough, also vomiting up water (see also geho, gofu, kehen, kon, koho)goku, gokun = gulp, swallow (see also kokun)goooo = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei’s fire attacks (see also bo, guooo, po)goro goro = purr purrgoro, goron = rolling over. It’s supposed to be something heavy rolling over, but we’ve seen it used for tiny little Hiei rolling. Maybe it means he’s rolling heavily.goshi = scrubbing, rubbing, wiping (see also koshi)goso = rummage, rustlegoun = the sound of a washing machine. Really. At least, we’ve seen it used for that specifically by two different djka. The sound of a dryer, however, is guon (see the difference?)gowa gowa = stiff, rigid?gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)gu = what you sound like when you’re sleeping (see also supigu, ku, suka, suya, gussuri.) Gu and ku are similar to zzzzz. Supigu is peaceful sleep. K-san says “it’s sort of a whistling sound.”gu = stomach growling (see also ku, kyururu)gucha = smashing, crushing (see also gusha)guchi guchi = wet sound? twisting sound? We’re not sure.gui = grab (see also gaba, gu, gyu)gui = gulpGunya = sudden mental realizationguon = the sound of a dryer. For the sound of a washing machine, see gounguooo = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei’s fire attacks (Cf. bo, goooo, po)gura = stagger, move shakily (see also zuru)guri = to give noogiesgusha = squeeze, grab, crush (see also gucha)gussuri = deep sleep (see also gu, ku, suka, supigu, suya)gutta, guttari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also kuta)gutto, guutto = extreme concentration, also strong emotionguzu = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, gyaa)gwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gahahagya = shriek (see also kya)gya = grab (see also gaba, gyu)gyaa gyaa = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, guzu)gyo = shockgyu, kyu = grab, squeeze, twist (see also gaba, gya)gyuu, gyuun = fast motion (see also byu, hyu, pyu)Hha! = sound of surprise or realization. Can mean catching breath in shock or panic.ha, haa haa = panting, exhalationha ha ha = laughter (masculine laughter, as opposed to ho ho ho, which is refined feminine laughter) (see also ahaha)hakkiri = clear, unambiguoushamu = bite, chew, glomp, as in Lively Little Hiei-chan glomping onto a spoonhara hara = to fall gently, like a flower petal….hata = soft, quiet landing noise. (for a louder rattle see gata)hau hau = gobbling (see also gatsu, paku)he he he = heh heh heh (laugh)hena hena = worn out, exhausted. (see also heto heto)henshin = transformation (as from Tsukino Usagi to Sailor Moon). We’ve seen it used at least once as a sound effect.hero hero = spineless, limp, or pliable (see also mero, pura, puran)heta = collapsing, sitting down in despair or exhaustionheto heto = worn out, exhausted. (see also hena hena)hiee = exclamation: eek, yikeshiii, hiiie = shriekhihiin = high-pitched whinny, as of a horsehiku, hiku hiku = shaking, as with anger or sobs (compare to shiku)hiku = hiccuphiri hiri = continuous pain or irritationhiso hiso = whisper whisperhiya hiya = fear, worryhn = huh, hrumph, humph. Traditional spelling of Hiei’s traditional interjection. When anybody else says it, we’ve rendered it huh or humph..hoisatto, arayotto = K-san: “These are used when one is doing some physical task and finishing it easily. One uses either or both of them at a time.”ho ho ho = laughter, specifically, refined feminine laughter. (see also ahahaha, ha ha ha for masculine laughter)hoka hoka = warmth, heat (internal or external)honobono = peaceful, harmonious, tranquilhooo = windhote hote = toddle toddle (see also tote)hu, hua (fu, fua) = sighhu hu hu = (or fu fu fu) a strange laughhu-e = cry, wail (see also e, miiii)hun = huh, hrumph, humph (see hn)hunka hunka (funka funka) = sniff sniffhyoi = popping up suddenly, quick movement such as reachinghyoko = popping up suddenlyhyu, hyun = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes, or Kurama’s whip moving (see also byu, gyu, pyu)hyuuuuu = cold wind, lonely windIicha icha, ichakura ichakura = displaying affection in public. K-san: “touching and carrying on.” Acting spoony. ^_-ira ira = fume fume. It’s also been suggested that this is the sound of clenched or grinding teeth.iso iso = moving blithely, happilyJ>ja, jaaaa = water/liquid flowing or rushing, or any other hissing sound (see also jo, ju, zu)ja ja ja = hiss hiss hiss (such as the sound of Kurama frying something)jabon = big splash (see also shapu, zabu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)jaki = glint of something sharpjan, jan jan = tada!jiiiiii, jiiiin, jiiiito, jiiiton = the sound of staring, of silence, or of remaining frozen/ motionless. Often used in djs to indicate that a character is moved beyond words, stunned beyond words, or just generally beyond words. (see also shiiiin) As a word, jitto emphasizes being motionless, jiitto emphasizes the duration of being still.jiku jiku = numbnessjiro, jiro-jiro-to = a hard look. ‘Jiro-jiro-to’ means ‘in a fixed, staring manner.’jiri, jiri jiri = something scraping on the ground. Sometimes used for a charater inching forward or backwardjitabata = flail one’s arms and legs (or one’s tail, in the case of ‘The Mermaid Princess’ ) (compare to dotabata for running around in confusion)jiwa = tears welling upjiwa jiwa = slowly but steadilyjo, joro joro = water/liquid flowing or pouring (see also dara dara, jururu, zururu)jururu = drool (see also dara dara, jo, zururu)Kka(a) = light (see also pa, po)ka, kan = heels going click, footstepskaa = face turning red, blushing (see also po)kacha = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also gacha)kaji = bite, gnaw, sink your little fangs into (see also agi, agu, kari)kaku = scratching, running a hand through hair, paddling a hand in waterkaku, kakun = shaking, wobbling, losing balance (see also gaku)kapan = rattle, open (compare to batan, patan for closing)kara = emptykarakara = bone drykaran = rattle, openkari kari = something scratching on something else, e.g., a pen on paper, somebody’s little fangs on your headkasa, kase = rustle. Commonly used for a quiet footstep in the grass, also can be paper, cloth, or other material rustling.katsu katsu = clomp clompkehen = cough (see also geho, gofu, goho, kon, koho)kerori = unaffected, casual, unimpressedki = glare, the glint of a dagger eyekii = squeak, high-pitched sound, as in a door squeakingkiiiii! = long high-pitched sound: brakes squealing, hysterical scream (see also biiii for shrieking)kichi kichi = full, jam-packedkichin, kichinto = meticulously, carefullykin kon, kan kon, kin koun (and other variations) = ding dong, as of a school bell (see also pin pon)kippari = flatly, definitely, clearly (to say something this way)kira, kiran, kirari = twinkle, shine, glint (see also gira)kiri kiri = scratching or scraping, less vigorous than girikiri kiri = business, hastekishi = creaking (see also gishi)kochoku = frozen, paralyzedkoho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon)koi = come on (as a fighting phrase)koi koi = come, come, beckoningkokun = swallow (see also goku, gokun)kokuri, kokkun = nodkon = quiet impact, such as knocking at a doorkon = soft cough (see also goho, kehen, koho)kopo = pouringkori = crunch, as in eating. K-san: “Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus.” (see also bari, pari, pori)kori kori = scrapingkoro, koron = dropping something, something rolling or tumbling (see also poro)koshi koshi = rubbing, wiping (see also goshi, geshi)koso, kossori = sneaky, doing something stealthilykoto, kotsun = little clink, like the sound of a glass being put down or a tear gem falling.kotsu kotsu = slowly but surelyku = sleeping (see also gu, supigu, suka, suya)ku, ku ku, ku ku ku = giggle in the throatku, kukyururu, kyururu = stomach rumbling, tummy growlingkudo kudo = repetitivekuha = yawn (see also fua, fa)kukaa = sleepy breathingkukuri = distinct, clearkun kun = smellingkune kune = wiggling like a snake (see also nyoro nyoro)kunka kunka = sniff sniff (as of smelling). (see also funka, hunka, nku)kura = dizziness (see also fura)kurin = curling (as in the movement of tentacles or an unhappy dog’s tail)kuru = turningkusha, kushu, kushun = sneeze: ker-choo!kusu = little laughkuta, kutari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also guttari)kya = shriek (see also gya)kyapi kyapi = happy noisy girlish chatteringkyoro kyoro = looking this way and that, searching for something with the eyeskyu, gyu = grabkyururu, ku, kukyururu = stomach rumbling, tummy growlingMmeki meki = quick progressmero mero = limp, floppy (see also hero, pura, puran)meso meso = whimper, snifflemiii = cry, wail (see also e, hu-e)Miin miin = The sound of cicadas in the summermishi mishi = creak creakmoji moji = shynessmoku = eating, munching (see also mugu)momi = groping (this one comes up a lot, sadly)mu, musu, mumuu, muun = grimace, anger, sulkiness. It’s been suggested that the sound of ‘mu’ is a sort of closed-mouth grunt–perhaps similar to the sound of disapproval Marge Simpson makes?mugu, muku = eating, munching with closed mouth (see also moku)muka muka = sick, nauseatedmuku = getting up, sitting upmunyu = The sound of groping–usually a girl’s chestmura mura = sexual arousalNn? = Hm? Huh?n = a grunt, as of surprise, effort, sleepiness, pain, or passion. We’ve had translators render the actual sound in different ways: mm, n, nh, ngh, ng, ung, unh. Lately we’ve been going with nh or ng.nade nade = stroke stroke, pet petnashi = smack (see also bashi, pashi)nchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, uchu)ni, niko, nikori = smile, grin (see also nipa, nita)nipa(a) = brilliant smile, grin (see also niko, nita)nisho = effort (see also nsho, nshotto, yoisho)nita = sinister smile (see also niko, nipa)niyari, nyari = leernku = sniff sniff, inhale (see also funka, hunka, kunka)nnuuu = see nuuunoro noro = slownessnsho, nshotto = effort (see also nisho, unsho, yoisho)nukenuke, nukenuketo = nonchalantly (to speak or act that way)nuru, nuru nuru, nurun = greasing, soaping, making slipperynuuuu = menace. W-san: “‘Nuu’ is often used when something unknown, mysterious, or big appears out of nowhere.”nyari, niyari = leernyoro nyoro = W-san: “Something long and thin like a snake moving along with a wriggling motion.” (see also kune kune)Ooi = hey!oisho, yoisho, nsho, nshotto, nisho = effort, strain: Oof! Umph!oo! = approving exclamation: Oh! Whoa!oooo = wind howlingoooo = menacing roar, animal or mechanical (such as the roar of an engine) (see also buroro)ora ora = what you say when you punch somebody repeatedly. A fighting taunt or war cry; we’ve had it loosely translated as “Take that!” “Try this!” (see also dorya, orya, sorya, uraa)oro oro = shock, surprise, befuddlement, confusion. (You don’t usually say it, though, unlike Kenshin.)orya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, sorya, uraa)osoru osoru = timidlyPpa(a) = light, shining (see also ka, po)pachi = K-san: “A sharp, snappy sound.” Can be click, crackle, clap, crack, etc. We’ve seen it used for opening eyes, bursting veins, clapping, and indeterminate ominous things happening.paka = opening, separating. W-san: “A sound describing something opening in half. Like when Peachboy came out of his giant peach, the sound the peach made was ‘paka.’”paka = snappaku = closing mouth on food, chomp (see also gapu)paku paku = opening and closing mouth, eating, gobbling. This is where Pac-man came from! (see also hau, gatsu)pan = sudden impactpan pan = pat, pat or smack, smack, as of dusting hands (or oneself) offpari = crunch, as in eating (see also bari, kori, pori)?pari pari = crackle, as of energy or electricity. Quieter than bari bari.parin = crash, clashpasa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper movingpasha = splashing, as with the hand (see also pisha) For a big splash, see zabun.pashi = impact: smack! click! (see also bashi, nashi)pata pata = flap flappatata = spatter spatterpatan = door slamming (see also batan)pechanko, peshanko = flattened, crushedpeko = bowpeko peko = bow over and over (grovel)pero, pero pero = licking (see also bero)peron = rolling up or down, or flippingpetan, petanto = smooth, flat. Also, to flop down on the floor.pi = beep, peep, any other short high-pitched soundpi, picha, pichon = drip (see also po, pochan, pota)pichi = flap, bounce, snap (see also bichi)piiii = shrill sound, beeper, telephone, whistlepiii piii = chirp chirppiku, pikuri = blink, noticing something. May be from piku = twitch = pricking up the ears.piku = twitchpin pon = ding dong, bell (see also kin kon)piri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag ) see also biripiri piri = sharp sensation, as of pain, electricity, spiciness. Can be the sharpness or electricity of a glare.pisha = splashing, as with the hand (see also pasha) For a big splash, see zabun.pishi = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also bishi)pita = stoppingpito = gentle touchpiyo = peeppo, pochan, pota = drip, plunk. Pochan = kerplunk! (see also pi, picha, pichon, pochi)po = flame, light. Can also be blushing. For other fire sounds see bo, gooo, guooo. Other light sounds include paa, kaa.Po = Po’s nom de plume. Has nothing to do with sound effects, and everything to do with Tinky Winky, Dipsy, and Laa Laa.pochi pochi = something happening steadily, as in water drippingpoi = throwing or tossing somethingpoka = impactpoka poka = warmth of the sunpon = impact, fairly quietpon, pom = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also bon, dororonpa)pootto = dazed, obsessedpori pori = eating, crunching, softer than ‘bari bari.’ K-san: “Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus.” (see also bari, kori, pari)poro, poto = dropping something, something rolling (see also koro, koron)potsun = aloneness, separationpuchi puchi = pop pop, crackle cracklepuku, pukupuku = swelling, something swollen (see also buku)pun pun = bad-smellingpu pu pu, upupupu = yet another strange laugh (see also fu fu fu)pura pura, puran = limp, floppy (see also hero, mero)puri puri = anger (see also puuu)puru = shake, quiver (see also puri, furu)pusu = puncturing, penetratingpusu pusu = the sound of something smoldering or smoking (see also busu busu)puu = puffpuuuu = anger (see also puri puri)puutto = snort, honk, toot (from a horn or any bodily orifice ^_^)pyu = fast motion (see also byu, gyu, hyu)Rruntata = music. In this case, used for something Hiei-chan is humming. Run is a slow beat and tata quick beats. (see also bunchacha)Ssa, saa = hissing, rain, water running (softer sound than zaa, which can also be rain)sa, saaaa = rustling, windsa, sasa = quick motionsa, saku = stepsara sara = smooth, light, drysasu sasu = rubbingsawa, sawayaka = cool, refreshing, something that makes you feel refreshed (see also suka)sesseto = working steadilyshaaa = something slicing through air: whishhh!shaka shaka = scrape scrapeshapu shapu = splash (see also zabun)shiiin = the sound of staring, of silence, or of remaining frozen/ motionless. Often used in djs to indicate that a character is moved beyond words, stunned beyond words, or just generally beyond words. (see also jiiiin)shiku shiku = sobbing, whimperingshire = shrug (we think) Definitely a strange ‘don’t look at me’ look.shittori = moist. Also calm, soothing.shizu = move solemnlyshobo shobo = sadness, mopingshu = quick movement, fabric rubbing, swishshuuuu = fog, mist, steamshubo = the sound of a flame igniting, e.g. lighting a lighter. (Maybe shu = quick movement/rubbing plus bo = light.)shun = W-san: “This sound describes something wilting. It can be used for people, to describe being sad.”shuru, shururu, shurun = snaking motion. Often used for Rose Whip or other vines or tendrils snaking around.sorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, orya, uraa)sosokusa = running away quickly, beating a hasty retreatsowa sowa = restless, fidgety (as in ‘Ammari sowasowa shinaide!’ (Don’t get so fidgety!), the first line of ‘Lum no Love Song’)su = breathe in (compare to fu, breathe out)su = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off, someone moving smoothlysube sube = smoothsubu = see tsubusui = smooth movement, as of a good skatersuka = whooshy sound. K-san: “the sound of swinging a baseball bat and missing.” Togashi frequently uses it for punches missing.suka = something sparse. K-san: “When you get a big box which is light for its size, and you shake it, and the packing material makes rustling sounds, that’s suka suka. Or when you put on a big pair of jeans, you say ‘These are suka suka (too big).’”suka, suya = sleeping (see also gu, ku, supigu)suka, sukari, sukkiri, sukato = feeling of refreshment. K-san: “for example, when you drink a carbonated drink on a hot day.” (see also sawa, sawayaka)sukon = plunk, plonksuku = getting up, standing upsunari = slender, smooth, graceful (see also surari)supa, supari = cutting or breaking something (see also zuba)supigu = peaceful sleep, a whistling sound (see also gu, ku, suka, suya)suppa suppa = puff puffsupo = pop? Anyway, the sound of tight something being pulled off (or pulled out), such as Hiei’s boot coming off his foot, or an arrow coming out of Hiei-chan’s head.surari, surarito = long and straight, slim, slender (see also sunari)suru = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off….suta = landing (as in after you’ve jumped)sutatata = runningsuten = fallingsutetete = a little kid running fastsuton = sitsTtaaaaa = dashing, running (see also da, do do do, tatata)tappuri = full, stuffedtatatata = running lightlytehe = teehee, giggleteka teka = shiny, smooth surfaceteku teku = walking (see also to to to, toko toko)ten ten tenmari tentemari = traditional song to accompany bouncing a balltere = abashed. K-san: “Embarrassed in a happy way. Like when you’re asked out on a date by somebody you like, you go ‘tere.’”to = quiet impact, e.g. a soft landing from a jumpto to to = walking (see also teku, toko)to, ton, tonde = jumpingtobo tobo = dejected walkingtoko toko = walking (see also teku teku)tokun = harder heartbeat (see also dokun)ton = fairly quiet impacttontonton = chopchopchop (as of food) or any other light continuous action (see also dondondon)toppuri = night falling, the sun disappearingtote = toddle toddle (see also hote)tsu = A small tsu on its own in a word balloon puzzled us for a while. We tried various things, but finally M.J. came up with what we think is the best solution. “I hear it as a slightly high-pitched ‘uh’ made by catching your breath in your throat.” So from now on we’re translating it as ‘uh.’tsu, su = raintsu, tsuuuu = bzzzzzzzz (insect sound)tsubu = eyes (and only eyes) closingtsun tsun = bad-smelling, stinky (see also pun pun)tsuru, tsurun = sliding, also used for something smooth or slicktsutsutsu, sususu = slidingtsuya tsuya = shining, glowing (the way Kurama looks in the morning ^_^)Uu = ugh, urgh, ulp! A grunt or growl of surprise, pain, or anger.uchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, nchu)ugogo = chokinguka uka, ukkari = daydreaming, not paying attentionukkun = swallow, gulp (see also gokun, kokun)umu = uh, uh-huh, hmm (see also fumu)uni = the noise you make with your mouth when you’re waking upunsho = effort (see also nsho, yoisho)unzari = bored, fed upuraaa, uryaaa = roar, war cry (see also dorya, ora, orya, sorya)ura ura = swayinguto = nodding offutsura = half-asleeputtori = enraptured by beautyuuu = sound of anger: Urrgh!uwaaaa! = exclamation: Auuugh!uzo uzo = menace. A sound that evil creatures and nasty plants make. (see also gi gi and go go go)Wwa! = (a character saying it) Wow! Ack!waa, waaa waaa = (a crowd’s) excited roar (see also wai wai, wara wara)wai = (a character saying it) feminine exclamation of delight. M.J. says of ‘wai’ and ‘wai wai,’ “Both are also kid’s language for delight, is why female characters say it to be cute, I think.”wai wai = (as a background effect) noise, excitement, lots of people talking (see also wa, wara wara)waku, waku waku = excitement. K-san: “Happy cute excitement.”wan wan = bow wowwara wara = crowd noise (see also waa, wai wai)wasa wasa = rustle rustle?wata wata = flap flapYyaho, yahoi = yoohoo! hey! hi!yakimoki = fretting, worryingyanwari = soft, gentleyare-yare = one of the words/phrases we’ve left in the original. What you say when you’re frustrated, exasperated, or giving up: Oh, well. What the heck. Good grief.yoisho = effort (see also nsho, unsho)yoji = the sound a cockroach makes when crawling up your back. May be related to jiri jiri, which is inching.yoro, yororo = stagger, waddle, walk shakilyyusa = shaking (something)Zza, za za za = footstep on grass, walking quickly or running through grass or bushesza = generic white noise sound, can be tv static, etc.ZA! = strong, energetic movement.za za, zaa zaaa = rustling, e.g., wind rustling in leaves, grasszaa = rain (louder rain than saa)zaba, zabu, zabun = big splash (see also jabon, shapu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)ZAKU! = cross between za and zoku?zashu = lash, slashzawa = rustle. May be specific to plants, we’ve seen it used for trees and Kurama’s power rising.zawa = crowd noiseze, zei = wheeze, gaspzoku, zotto = chill or shiver (see also chiri)zooon = rumbling, shakingzu = drool or other liquid flowingzu = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)zu, zun = vigorous motionzu(uu), zu(uu)n = disappointment, sadness. W-san: “It often describes things sinking, and can mean a sinking heart.”zuba, zubari = to slice or cut with a single blow (see also supa)zugagaga, zugogogo = combination of vigorous action and menace? Anyway, loud drastic things happening.zuki = sharp painzumo, zumomomo = menace, loomingzunguri = dumpyzuri, zuriri, zuru = stagger when walking, or fall back in shock (see also gura)zuru = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)zuru = strong movement, more vigorous than ’suru’zuru, zuru zuru = something heavy dragging or being pulledzururu = slurp (see jururu)zusasa = zu (vigorous) plus sasa (quick motion). We’ve seen it used for a quick scuttling recoil.zuzu = sip (see also zuru)list compiled from oop-ack