Complete Japanese Onomatopoeia Reference
Browse thousands of expressive Japanese words, understand their meanings and usage nuances, then distinguish sounds, movements, states, and feelings that are often hard to translate directly.
Japanese onomatopoeia is not only sound words like "meow" or "bang." Words such as きらきら, ドキドキ, and さらさら also describe movement, feeling, texture, atmosphere, and appearance. These words appear in conversation, manga, anime, and everyday writing, so learning them makes Japanese sound more natural and expressive.
These three types are the usual starting point for learning Japanese onomatopoeia. Start with the simple distinction here, then open the type pages to compare the full groups.
Quick test: if you can hear a real sound, it is usually giongo or giseigo. If the word describes a state, appearance, or feeling without a direct sound, it is usually gitaigo.
Words that imitate real sounds from objects, nature, or events.
Words that imitate voices from people, animals, or living beings.
Words that describe states or impressions that usually have no direct sound.
Browse mimetic words for voices of people and living beings.
Browse words that imitate sounds from objects, nature, and events.
Browse words that express states, qualities, appearance, and texture.
Browse words that express movement, actions, and behavior.
Browse words that express feelings, moods, and inner reactions.
Browse Japanese onomatopoeia by meaning area, including mood, movement, sound, texture, and communication.
Start with words that often appear in daily conversation, manga, anime, and casual reading.
ドキドキ
dokidoki
A heart pounding from nerves, fear, excitement, or love.
ワクワク
wakuwaku
Excitement and impatience while waiting for something pleasant.
ギリギリ
girigiri
Barely in time, almost at the limit, or just enough.
ペラペラ
perapera
Speaking fluently, especially in a foreign language, or talking nonstop.
ニコニコ
nikoniko
Smiling cheerfully and warmly without making a sound.
ばらばら
barabara
Separated, scattered, messy, uneven, or spread apart.
キラキラ
kirakira
Sparkling or shining like stars, eyes, or jewels.
ぐっすり
gussuri
Sleeping deeply and soundly without being easily disturbed.
イライラ
iraira
Irritated, annoyed, or impatient because of something.
ゆっくり
yukkuri
Slowly, calmly, and without rushing.
ビックリ
bikkuri
Suddenly surprised or startled.
サラサラ
sarasara
Smooth, light, not sticky, or flowing easily.
Choose the situation you want to express, then compare words with nearby meanings.
Browse all entries through search, categories, and types. Use search when you know the word or meaning; use categories and types when you want to compare nuance.
Japanese onomatopoeia uses expressive words such as きらきら, ドキドキ, and ごろごろ to describe sound, state, movement, or feeling.
No. Many Japanese mimetic words describe texture, movement, mood, emotion, or visual state without an actual sound.
Hiragana can feel softer and more ordinary, while katakana can add emphasis, sound-like force, or a more vivid visual effect.
Giongo and giseigo relate to sound. Gitaigo, giyougo, and gijougo usually describe states, movement, behavior, or feeling.
Not always. Many carry situation, emotion, or texture that needs explanation instead of a one-word translation.
Search by kana, romaji, Indonesian meaning, or English meaning, then open an entry for meaning, type, category, examples, and source notes.
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically.
ゴロゴロ
gorogoro
A word representing a heavy rumbling sound, a large object rolling, lounging around idly, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
ドキドキ
dokidoki
A word that mimics the sound and feeling of a fast-beating heart due to nervousness, excitement, or fear.
わくわく
wakuwaku
Wakuwaku means to be positively excited, thrilled, and happily anticipating something.
ニコニコ
nikoniko
ニコニコ describes a cheerful, friendly, and silent smile.
あっさり
assari
Describes something that is light in flavor, simple in appearance, or happens quickly and easily without resistance.
あべこべ
abekobe
Refers to a state where the order, position, or direction of things is the reverse of what it should be.
あやふや
ayafuya
A state where something is unclear, uncertain, or unreliable.
イジイジ
ijiiji
Describes someone acting timidly, hesitantly, or moping due to a lack of self-confidence.
いそいそ
isoiso
Describes acting or moving cheerfully and eagerly in anticipation of something pleasant.