Japanese Onomatopoeia for Objects and Machines

ゴトゴト describes a heavy rumbling or rattling sound from heavy objects moving, or the sound of a thick liquid boiling.

A harsh creaking sound from hard objects rubbing under pressure, or a state of being completely jam-packed with no room to spare.

Jarajara represents the continuous jingling sound of small, hard objects like coins or keys rubbing together, or describes excessive flirtatious behavior.

A colloquial term meaning perfectly exact with no remainder, often applied to money or time, or the sharp sound of snipping.

ポチポチ describes light clicking sounds, small scattered dots like raindrops, or doing something little by little.

A continuous low-pitched buzzing, humming, or whirring sound, typical of flying insects, running engines, or fast-moving objects.

The light, resonant clinking or ringing sound of hard objects like metal or glass striking each other.

This word mimics the continuous hissing sound of escaping gas or steam under pressure, or the whooshing sound of swift movement through the air.

A rough, rhythmic squeaking or sawing sound, like a rusty hinge or sawing wood.

Kashakasha describes the light, continuous clicking or clattering sound of hard, thin objects rubbing or knocking together.

A sharp, light clicking or snapping sound, or an ornamental hair clip that makes such a sound.

Represents short, rhythmic hissing or friction sounds like spraying a bottle, brushing teeth, or a steam engine chugging.

ぶるん describes the sudden sound of an engine starting (vroom) or a single, forceful shaking movement.

A drawn-out squeak or creak followed immediately by a dull thump.

パカパカ is an onomatopoeia describing the rhythmic clip-clop sound of horse hooves, or a noun referring to a clamshell flip phone.

とくとく (tokutoku) is an onomatopoeia for the rhythmic, gurgling sound of liquid being poured from a narrow opening.

A momentary rustling or rummaging sound, like reaching into a bag or a sudden movement in bushes.

Gasari represents a single, distinct rustling or rummaging sound, and is also used as slang for a police search.

The gentle sound of strumming a stringed instrument or playing a light piano note.

Katakoto describes the light, dry, rhythmic sound of hard objects striking against one another, such as footsteps in hard shoes, hooves, or small clattering components.

This word mimics the sound of a camera shutter clicking or a light splash of water.

ブルルン is an onomatopoeia for the loud rumbling of a revving engine or an animal vigorously shaking its body.

An electronic beeping sound or a small, rapid, repetitive twitching movement.

A loud, flat noise such as an electronic buzzer, a car honk, or the sound for an incorrect answer.

A sudden, single clunking or clacking sound made by a light, hard object shifting or falling.

Describes the harsh clattering sound of hard objects hitting together, or a highly messy and disorganized state.

シャキーン represents a sharp, resonant metallic sound like drawing a sword, or the act of suddenly striking a confident pose.

カシャリ depicts a single, crisp clicking sound, typically of a camera shutter or a small mechanical part.

An Akita dialect expression meaning a large quantity, amount, or high degree of something.

ペリペリ describes the light, continuous sound and action of peeling off a thin adhesive or tearing along a perforated line.

プー (puu) represents a flat, sustained sound of air or gas being expelled, such as a toot, honk, or puff.

ピロピロ refers to a blowout party horn or the playful fluttering sound it makes when blown.

Describes the sound of steam puffing out, or the physical sensation of one's body radiating heat.

ぽっぽ (poppo) describes the sound or sight of puffing smoke, the physical sensation of radiating body heat, or serves as a childish word for a train or pigeon.

シュッシュッポッポ is an onomatopoeia for the rhythmic chugging and puffing sound of a steam locomotive.

This word represents a sudden, sharp, high-pitched screech, squeak, or squeal.

This word describes something fitting perfectly into a space, or the light popping sound made when something is pulled out of a hole.

ジューッ is a Japanese onomatopoeia for the sharp sizzling or hissing sound made when food or liquid hits a very hot surface.

The sound of escaping steam or gas, or a fast-moving object cutting through the air.

Describes a light, clear, and high-pitched metallic clinking sound.

Mimics a rhythmic, repetitive squeaking or creaking sound, typically produced by unlubricated or rusty metal parts.

ピーポー is an onomatopoeia for the alternating two-tone siren sound of Japanese ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Gatangoton represents the heavy, rhythmic clattering sound made by a train rolling along railway tracks.

The light, comical honking sound of a squeeze bulb horn or toy trumpet.

A high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound caused by friction, such as a slipping engine belt, tires, or skis on snow.

The rhythmic clanging sound of a hammer or metal striking metal.

A sharp ding or ping sound of an electronic device, or a sudden realization and lightbulb moment.

Describes a string snapping suddenly or a communication cutting off abruptly.