Entry
ケロケロ
kerokero
Kerokero is the onomatopoeia for a frog's croak or a robotic, metallic vocal effect used in music.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It mimics the rhythmic, high-pitched sound of common frogs. In modern contexts, it is widely used to describe the 'robotic' vocal processing (auto-tune) often heard in pop and electronic music.
- Representing the sound of frogs croaking in nature.
- Describing the metallic, mechanical sound of processed human vocals.
Sense Map
Animal Sounds
The standard sound of a frog croaking, often associated with small or cute frogs.
カエルがケロケロ鳴く。
Music & Vocals
A colloquial term for digital vocal effects that make the voice sound robotic and stuttery.
ボーカルをケロケロにする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ケロケロと鳴く
Functions as an adverb to describe the action of croaking.
ケロケロ（と）した声
Used as an adjective phrase to describe a voice that sounds like a frog or a robot.
ケロケロする
A colloquial verb form meaning 'to have/apply a robotic vocal effect'.
ケロケロに加工する
Describes the act of processing audio to achieve a robotic sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ケロケロ鳴く
a frog croaking
ケロケロボイス
robotic vocal sound
ケロケロした音
a sound resembling a frog's ribbit
ケロケロと聞こえる
to hear croaking sounds
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature/Animals | neutral | Standard representation in media and literature. |
| Music Production | colloquial | A common way to refer to hard auto-tune effects. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
げろげろ げろげろ / contrast | Used for a heavy or unpleasant frog sound. | Can also mean vomiting or being grossed out, which is not the case for kerokero. | 大きなカエルがげろげろ鳴く。 |
げこげこ げこげこ / similar | Used for a deeper, more throaty frog croak. | Suggests a larger frog and a louder, less 'cute' sound than kerokero. | ウシガエルがゲコゲコと鳴いている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kerokero for very large, deep-voiced frogs.
Gekogeko is more suitable for large bullfrogs.
Thinking it only applies to biological frogs.
Modern Japanese uses it for metallic, electronic vocal effects as well.
Examples
Examples
池のほとりでカエルがケロケロと鳴いている。
いけのほとりでカエルがケロケロとないている。
Frogs are croaking kerokero by the pond.
LiteralDescribes the actual sound of frogs in nature.
最近の曲は、ボーカルをケロケロさせる加工が流行っている。
さいきんのきょくは、ボーカルをケロケロさせるかこうがはやってる。
In recent songs, processing vocals to sound kerokero is popular.
FigurativeRefers to the robotic vocal effect (auto-tune).
雨が降り始めると、どこからかケロケロと声が聞こえてくる。
あめがふりはじめると、どこからかケロケロとこえがきこえてくる。
When it starts raining, kerokero sounds can be heard from somewhere.
LiteralThe sound of frogs active during the rainy season.
自分の声を録音して、ケロケロにして遊んでみた。
じぶんのこえをろくおんして、ケロケロにしてあそんでみた。
I recorded my voice and tried playing around by turning it into kerokero.
FigurativeDescribes the act of processing a voice to sound robotic.
おもちゃのカエルがスイッチを入れるとケロケロ鳴き出した。
おもちゃのカエルがスイッチをいれるとケロケロなきだした。
The toy frog started croaking kerokero when the switch was turned on.
LiteralImitation frog sound from an electronic item.
Similar Words
げろげろ
gerogero
A heavier frog sound or can mean vomiting.
ゲコゲコ
gekogeko
A deep and guttural frog sound.
Questions
Can kerokero be used for humans?
Yes, specifically when describing a singing voice that has been digitally altered to sound robotic.
What is the difference between kerokero and gekogeko?
Kerokero is high-pitched and cute, while gekogeko is deep and guttural.
Why is auto-tune called kerokero?
The mechanical, repetitive sound of the effect is compared to the rhythmic croaking of a frog.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1048240
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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