Entry
ウッキー
ukkii
A Japanese phonomime (giseigo) representing the characteristic cry of a monkey.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ウッキー (ukki-) is the standard Japanese onomatopoeia used to imitate the sound made by monkeys or apes, equivalent to "ook" or "ook-ook" in English. It is heavily used in manga, children's books, and casual conversation.
- actual monkey cry
- imitation of a monkey
Sense Map
Monkey Sound
Describes the literal sound produced by monkeys, especially when they are calling out or excited.
猿がウッキーと鳴く。
Imitating a Monkey
Used when humans, often children, play and imitate the actions and sounds of a monkey.
ウッキーと猿の真似をする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ウッキーと + 鳴く/言う
Used with the quotation particle 'to' to describe a monkey making the sound or a person mimicking it.
ウッキー！（as an exclamation）
Used as a standalone interjection, typically inside a speech bubble for a monkey character.
How to Use
Common Phrases
猿がウッキーと鳴く
a monkey goes "ook-ook"
ウッキッキーと喜ぶ
a monkey rejoices with an "ook-ook" sound
ウッキーと叫ぶ
to screech "ook!"
ウッキー！
Ook! (monkey noise)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monkeys at a zoo or in nature. | neutral | Portrays the standard primate vocalization. |
| A character mimicking a monkey. | positive | Gives a silly, hyperactive, or humorous impression. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きーきー きーきー / similar | Describes a high-pitched, piercing squeak or screech, which can apply to angry monkeys, mice, or squeaky brakes. | ウッキー is the specific phonetic representation of a monkey, whereas キーキー focuses on the sharp, high-pitched quality. | 猿がキーキー怒る。 |
きゃっきゃっ きゃっきゃっ / similar | Describes cheerful chattering or squealing, applicable to playing monkeys, happy children, or young women. | ウッキー is a direct imitation of a monkey species' voice, while キャッキャッ emphasizes joyful noise. | 猿がキャッキャッ騒ぐ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ウッキー for the sound of birds or other animals.
ウッキー is exclusively reserved for monkeys and apes.
Using ウッキー in formal or scientific writing about primates.
ウッキー is highly informal and comical; use formal vocabulary (like 鳴き声, nakigoe) in scientific contexts.
Examples
Examples
動物園の猿がウッキーと鳴いている。
どうぶつえんの さるが ウッキーと ないている。
The monkey at the zoo is going "ook-ook."
LiteralThe standard use for a literal monkey cry.
バナナをもらった猿がウッキッキーと喜んだ。
バナナを もらった さるが ウッキッキーと よろこんだ。
The monkey that received a banana rejoiced with an "ook-ook" sound.
LiteralUsing the longer variant 'ukkikki-' to show excitement.
子供がウッキーと猿の真似をして遊んでいる。
こどもが ウッキーと さるの まねを して あそんでいる。
The children are playing by imitating a monkey's sound.
FigurativeUsed for humans mimicking monkeys.
彼は急に「ウッキー！」と叫んでみんなを笑わせた。
かれは きゅうに 「ウッキー！」と さけんで みんなを わらわせた。
He suddenly shouted "Ook!" and made everyone laugh.
FigurativeStandalone interjection for comedic effect.
アニメの猿がウッキッキーと木に登っていった。
アニメの さるが ウッキッキーと きに のぼって いった。
The cartoon monkey climbed the tree while going "ook-ook."
LiteralA typical depiction in animated media and stories.
Similar Words
キャッキャッ
kyakkya
Cheerful chattering or squealing.
Questions
Can ウッキー be used for gorillas?
Yes, it can be used for apes in general, though gorillas are often depicted with the sound "uho-uho" (ウホウホ) instead.
What is the difference between ウッキー and ウッキッキー?
ウッキッキー is simply a longer variant that sounds more enthusiastic or repetitive. The core meaning is identical.
Can I use ウッキー as a verb?
Not directly. You must use it with a verb, such as "ウッキーと鳴く" (to make an 'ook' sound).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2768520
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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