Onomatopoeia — Japanese Sound Words
Expressive words that mimic sounds, feelings, and textures — a uniquely rich part of Japanese.
バタバタ
batabata
Frantic flapping or stomping sounds; being very busy and rushing around; hectic chaos
Sound ドキドキ
dokidoki
The sound/feeling of a pounding heartbeat — from nervousness, excitement, fear, or love
Emotion ガチャガチャ
gachagacha
Rattling or clanking metallic sounds; also the name for capsule toy vending machines (from the sound of turning the crank)
Sound ゴロゴロ
gorogoro
Rumbling (thunder); rolling (something heavy); lounging/lazing around doing nothing
Sound キラキラ
kirakira
Sparkling, glittering, twinkling — describes anything that shines with small, scattered points of light
State モフモフ
mofumofu
Soft, fluffy, plush — describes the irresistible texture of fluffy animals, blankets, or anything cuddly
State ニコニコ
nikoniko
Smiling warmly and happily — a gentle, content smile (not laughing, just beaming)
Action ペラペラ
perapera
Speaking fluently and smoothly (especially a foreign language); also thin/flimsy (like paper)
Action シーン
shīn
Complete, dead silence — the paradoxical "sound" of absolute quiet; often used in manga for awkward or dramatic silence
State ワクワク
wakuwaku
Trembling with excitement or anticipation — the feeling before something fun is about to happen
Emotion