ザーザー
The sound of heavy, continuous rain.
あめが ザーザー ふっています。
It is pouring with rain.
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Japanese Onomatopoeia Sound Lab
Watch, listen, then choose the word that fits. Explore 24 expressions across three themes.
Read the word guide →These expressions describe sounds, but also light, texture and feelings. The hiragana and katakana spellings shown here are choices, not the only possible spellings.
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Open the media file Watch on YouTube (Spanish explanations) · Compare60 seconds · 8 expressions
Compare
Rain, fire, thunder & texture
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3. Choose the word for the scene2. Listen to each word
しとしと
Gentle rain falling quietly and steadily.
あめが しとしと ふっています。
A gentle rain is falling.
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Open the media fileパチパチ
Light, repeated crackling sounds from a fire.
ひが パチパチ もえています。
The fire is crackling gently.
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Open the media fileバチバチ
Loud, forceful crackling or snapping.
ひが バチバチ もえています。
The fire is crackling fiercely.
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Open the media fileゴロゴロ
A low, rolling rumble of thunder.
かみなりが ゴロゴロ なっています。
Thunder is rumbling.
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Open the media fileピカッ
A sudden, brief flash of light.
そらが ピカッと ひかりました。
The sky lit up with a sudden flash.
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Open the media fileさらさら
Fine material flowing freely, or a smooth, silky feel.
すなが さらさら ながれます。
The fine sand flows freely.
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Open the media fileざらざら
A rough, grainy surface.
この いしは ざらざら しています。
This stone feels rough.
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1. Watch the video
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Open the media file Watch on YouTube (Spanish explanations) · Nature60 seconds · 8 expressions
Nature
Water, wind, snow & petals
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3. Choose the word for the scene2. Listen to each word
ぽつぽつ
Scattered raindrops falling one by one.
あめが ぽつぽつ ふって きました。
A few drops of rain have started to fall.
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Open the media fileぽたぽた
Water dripping repeatedly, drop by drop.
じゃぐちから みずが ぽたぽた おちます。
Water drips from the tap.
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Open the media fileそよそよ
A gentle breeze blowing.
かぜが そよそよ ふいて います。
A gentle breeze is blowing.
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Open the media fileビュービュー
The howling or whistling of strong wind.
かぜが ビュービュー ふいて います。
The wind is howling.
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Open the media fileザブーン
A large wave crashing with a splash.
なみが ザブーンと いわに ぶつかります。
A wave crashes against the rocks.
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Open the media fileちゃぷちゃぷ
Gentle splashing or lapping of water.
あしで みずを ちゃぷちゃぷ させます。
I gently splash the water with my feet.
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Open the media fileしんしん
Snow falling quietly in a still scene.
ゆきが しんしんと ふって います。
Snow is falling silently.
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Open the media fileひらひら
Something thin and light fluttering through the air.
はなびらが ひらひら おちます。
Petals flutter down.
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1. Watch the video
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Open the media file Watch on YouTube (Spanish explanations) · Feelings60 seconds · 8 expressions
Feelings
Smiles, tears & surprise
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3. Choose the word for the scene2. Listen to each word
ドキドキ
Feeling your heart beat fast from nerves or excitement.
みんなの まえで はなします。ドキドキ します。
I feel my heart racing before speaking in front of everyone.
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Open the media fileわくわく
Feeling excited about something you are looking forward to.
あしたは りょこうです。わくわく します。
I am excited about tomorrow’s trip.
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Open the media fileイライラ
Feeling irritated or impatient when things do not go your way.
バスが きません。イライラ します。
The bus is not coming, and I am getting impatient.
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Open the media fileしょんぼり
Looking sad, disappointed or downhearted.
しあいに まけて、しょんぼり して います。
I am downhearted after losing the match.
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Open the media fileにこにこ
Smiling happily.
カイトさんが にこにこ して います。
Kaito is smiling happily.
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Open the media fileしくしく
Crying softly or sobbing quietly.
ナオミさんが しくしく ないて います。
Naomi is crying quietly.
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Open the media fileゲラゲラ
Laughing loudly and heartily.
おもしろい はなしを きいて、ゲラゲラ わらいました。
I laughed out loud at the funny story.
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Open the media fileビクッ
A sudden involuntary flinch or start.
きゅうな おとに、ビクッと しました。
I flinched at the sudden noise.
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