Browse by Category
Find the perfect word by exploring common themes in Japanese sound-symbolism.
Body Sensations & Conditions
How does your skin feel? What's going on in your stomach? Japanese body onomatopoeia is precise enough to help a doctor understand your exact level of pain or discomfort.
Emotions & Heart
Japanese feeling words (Gitaigo) describe the movements of the heart as if they were physical sounds. This unique category is essential for understanding how Japanese speakers express their internal world.
Movement & Speed
Japanese capture the rhythm of action through its unique mimetic words. Whether it is moving gradually or rapidly, walking unsteadily or staring intently, these words provide the 'tempo' of Japanese life.
Natural & Object Sounds
Unlike English, which uses distinct verbs for every sound, Japanese uses Giongo and Giseigo to paint an auditory picture. From the roar of rain to the silence of snow, explore how Japan hears the world.
Textures & Touch
From the silkiness of hair to the crunch of high-quality seaweed, Japanese has a word for every tactile sensation. Explore how objects and surfaces feel in the Japanese mind.
Weather & Atmosphere
Japan has four distinct seasons, and its language has thousands of words to describe the subtle shifts in rain, wind, and sunlight. From the biting whistle of winter to the humid stickiness of summer.