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Japanese Onomatopoeia Guide (Audio Description)

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:07 pm
by Macko Darlack
well, found this when surfing... yet it was first made for manga, i think it also applies for novels, right? :D enjoy it :D

Part 1

A
  • a = general interjection: oh, uh, ah
  • a! = exclamation of surprise, alarm, amazement, relief, frustration, fury: Oh! Ack! Agh! Ah! Argh! Also inarticulate sound of pain or passion: Ah! Oh!
  • aaaa! = same as above, but more so
  • aa = yes, okay, sure
  • aa(aaa)n = opening the mouth wide, as in "Say ah!" Used when feeding or being fed by someone.
  • aan, an = cry of passion (see a!)
  • acha = remorse
  • agi agi = bite bite, gnaw, sink your cute little fangs into (see also agu agu, kaji)
  • agu agu = bite bite (see also agi agi, kaji)
  • ahaha = laughter (see also ha ha ha for masculine laughter, and ho ho ho for refined feminine laughter)
  • arayotto, hoisatto = K-san: "These are used when one is doing some physical task and finishing it easily. One uses either or both of them at a time."
B
  • ba = sudden impact. English equivalents would be: bam, bang, crash, ka-boom, thump, thud, wham, whomp, etc. (See also bagu, baki, ban, bashi,
  • bata, batan, bokan, bun, dan, doka, don, doshin, dote, ga, ka, kon, paka, pan, pashi, patan, poka, pon, to, ton, among others.)
  • bachi = crackle (see also bari, biri)
  • bagu = impact
  • baki = impact (one of the most common impact sounds) or other very loud sound
  • ban = bang! bam!
  • ban = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also don)
  • bara bara = rattle rattle (see also chara chara, gara gara)
  • bari bari = crunch, as in eating. K-san: "Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus." (see also kori, pari, pori)
  • bari bari = scratch scratch (see also giri giri, kiri kiri)
  • bari bari = rip rip (see also biri biri)
  • bari bari = crackle, crackle? Anyway, energy or electricity, just like biri biri. Pari pari is a quieter crackle, just as pori is a quieter crunch than bari. (see also bachi)
  • basa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving (see also pasa)
  • bashan = medium splash (see also zabun for a very big splash)
  • bashi, bashito = impact (see also nashi, pashi)
  • bata, batan = impact, often used for falling down
  • batan = door slamming (see also patan)
  • batchiri = precise, proper, accurate
  • becho = dropping something. K-san says it means dropping something sticky (and see beto beto), but we've seen it used for Yuusuke dropping Kuwabara. Maybe Kuwabara was sticky at the moment.
  • bee, bee da = rudeness, what you say when you stick out your tongue and pull down your eyelid at someone. From 'Bero bero akkan-bee (or akanbei).' Like the mocking Western 'nya nya!'
  • bero = peeling back
  • bero bero = licking over and over, stronger than pero
  • betari = people or objects that stick together (physically or metaphorically)
  • beto beto = sticky, gummy
  • bi, biiii = highpitched sound: shriek, wail (see also kiiii)
  • bicha bicha = small splash (see also bashan for medium splash, zabun for big splash)
  • bichi bichi = flopping, smacking
  • biku, bikun, bikkun = surprise (see also piku)
  • biri = electricity, energy
  • biri biri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag (see also bari, piri)
  • biron = tongue hanging out
  • bishi = whip, slap, smack, depending on the degree of power
  • bo = flame, fire (see also gooo, guooo, po). W-san: "'Bo' is like the 'whoosh' of a gas range turned on."
  • bo = sluggish and exhausted (see also doyon)
  • bochan = kerplunk (see also pochan)
  • bochi bochi = something happening steadily, as in water dripping
  • bokan = sudden impact
  • boketto = gazing vacantly
  • boko = boiling, bubbling. Can also be any 'pop' or bursting sound. (see also buku)
  • bon = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also pon/pom, dororonpa)
  • bosa bosa = unkempt, also sitting around lazily
  • boso boso = muttering, speaking in a hushed, unclear voice. M.J. says of boso, busu, and musu: "All of them what muttered sulky Japanese sounds like--'bananas bananas' said through the nose, so to speak; because you don't complain out loud." (see also busu, guzu, gyaa, musu)
  • bota = dripping, possibly something thick dripping, like blood. Compare to pi, picha, po, pota. (see also dara dara for thick liquid dripping)
  • boto boto, bote = falling
  • botsu = whoosh
  • buchi = snap. Can be used metaphorically, such as when Hiei snaps under the pressure of learning he's a father.
  • buchi buchi = ripping, tearing
  • buchu = kiss (see also chu, nchu, uchu)
  • buku, bukubuku = swelling, something swollen (see also puku)
  • buku, bukubuku = boiling, bubbles
  • bui = 'V' for victory. Sound of fingers making the V-sign.
  • bunchchacha = music. Yes, really. Bun is a slow beat and cha cha quick beats. (see also runtata)
  • bun, buun = swish
  • buun = buzz, whir, as of an insect
  • buran = hanging, dangling
  • burororo = sound of a loud motor, as of an automobile (see also oooo)
  • Buru = a head being shaken violently in the negative
  • busu busu = the sound of something smoldering or smoking. Used for the embers after Hiei's fire attacks. (see also pusu pusu)
  • busu, busu busu, usuto, butsu = muttered complaining (see boso, guzu, gyaa, musu)
  • buwa = explosion
  • buyo buyo = squishy and swollen, waterlogged
  • bwahaha = evil laugh, same as fwahaha, gahaha, gwahaha
  • byu = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes (see also hyu, gyu, pyu)
C
  • chapon, chapu = plunk (water sound) (see also shapu)
  • chara chara = rattle, clatter, jingle (see also bara bara, gara gara)
  • chi, ch' = Various translators: "I think of it as a tongue-clicking noise." "It means 'shit.'" "I think it's better translated as 'damn' since it's about the equivalent in vulgarity." "Probably a--mm, vocal referent, would you call it?--to chikushou, another of the 'oh shit' words." You can see why we decided to leave it as ch'. ^_^
  • chichichi = how you call a cat
  • chi chi = high shrill noise
  • chira, chirari, chiron = quick sideways glance
  • chiri chiri = curly, frizzy
  • chiri chiri = tingle of heat, shiver of cold (see also zoku for shiver)
  • chirin = chime
  • chiyahoya = fuss over, butter up
  • choki choki = cutting, as with knives or scissors
  • chokon = small and quiet
  • chu = kiss (see also nchu, uchu)
  • chu = suck (as through a straw)
  • chun chun = chirp chirp (see also pii pii for peep peep)
D
  • da da da, daaaaaaaa = running away (see also do do do, ta, ta ta ta)
  • dan = bang, boom, sudden impact
  • dara dara = continuous dripping of thick liquid, like blood, sweat, saliva drool (see also jo, jururu, zururu)
  • dere dere = sloppy, loose. Also to go goofy over someone, to fawn.
  • do = big impact
  • do = heartbeat, the loudest kind! (see also doki doki, dokun, tokun)
  • do do do do = footsteps, especially heavy footsteps, running (see also da)
  • do do do do = quick punches
  • Dobi = missed kick
  • doka = impact
  • doki doki = heartbeat (see also dokun, tokun)
  • dokun = harder heartbeat (see also doki, tokun)
  • don = BIG impact
  • don = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also ban)
  • dondon = continuous action
  • dopyu = spurting (as in blood) K-san: "The 'pyu' is the spurting (quick action, just like 'pyu' on its own), and the 'do' emphasizes it, just as in 'dosu.'"
  • doron, dororonpa = the sound of magical transformation (see also bon, pon, pom)
  • dorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also ora, orya, sorya, uraa)
  • dosa = thud of something heavy (often a person or body) hitting the floor
  • doshin = impact
  • Dosshu = a cut through bone
  • dosu = spurting. K-san: "The 'su' is the spurting, and the 'do' emphasizes it, just as in 'dopyu.'"
  • dotabata = running around wildly, as in panic or confusion (compare to jitabata for flailing)
  • dote = impact, falling. W-san: "This sound is often used in reference to the frequent, usually comical falls toddler are always taking. With adults it means a careless, slapstick fall."
  • doyon = sluggish and exhausted, depressed (see also bo)
E
  • e! e? = what! huh? We usually translate this as 'eh?' although the Japanese 'e?' is less colloquial and informal than the Western 'eh?'
  • e, eeee = cry, wail (see also hu-e, miiii)
  • ee = yes, okay, sure
  • eeto = (said by a character) um, er, uh. What you say while you're thinking of what to say.
  • ehen = we've had this translated as both 'ahem!' and 'haha!'
  • ei = shriek

F
  • fua, fuwa, fa = yawn
  • fu, fua (hu hua) = sigh, blowing breath out (as in blowing out a candle)
  • fu fu fu (hu hu hu) = a strange laugh. M.J.: "The evil chuckle in the back of the throat." (see also ku ku ku, pu pu pu)
  • fuki fuki = wiping
  • fumi = step, stomp
  • fumu (humu) = hmmph, hmm, uh-huh (see also umu)
  • funka funka (hunka hunka) = sniff sniff, inhale (see also nku, kunka)
  • fura = yawn (see also fua)
  • fura = drift
  • fura = dizziness (see also kura)
  • fura, fura fura = wobble, totter
  • fura, furi, furu = tremble, quiver (see also puru)
  • fusa = abundant, soft hair. (Or, in these stories, somebody touching it.)
  • fuwa, fuwato = gentle movement, lifting or floating
  • fuwari, funwara = even gentler, calmer movement than fuwato
  • fwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, gahaha, gwahaha
G
  • ga = yet another impact word
  • gaba = grab (see also gashi, gu, gui, gya, gyu, ku, kyu)
  • gaba gaba = gurgling
  • gaba gaba = too big (as of clothes)
  • gacha, gachari = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also kacha)
  • gahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gwahaha
  • gakin = clash
  • gaku = shaking, wobbling (see also kaku, kakun)
  • gakun, gakunto, gakuri = to collapse, fall
  • gapu = big bite, chomp (see also paku)
  • gan = revelation, usually horrible
  • GAAA-N = BIG revelation, always horrible
  • gangan = strong or violent action
  • gara gara, garan = clatter, rattle (see also bara bara, chara chara)
  • gasa, goso = rustle, stealthy movement
  • gashan = crash, impact (see also gashin, gochin)
  • gashi = grab (see also gaba, gyu)
  • gashin = crash, impact (see also gashan, gochin)
  • gasshiri = solid
  • gata, gatan = to reel in shock from a revelation
  • gata, gatan = to fall or collapse
  • gatsu gatsu/gatu gatu = gobble food (see also hau hau, paku)
  • gaya = excited crowd sound
  • gebo = throwing up
  • gefu = belch, burp
  • geho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon, koho)
  • gennari = exhausted
  • geshi geshi = not sure about this. At times it seems to be a wiping sound like goshi ; at others either a squashing or rustling sound. Maybe a general cloth sound?
  • gi gi, giiee = sounds Kurama's plants (and other evil plants) make. (for other menacing sounds see go go go and uzo uzo)
  • giku, gikuri = surprise (see also biku, piku)
  • gin = glare, stare at (see also giro)
  • gira = twinkle, shine, glint (see also kira, kiran)
  • giri giri = scratching, grinding, more vigorous than kiri (see also bari bari)
  • giri giri = at the limit, to have no time or space to spare
  • giro = glare, stare at (see also gin)
  • gishi = creaking (see also kishi)
  • Gitai-go = not a sound effect, but the Japanese word for onomatopoeia, or sound effects.
  • go go go go = general menace, a threatening atmosphere. (for other menacing sounds, see gi gi and uzo uzo)
  • gochin = impact. W-san: "Another comical collision sound." (see also gashan, gashin)
  • gofu = cough
  • goho, gohon = a deep, wet cough, also vomiting up water (see also geho, gofu, kehen, kon, koho)
  • goku, gokun = gulp, swallow (see also kokun)
  • goooo = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei's fire attacks (see also bo, guooo, po)
  • goro goro = purr purr
  • goro, goron = rolling over. It's supposed to be something heavy rolling over, but we've seen it used for tiny little Hiei rolling. Maybe it means he's rolling heavily.
  • goshi = scrubbing, rubbing, wiping (see also koshi)
  • goso = rummage, rustle
  • goun = the sound of a washing machine. Really. At least, we've seen it used for that specifically by two different djka. The sound of a dryer, however, is guon (see the difference?)
  • gowa gowa = stiff, rigid
  • gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)
  • gu = what you sound like when you're sleeping (see also supigu, ku, suka, suya, gussuri.) Gu and ku are similar to zzzzz. Supigu is peaceful sleep. K-san says "it's sort of a whistling sound."
  • gu = stomach growling (see also ku, kyururu)
  • gucha = smashing, crushing (see also gusha)
  • guchi guchi = wet sound? twisting sound? We're not sure.
  • gui = grab (see also gaba, gu, gyu)
  • gui = gulp
  • Gunya = sudden mental realization
  • guon = the sound of a dryer. For the sound of a washing machine, see goun
  • guooo = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei's fire attacks (Cf. bo, goooo, po)
  • gura = stagger, move shakily (see also zuru)
  • guri = to give noogies
  • gusha = squeeze, grab, crush (see also gucha)
  • gussuri = deep sleep (see also gu, ku, suka, supigu, suya)
  • gutta, guttari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also kuta)
  • gutto, guutto = extreme concentration, also strong emotion
  • guzu = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, gyaa)
  • gwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gahaha
  • gya = shriek (see also kya)
  • gya = grab (see also gaba, gyu)
  • gyaa gyaa = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, guzu)
  • gyo = shock
  • gyu, kyu = grab, squeeze, twist (see also gaba, gya)
  • gyuu, gyuun = fast motion (see also byu, hyu, pyu)

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:17 pm
by Macko Darlack
Part 2


H
  • ha! = sound of surprise or realization. Can mean catching breath in shock or panic.
  • ha, haa haa = panting, exhalation
  • ha ha ha = laughter (masculine laughter, as opposed to ho ho ho, which is refined feminine laughter) (see also ahaha)
  • hakkiri = clear, unambiguous
  • hamu = bite, chew, glomp, as in Lively Little Hiei-chan glomping onto a spoon
  • hara hara = to fall gently, like a flower petal....
  • hata = soft, quiet landing noise. (for a louder rattle see gata)
  • hau hau = gobbling (see also gatsu, paku)
  • he he he = heh heh heh (laugh)
  • hena hena = worn out, exhausted. (see also heto heto)
  • henshin = transformation (as from Tsukino Usagi to Sailor Moon). We've seen it used at least once as a sound effect.
  • hero hero = spineless, limp, or pliable (see also mero, pura, puran)
  • heta = collapsing, sitting down in despair or exhaustion
  • heto heto = worn out, exhausted. (see also hena hena)
  • hiee = exclamation: eek, yikes
  • hiii, hiiie = shriek
  • hihiin = high-pitched whinny, as of a horse
  • hiku, hiku hiku = shaking, as with anger or sobs (compare to shiku)
  • hiku = hiccup
  • hiri hiri = continuous pain or irritation
  • hiso hiso = whisper whisper
  • hiya hiya = fear, worry
  • hn = huh, hrumph, humph. Traditional spelling of Hiei's traditional interjection. When anybody else says it, we've rendered it huh or humph..
  • hoisatto, arayotto = K-san: "These are used when one is doing some physical task and finishing it easily. One uses either or both of them at a time."
  • ho ho ho = laughter, specifically, refined feminine laughter. (see also ahahaha, ha ha ha for masculine laughter)
  • hoka hoka = warmth, heat (internal or external)
  • honobono = peaceful, harmonious, tranquil
  • hooo = wind
  • hote hote = toddle toddle (see also tote)
  • hu, hua (fu, fua) = sigh
  • hu hu hu = (or fu fu fu) a strange laugh
  • hu-e = cry, wail (see also e, miiii)
  • hun = huh, hrumph, humph (see hn)
  • hunka hunka (funka funka) = sniff sniff
  • hyoi = popping up suddenly, quick movement such as reaching
  • hyoko = popping up suddenly
  • hyu, hyun = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes, or Kurama's whip moving (see also byu, gyu, pyu)
  • hyuuuuu = cold wind, lonely wind
I
  • icha icha, ichakura ichakura = displaying affection in public. K-san: "touching and carrying on." Acting spoony. ^_-
  • ira ira = fume fume. It's also been suggested that this is the sound of clenched or grinding teeth.
  • iso iso = moving blithely, happily
J
  • ja, jaaaa = water/liquid flowing or rushing, or any other hissing sound (see also jo, ju, zu)
  • ja ja ja = hiss hiss hiss (such as the sound of Kurama frying something)
  • jabon = big splash (see also shapu, zabu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)
  • jaki = glint of something sharp
  • jan, jan jan = tada!
  • jiiiiii, jiiiin, jiiiito, jiiiton = the sound of staring, of silence, or of remaining frozen/ motionless. Often used in djs to indicate that a character is moved beyond words, stunned beyond words, or just generally beyond words. (see also shiiiin) As a word, jitto emphasizes being motionless, jiitto emphasizes the duration of being still.
  • jiku jiku = numbness
  • jiro, jiro-jiro-to = a hard look. 'Jiro-jiro-to' means 'in a fixed, staring manner.'
  • jiri, jiri jiri = something scraping on the ground. Sometimes used for a charater inching forward or backward
  • jitabata = flail one's arms and legs (or one's tail, in the case of 'The Mermaid Princess' ) (compare to dotabata for running around in confusion)
  • jiwa = tears welling up
  • jiwa jiwa = slowly but steadily
  • jo, joro joro = water/liquid flowing or pouring (see also dara dara, jururu, zururu)
  • jururu = drool (see also dara dara, jo, zururu)
K
  • ka(a) = light (see also pa, po)
  • ka, kan = heels going click, footsteps
  • kaa = face turning red, blushing (see also po)
  • kacha = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also gacha)
  • kaji = bite, gnaw, sink your little fangs into (see also agi, agu, kari)
  • kaku = scratching, running a hand through hair, paddling a hand in water
  • kaku, kakun = shaking, wobbling, losing balance (see also gaku)
  • kapan = rattle, open (compare to batan, patan for closing)
  • kara = empty
  • karakara = bone dry
  • karan = rattle, open
  • kari kari = something scratching on something else, e.g., a pen on paper, somebody's little fangs on your head
  • kasa, kase = rustle. Commonly used for a quiet footstep in the grass, also can be paper, cloth, or other material rustling.
  • katsu katsu = clomp clomp
  • kehen = cough (see also geho, gofu, goho, kon, koho)
  • kerori = unaffected, casual, unimpressed
  • ki = glare, the glint of a dagger eye
  • kii = squeak, high-pitched sound, as in a door squeaking
  • kiiiii! = long high-pitched sound: brakes squealing, hysterical scream (see also biiii for shrieking)
  • kichi kichi = full, jam-packed
  • kichin, kichinto = meticulously, carefully
  • kin kon, kan kon, kin koun (and other variations) = ding dong, as of a school bell (see also pin pon)
  • kippari = flatly, definitely, clearly (to say something this way)
  • kira, kiran, kirari = twinkle, shine, glint (see also gira)
  • kiri kiri = scratching or scraping, less vigorous than giri
  • kiri kiri = business, haste
  • kishi = creaking (see also gishi)
  • kochoku = frozen, paralyzed
  • koho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon)
  • koi = come on (as a fighting phrase)
  • koi koi = come, come, beckoning
  • kokun = swallow (see also goku, gokun)
  • kokuri, kokkun = nod
  • kon = quiet impact, such as knocking at a door
  • kon = soft cough (see also goho, kehen, koho)
  • kopo = pouring
  • kori = crunch, as in eating. K-san: "Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus." (see also bari, pari, pori)
  • kori kori = scraping
  • koro, koron = dropping something, something rolling or tumbling (see also poro)
  • koshi koshi = rubbing, wiping (see also goshi, geshi)
  • koso, kossori = sneaky, doing something stealthily
  • koto, kotsun = little clink, like the sound of a glass being put down or a tear gem falling.
  • kotsu kotsu = slowly but surely
  • ku = sleeping (see also gu, supigu, suka, suya)
  • ku, ku ku, ku ku ku = giggle in the throat
  • ku, kukyururu, kyururu = stomach rumbling, tummy growling
  • kudo kudo = repetitive
  • kuha = yawn (see also fua, fa)
  • kukaa = sleepy breathing
  • kukuri = distinct, clear
  • kun kun = smelling
  • kune kune = wiggling like a snake (see also nyoro nyoro)
  • kunka kunka = sniff sniff (as of smelling). (see also funka, hunka, nku)
  • kura = dizziness (see also fura)
  • kurin = curling (as in the movement of tentacles or an unhappy dog's tail)
  • kuru = turning
  • kusha, kushu, kushun = sneeze: ker-choo!
  • kusu = little laugh
  • kuta, kutari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also guttari)
  • kya = shriek (see also gya)
  • kyapi kyapi = happy noisy girlish chattering
  • kyoro kyoro = looking this way and that, searching for something with the eyes
  • kyu, gyu = grab
  • kyururu, ku, kukyururu = stomach rumbling, tummy growling
M
  • meki meki = quick progress
  • mero mero = limp, floppy (see also hero, pura, puran)
  • meso meso = whimper, sniffle
  • miii = cry, wail (see also e, hu-e)
  • Miin miin = The sound of cicadas in the summer
  • mishi mishi = creak creak
  • moji moji = shyness
  • moku = eating, munching (see also mugu)
  • momi = groping (this one comes up a lot, sadly)
  • mu, musu, mumuu, muun = grimace, anger, sulkiness. It's been suggested that the sound of 'mu' is a sort of closed-mouth grunt--perhaps similar to the sound of disapproval Marge Simpson makes?
  • mugu, muku = eating, munching with closed mouth (see also moku)
  • muka muka = sick, nauseated
  • muku = getting up, sitting up
  • munyu = The sound of groping--usually a girl's chest
  • mura mura = sexual arousal
N
  • n? = Hm? Huh?
  • n = a grunt, as of surprise, effort, sleepiness, pain, or passion. We've had translators render the actual sound in different ways: mm, n, nh, ngh, ng, ung, unh. Lately we've been going with nh or ng.
  • nade nade = stroke stroke, pet pet
  • nashi = smack (see also bashi, pashi)
  • nchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, uchu)
  • ni, niko, nikori = smile, grin (see also nipa, nita)
  • nipa(a) = brilliant smile, grin (see also niko, nita)
  • nisho = effort (see also nsho, nshotto, yoisho)
  • nita = sinister smile (see also niko, nipa)
  • niyari, nyari = leer
  • nku = sniff sniff, inhale (see also funka, hunka, kunka)
  • nnuuu = see nuuu
  • noro noro = slowness
  • nsho, nshotto = effort (see also nisho, unsho, yoisho)
  • nukenuke, nukenuketo = nonchalantly (to speak or act that way)
  • nuru, nuru nuru, nurun = greasing, soaping, making slippery
  • nuuuu = menace. W-san: "'Nuu' is often used when something unknown, mysterious, or big appears out of nowhere."
  • nyari, niyari = leer
  • nyoro nyoro = W-san: "Something long and thin like a snake moving along with a wriggling motion." (see also kune kune)
O
  • oi = hey!
  • oisho, yoisho, nsho, nshotto, nisho = effort, strain: Oof! Umph!
  • oo! = approving exclamation: Oh! Whoa!
  • oooo = wind howling
  • oooo = menacing roar, animal or mechanical (such as the roar of an engine) (see also buroro)
  • ora ora = what you say when you punch somebody repeatedly. A fighting taunt or war cry; we've had it loosely translated as "Take that!" "Try this!" (see also dorya, orya, sorya, uraa)
  • oro oro = shock, surprise, befuddlement, confusion. (You don't usually say it, though, unlike Kenshin.)
  • orya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, sorya, uraa)
  • osoru osoru = timidly
P
  • pa(a) = light, shining (see also ka, po)
  • pachi = K-san: "A sharp, snappy sound." Can be click, crackle, clap, crack, etc. We've seen it used for opening eyes, bursting veins, clapping, and indeterminate ominous things happening.
  • paka = opening, separating. W-san: "A sound describing something opening in half. Like when Peachboy came out of his giant peach, the sound the peach made was 'paka.'"
  • paka = snap
  • paku = closing mouth on food, chomp (see also gapu)
  • paku paku = opening and closing mouth, eating, gobbling. This is where Pac-man came from! (see also hau, gatsu)
  • pan = sudden impact
  • pan pan = pat, pat or smack, smack, as of dusting hands (or oneself) off
  • pari = crunch, as in eating (see also bari, kori, pori)
  • pari pari = crackle, as of energy or electricity. Quieter than bari bari.
  • parin = crash, clash pasa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving
  • pasha = splashing, as with the hand (see also pisha) For a big splash, see zabun.
  • pashi = impact: smack! click! (see also bashi, nashi)
  • pata pata = flap flap
  • patata = spatter spatter
  • patan = door slamming (see also batan)
  • pechanko, peshanko = flattened, crushed
  • peko = bow
  • peko peko = bow over and over (grovel)
  • pero, pero pero = licking (see also bero)
  • peron = rolling up or down, or flipping
  • petan, petanto = smooth, flat. Also, to flop down on the floor.
  • pi = beep, peep, any other short high-pitched sound
  • pi, picha, pichon = drip (see also po, pochan, pota)
  • pichi = flap, bounce, snap (see also bichi)
  • piiii = shrill sound, beeper, telephone, whistle
  • piii piii = chirp chirp
  • piku, pikuri = blink, noticing something. May be from piku = twitch = pricking up the ears.
  • piku = twitch
  • pin pon = ding dong, bell (see also kin kon)
  • piri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag ) see also biri
  • piri piri = sharp sensation, as of pain, electricity, spiciness. Can be the sharpness or electricity of a glare.
  • pisha = splashing, as with the hand (see also pasha) For a big splash, see zabun.
  • pishi = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also bishi)
  • pita = stopping
  • pito = gentle touch
  • piyo = peep
  • po, pochan, pota = drip, plunk. Pochan = kerplunk! (see also pi, picha, pichon, pochi)
  • po = flame, light. Can also be blushing. For other fire sounds see bo, gooo, guooo. Other light sounds include paa, kaa.
  • Po = Po's nom de plume. Has nothing to do with sound effects, and everything to do with Tinky Winky, Dipsy, and Laa Laa.
  • pochi pochi = something happening steadily, as in water dripping
  • poi = throwing or tossing something
  • poka = impact
  • poka poka = warmth of the sun
  • pon = impact, fairly quiet
  • pon, pom = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also bon, dororonpa)
  • pootto = dazed, obsessed
  • pori pori = eating, crunching, softer than 'bari bari.' K-san: "Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus." (see also bari, kori, pari)
  • poro, poto = dropping something, something rolling (see also koro, koron)
  • potsun = aloneness, separation
  • puchi puchi = pop pop, crackle crackle
  • puku, pukupuku = swelling, something swollen (see also buku)
  • pun pun = bad-smelling
  • pu pu pu, upupupu = yet another strange laugh (see also fu fu fu)
  • pura pura, puran = limp, floppy (see also hero, mero)
  • puri puri = anger (see also puuu)
  • puru = shake, quiver (see also puri, furu)
  • pusu = puncturing, penetrating
  • pusu pusu = the sound of something smoldering or smoking (see also busu busu)
  • puu = puff
  • puuuu = anger (see also puri puri)
  • puutto = snort, honk, toot (from a horn or any bodily orifice ^_^)
  • pyu = fast motion (see also byu, gyu, hyu)

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:24 pm
by Macko Darlack
Part 3


R
  • runtata = music. In this case, used for something Hiei-chan is humming. Run is a slow beat and tata quick beats. (see also bunchacha)
S
  • sa, saa = hissing, rain, water running (softer sound than zaa, which can also be rain)
  • sa, saaaa = rustling, wind
  • sa, sasa = quick motion
  • sa, saku = step
  • sara sara = smooth, light, dry
  • sasu sasu = rubbing
  • sawa, sawayaka = cool, refreshing, something that makes you feel refreshed (see also suka)
  • sesseto = working steadily
  • shaaa = something slicing through air: whishhh!
  • shaka shaka = scrape scrape
  • shapu shapu = splash (see also zabun)
  • shiiin = the sound of staring, of silence, or of remaining frozen/ motionless. Often used in djs to indicate that a character is moved beyond words, stunned beyond words, or just generally beyond words. (see also jiiiin)
  • shiku shiku = sobbing, whimpering
  • shire = shrug (we think) Definitely a strange 'don't look at me' look.
  • shittori = moist. Also calm, soothing.
  • shizu = move solemnly
  • shobo shobo = sadness, moping
  • shu = quick movement, fabric rubbing, swish
  • shuuuu = fog, mist, steam
  • shubo = the sound of a flame igniting, e.g. lighting a lighter. (Maybe shu = quick movement/rubbing plus bo = light.)
  • shun = W-san: "This sound describes something wilting. It can be used for people, to describe being sad."
  • shuru, shururu, shurun = snaking motion. Often used for Rose Whip or other vines or tendrils snaking around.
  • sorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, orya, uraa)
  • sosokusa = running away quickly, beating a hasty retreat
  • sowa sowa = restless, fidgety (as in 'Ammari sowasowa shinaide!' (Don't get so fidgety!), the first line of 'Lum no Love Song')
  • su = breathe in (compare to fu, breathe out)
  • su = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off, someone moving smoothly
  • sube sube = smooth
  • subu = see tsubu
  • sui = smooth movement, as of a good skater
  • suka = whooshy sound. K-san: "the sound of swinging a baseball bat and missing." Togashi frequently uses it for punches missing.
  • suka = something sparse. K-san: "When you get a big box which is light for its size, and you shake it, and the packing material makes rustling sounds, that's suka suka. Or when you put on a big pair of jeans, you say 'These are suka suka (too big).'"
  • suka, suya = sleeping (see also gu, ku, supigu)
  • suka, sukari, sukkiri, sukato = feeling of refreshment. K-san: "for example, when you drink a carbonated drink on a hot day." (see also sawa, sayaka)
  • sukon = plunk, plonk
  • suku = getting up, standing up
  • sunari = slender, smooth, graceful (see also surari)
  • supa, supari = cutting or breaking something (see also zuba)
  • supigu = peaceful sleep, a whistling sound (see also gu, ku, suka, suya)
  • suppa suppa = puff puff
  • supo = pop? Anyway, the sound of tight something being pulled off (or pulled out), such as Hiei's boot coming off his foot, or an arrow coming out of Hiei-chan's head.
  • surari, surarito = long and straight, slim, slender (see also sunari)
  • suru = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off....
  • suta = landing (as in after you've jumped)
  • sutatata = running
  • suten = falling
  • sutetete = a little kid running fast
  • suton = sit
T
  • taaaaa = dashing, running (see also da, do do do, tatata)
  • tappuri = full, stuffed
  • tatatata = running lightly
  • tehe = teehee, giggle
  • teka teka = shiny, smooth surface
  • teku teku = walking (see also to to to, toko toko)
  • ten ten tenmari tentemari = traditional song to accompany bouncing a ball
  • tere = abashed. K-san: "Embarrassed in a happy way. Like when you're asked out on a date by somebody you like, you go 'tere.'"
  • to = quiet impact, e.g. a soft landing from a jump
  • to to to = walking (see also teku, toko)
  • to, ton, tonde = jumping
  • tobo tobo = dejected walking
  • toko toko = walking (see also teku teku)
  • tokun = harder heartbeat (see also dokun)
  • ton = fairly quiet impact
  • tontonton = chopchopchop (as of food) or any other light continuous action (see also dondondon)
  • toppuri = night falling, the sun disappearing
  • tote = toddle toddle (see also hote)
  • tsu = A small tsu on its own in a word balloon puzzled us for a while. We tried various things, but finally M.J. came up with what we think is the best solution. "I hear it as a slightly high-pitched 'uh' made by catching your breath in your throat." So from now on we're translating it as 'uh.'
  • tsu, su = rain
  • tsu, tsuuuu = bzzzzzzzz (insect sound)
  • tsubu = eyes (and only eyes) closing
  • tsun tsun = bad-smelling, stinky (see also pun pun)
  • tsuru, tsurun = sliding, also used for something smooth or slick
  • tsutsutsu, sususu = sliding
  • tsuya tsuya = shining, glowing (the way Kurama looks in the morning ^_^)
U
  • u = ugh, urgh, ulp! A grunt or growl of surprise, pain, or anger.
  • uchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, nchu)
  • ugogo = choking
  • uka uka, ukkari = daydreaming, not paying attention
  • ukkun = swallow, gulp (see also gokun, kokun)
  • umu = uh, uh-huh, hmm (see also fumu)
  • uni = the noise you make with your mouth when you're waking up
  • unsho = effort (see also nsho, yoisho)
  • unzari = bored, fed up
  • uraaa, uryaaa = roar, war cry (see also dorya, ora, orya, sorya)
  • ura ura = swaying
  • uto = nodding off
  • utsura = half-asleep
  • uttori = enraptured by beauty
  • uuu = sound of anger: Urrgh!
  • uwaaaa! = exclamation: Auuugh!
  • uzo uzo = menace. A sound that evil creatures and nasty plants make. (see also gi gi and go go go)
W
  • wa! = (a character saying it) Wow! Ack!
  • waa, waaa waaa = (a crowd's) excited roar (see also wai wai, wara wara)
  • wai = (a character saying it) feminine exclamation of delight. M.J. says of 'wai' and 'wai wai,' "Both are also kid's language for delight, is why female characters say it to be cute, I think."
  • wai wai = (as a background effect) noise, excitement, lots of people talking (see also wa, wara wara)
  • waku, waku waku = excitement. K-san: "Happy cute excitement."
  • wan wan = bow wow
  • wara wara = crowd noise (see also waa, wai wai)
  • wasa wasa = rustle rustle?
  • wata wata = flap flap
Y
  • yaho, yahoi = yoohoo! hey! hi!
  • yakimoki = fretting, worrying
  • yanwari = soft, gentle
  • yare-yare = one of the words/phrases we've left in the original. What you say when you're frustrated, exasperated, or giving up: Oh, well. What the heck. Good grief.
  • yoisho = effort (see also nsho, unsho)
  • yoji = the sound a cockroach makes when crawling up your back. May be related to jiri jiri, which is inching.
  • yoro, yororo = stagger, waddle, walk shakily
  • yusa = shaking (something)
Z
  • za, za za za = footstep on grass, walking quickly or running through grass or bushes
  • za = generic white noise sound, can be tv static, etc.
  • ZA! = strong, energetic movement.
  • za za, zaa zaaa = rustling, e.g., wind rustling in leaves, grass
  • zaa = rain (louder rain than saa)
  • zaba, zabu, zabun = big splash (see also jabon, shapu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)
  • ZAKU! = cross between za and zoku?
  • zashu = lash, slash
  • zawa = rustle. May be specific to plants, we've seen it used for trees and Kurama's power rising.
  • zawa = crowd noise
  • ze, zei = wheeze, gasp
  • zoku, zotto = chill or shiver (see also chiri)
  • zooon = rumbling, shaking
  • zu = drool or other liquid flowing
  • zu = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)
  • zu, zun = vigorous motion
  • zu(uu), zu(uu)n = disappointment, sadness. W-san: "It often describes things sinking, and can mean a sinking heart."
  • zuba, zubari = to slice or cut with a single blow (see also supa)
  • zugagaga, zugogogo = combination of vigorous action and menace? Anyway, loud drastic things happening.
  • zuki = sharp pain
  • zumo, zumomomo = menace, looming
  • zunguri = dumpy
  • zuri, zuriri, zuru = stagger when walking, or fall back in shock (see also gura)
  • zuru = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)
  • zuru = strong movement, more vigorous than 'suru'
  • zuru, zuru zuru = something heavy dragging or being pulled
  • zururu = slurp (see jururu)
  • zusasa = zu (vigorous) plus sasa (quick motion). We've seen it used for a quick scuttling recoil.
  • zuzu = sip (see also zuru)
=================

END OF IT

Source: http://www.oop-ack.com/manga/soundfx.html

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:30 pm
by ShadowZeroHeart
Is it possible to have their Japanese counterparts written as well? And add possible translations wherever possible? @@ It would be useful from time to time I guess.

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:35 pm
by Assassin
ShadowZeroHeart wrote:Is it possible to have their Japanese counterparts written as well? And add possible translations wherever possible? @@ It would be useful from time to time I guess.
aren't the above already the Japanese counterparts? What do you mean with that? Or do you mean: the Hirigana/Katakana characterizations of these sound effects like:

『あ!』(a!) for "oh!" "ah!" or the likes of it? Something like that?

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:39 pm
by ShadowZeroHeart
Assassin wrote:
ShadowZeroHeart wrote:Is it possible to have their Japanese counterparts written as well? And add possible translations wherever possible? @@ It would be useful from time to time I guess.
aren't the above already the Japanese counterparts? What do you mean with that? Or do you mean: the Hirigana/Katakana characterizations of these sound effects like:

あ! (a!) for "oh!" "ah!" or the likes of it? Something like that?
Yes. To use this list, you must be able to see and know all the terms and associate them with the list. Won't that be rather weird, since you should be rather weak in Japanese to need this list at all? And maybe the list can be rearranged according by their Japanese syllabary or something?

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:48 pm
by Macko Darlack
yay, knew this would happen :P ! maybe tomorrow i'll do so, now i'm kinda tired... you can surely update this too, and also add the hiragana/katakana :D
ShadowZeroHeart wrote:Won't that be rather weird, since you should be rather weak in Japanese to need this list at all? And maybe the list can be rearranged according by their Japanese syllabary or something?
then we do another list following japanese syllabary order, don't we? :D

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:51 pm
by ShadowZeroHeart
Maybe ^^ LOLz, I don't know any Japanese, so sorry that I cannot really help out. But for someone who is EXTREMELY WEAK at translating sounds and all, this may prove extremely useful! Provided I can either link it up with my chinese text or somehow find what i need.

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:32 pm
by Assassin
Then it's settled.

Although the sound effects were confusing too. Some of them are in Katakana (like "KYAA!") while some are in Hirigana (like "Aaann~"), although I perceive a fact that with my current knowledge, I should be able to distinguish which uses which, but yeah, who knows if I am wrong? Then it'll be useful to have them ^^

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:01 pm
by Macko Darlack
but at the end, when reading a kana, the most common is that we romanize it in our head, right? yet we only look it up romanized, don't you agree? :D

promise tomorrow i'll fix it :D at least, put in bold the main words :D

and if it were to be in kanas... how would it be organized?? yet, i cannot imagine how to look up a word there!! :shock: We'll need help with that, :? [how do japanese look up a word in the dictionary, i wonder :| ]

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 12:12 am
by Zyzzyva165
Macko Darlack wrote: and if it were to be in kanas... how would it be organized?? yet, i cannot imagine how to look up a word there!! :shock: We'll need help with that, :? [how do japanese look up a word in the dictionary, i wonder :| ][/color]
They have their own 'arrangements of ABC' in their own language. It is always this sequence - A I U E O KA (GA) KI (GI) KU (GU) KE (GE) KO (GO) SA (ZA) SHI (JI)..... All the way from Ka, Sa, Ta, Na, Ha, Ma, YA YO YU, Ra, and lastly N.

Those voiced sounds (with dakuten/handakuten eg: ga, ji, po...) are after the unvoiced ('original') sounds.

And when it comes to youon (rya, kyo, pyu...... combinations with small ya/yo/yu), they come after the ones with the big characters. (eg: kiyou きよう (skilful) comes before kyou きょう (today).

And katakana comes after the hiragana words, eg: onyomi おにょみ (音読み) comes before onrain (オンライン) [online]

Whether or not you use this system or our ABC system is up to you.

Shadow, try learning those characters let's say...5 a day? You should finish hiragana and katakana after a month. Should be quite okay, cuz in my college, complete beginners taking level 1 Japanese language course are required to learn hira within a week. No mastering required, by still... :shock:

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 12:29 am
by ShadowZeroHeart
What is after the hiraganas and katakanas? Just wondering. Besides, i need to differentiate the two. I just know they are Japanese LOLz!

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 1:14 am
by Zyzzyva165
ShadowZeroHeart wrote:What is after the hiraganas and katakanas? Just wondering. Besides, i need to differentiate the two. I just know they are Japanese LOLz!
?

Don't really see what you're trying to say. If you want to know in depth about hiragana and katakana, try WIkipedia. I learnt lots from there. But a simple way to differentiate is that katakana is generally easier to write than hiragana. *Generally* though, as there are exceptions like 'to' と. But the lack of complexity compared to hiragana made katakana easier to learn, but harder to remember, at least that's what I felt when I learned them.

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:41 am
by Macko Darlack
yay, this makes me remember i have not finished learning hira yet... and as you said, Zyzzyva, Ialso think of kata being easier to learn, but complicated when remembering... now i was stuck with Y* and W* and the go for kata :D so, later i'll edit a little the post. if someone could handle me some kanas (or edit), 'd really appreciate :P

Re: Japanese Sound effects and what they mean

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:51 am
by salv87
took me about a week (2-3 hours in the evening) to learn all the kanas.. But I've been procrastinating in my further progress because of studies for over 2 months now :(