Help:Japanese SFX

The purpose of this page is to help readers as well as translators look up or understand japanese sound effects or similar words.

Note that these may (in some cases) not match up. One must pay attention to the circumstances around the source of the sound to gain full understanding. This list is ultimately for consulting purposes.

It is best to bracket *SFXs* (specifically those made not from the mouth of people, like the toppling of an object or clashing of metal, etc) with Asterisks(*) so that they not be confused with "Speech".

This list also contains sounds made from the mouth like a(あ). Do not use asterisks to encapsulate them, since they are a part of speech.

Here's a good site that can be used if you don't find what you're looking for below or if you want more details: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/

A

a(あ) = general interjection: oh, uh, ah

a! (あ！) = exclamation of surprise, alarm, amazement, relief, frustration, fury: Oh! Ack! Agh! Ah! Argh! Also inarticulate sound of pain or passion: Ah! Oh!

aaaa!(ああああ！) = same as above, but more so

aa(ああ) = yes, okay, sure

aa(aaa)n (あああん)= opening the mouth wide, as in "Say ah!" Used when feeding or being fed by someone.

aan, an (ああん)= cry of passion (see a!)

acha (あちゃ)= remorse

agi agi (あぎ　あぎ)= bite bite, gnaw, sink your cute little fangs into (see also agu agu, kaji)

agu agu(あぐ　あぐ) = bite bite (see also agi agi, kaji)

ahaha(あはは) = laughter (see also ha ha ha for masculine laughter, and ho ho ho for refined feminine laughter)

arayotto, hoisatto(あらよっと、ほいさっと) = 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(ば) = 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(ばち) = crackle (see also bari, biri)

bagu(ばぐ) = impact

baki(ばき) = impact (one of the most common impact sounds) or other very loud sound

ban(ばん) = bang! bam!

ban(ば ん) = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also don)

bara bara(ばら　ばら) = rattle rattle (see also chara chara, gara gara)

bari bari(ばり　ばり) = 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(ばり　ばり) = scratch scratch (see also giri giri, kiri kiri)

bari bari(ばり　ばり) = rip rip (see also biri biri)

bari bari(ばり　ばり) = 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(ばさ) = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving (see also pasa)

bashan(ばしゃん) = medium splash (see also zabun for a very big splash)

bashi, bashito(ばし、ばしと) = impact (see also nashi, pashi)

bata, batan(ばた、ばたん) = impact, often used for falling down

batan(ばたん) = door slamming (see also patan)

batchiri(ばっちり) = precise, proper, accurate

becho(べ ちょ) 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(べえ、べえだ) = 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(べろ) = peeling back

bero bero(べろ　べろ) = licking over and over, stronger than pero

betari(べたり) = people or objects that stick together (physically or metaphorically)

beto beto(べと　べと) = sticky, gummy

bi, biiii(び、びいいい) = highpitched sound: shriek, wail (see also kiiii)

bicha bicha(びちゃ　びちゃ) small splash (see also bashan for medium splash, zabun for big splash)

bichi bichi(びち　びち) = flopping, smacking

biku, bikun, bikkun(びく、びくん、びっくん) = surprise (see also piku)

biri(びり) = electricity, energy

biri biri(びり　びり) = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag (see also bari, piri)

biron(びろん) = tongue hanging out

bishi = whip, slap, smack, depending on the degree of power

bo(ぼ) flame, fire (see also gooo, guooo, po). W-san: "'Bo' is like the 'whoosh' of a gas range turned on."

bo(ぼ) = sluggish and exhausted (see also doyon)

bochan(ぼちゃん) = kerplunk (see also pochan)

bochi bochi(ぼち　ぼち) = something happening steadily, as in water dripping

bokan(ぼかん) = sudden impact

boketto(ぼけっと) = gazing vacantly

boko(ぼこ) = boiling, bubbling. Can also be any 'pop' or bursting sound. (see also buku)

bon(ぼん) = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also pon/pom, dororonpa)

bosa bosa(ぼさぼさ) = unkempt, also sitting around lazily

boso boso(ぼそ　ぼそ) = 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(ぼ た) = dripping, possibly something thick dripping, like blood. Compare to pi, picha, po, pota. (see also dara dara for thick liquid dripping)

boto boto, bote(ぼと　ぼと、ぼて) = falling

botsu(ぼつ) = whoosh

buchi(ぶち) snap. Can be used metaphorically, such as when Hiei snaps under the pressure of learning he's a father.

buchi buchi(ぶち　ぶち) = ripping, tearing

buchu(ぶちっう) = kiss (see also chu, nchu, uchu)

buku, bukubuku(ぶく、ぶくぶく) = swelling, something swollen (see also puku)

buku, bukubuku(ぶく、ぶくぶく) = boiling, bubbles

bui(ぶい) = 'V' for victory. Sound of fingers making the V-sign.

bunchchacha(ぶんちっちゃちゃ) = music. Yes, really. Bun is a slow beat and cha cha quick beats. (see also runtata)

bun, buun(ぶん、ぶうん) = swish

buun(ぶうん) = buzz, whir, as of an insect

buran(ぶらん) = hanging, dangling

burororo(ぶろろろ) = sound of a loud motor, as of an automobile (see also oooo)

Buru(ぶる) = a head being shaken violently in the negative

busu busu(ぶす　ぶす) = 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(ぶす、ぶす　ぶす、うすと、ぶすつ) = muttered complaining (see boso, guzu, gyaa, musu)

buwa(ぶわ) = explosion

buyo buyo(ぶよ　ぶよ) = squishy and swollen, waterlogged

bwahaha(ぶっわはは) = evil laugh, same as fwahaha, gahaha, gwahaha

byu(ぶゅ) = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes (see also hyu, gyu, pyu)

C

chapon, chapu(ちゃぽん、ちゃぷ) = plunk (water sound) (see also shapu)

chara chara(ちゃら　ちゃら) rattle, clatter, jingle (see also bara bara, gara gara)

chi, ch'(ち、ちっ) = 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(ちちち) = how you call a cat

chi chi(ち　ち) = high shrill noise

chira, chirari, chiron(ちら、ちらり、ちろん) = quick sideways glance

chiri chiri(ちり　ちり) = curly, frizzy

chiri chiri(ちり　ちり) = tingle of heat, shiver of cold (see also zoku for shiver)

chirin(ちりん) = chime

chiyahoya(ちやほや) = fuss over, butter up

choki choki(ちょき　ちょき) = cutting, as with knives or scissors

chokon = (ちょこん)small and quiet

chu(ちゅ) = kiss (see also nchu, uchu)

chu(ちゅ) = suck (as through a straw)

chun chun(ちゅん　ちゅん) = chirp chirp (see also pii pii for peep peep)

D

da da da, daaaaaaaa(だ　だ　だ、だああああ) running away (see also do do do, ta, ta ta ta)

dan(だん) = bang, boom, sudden impact

dara dara(だら　だら) = continuous dripping of thick liquid, like blood, sweat, saliva drool (see also jo, jururu, zururu)

dere dere(でれ　でれ) = sloppy, loose. Also to go goofy over someone, to fawn.

do(ど) big impact

do(ど) = heartbeat, the loudest kind! (see also doki doki, dokun, tokun)

do do do do(ど　ど　ど　ど) = footsteps, especially heavy footsteps, running (see also da)

do do do do(ど　ど　ど　ど) = quick punches

Dobi(どび) = missed kick

doka(どか) = impact

doki doki(どき　どき) = heartbeat (see also dokun, tokun)

dokun(どくん) = harder heartbeat (see also doki, tokun)

don(どん) = BIG impact

don(ど ん) = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something astonishing or important has happened (see also ban)

dondon(どんどん) = continuous action

dopyu(ど ぴゅ) = 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(どろん、どろろんぱ) = the sound of magical transformation (see also bon, pon, pom)

dorya(どりゃ) = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also ora, orya, sorya, uraa)

dosa(どさ) = thud of something h eavy (often a person or body) hitting the floor

doshin(どしん) = impact

Dosshu(どっしゅ) = a cut through bone

dosu(どす) = spurting. K-san: "The 'su' is the spurting, and the 'do' emphasizes it, just as in 'dopyu.'"

dotabata(どたばた) = running around wildly, as in panic or confusion (compare to jitabata for flailing)

dote(ど て) = 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(どよん) = sluggish and exhausted, depressed (see also bo)

E

e! e?(え！、え？) what! huh? We usually translate this as 'eh?' although the Japanese 'e?' is less colloquial and informal than the Western 'eh?'

e, eeee(え、えええ) = cry, wail (see also hu-e, miiii)

ee(ええ) = yes, okay, sure

eeto(ええと) = (said by a character) um, er, uh. What you say while you're thinking of what to say.

ehen(えへん) = we've had this translated as both 'ahem!' and 'haha!'

ei(えい) = shriek

F

fua, fuwa, fa(ふあ、ふわ、ふぁ) = yawn

fu, fua (hu hua)(ふ、ふあ) = sigh, blowing breath out (as in blowing out a candle)

fu fu fu (hu hu hu(ふ　ふ　ふ)) = a strange laugh. M.J.: "The evil chuckle in the back of the throat." (see also ku ku ku, pu pu pu)

fuki fuki(ふき　ふき) = wiping

fumi(ふみ) = step, stomp

fumu (humu)(ふむ) = hmmph, hmm, uh-huh (see also umu)

funka funka (hunka hunka)(ふんか　ふんか) = sniff sniff, inhale (see also nku, kunka)

fura(ふら) = yawn (see also fua)

fura(ふら) = drift

fura(ふら) = dizziness (see also kura)

fura, fura fura(ふら、ふら　ふら) = wobble, totter

fura, furi, furu(ふら、ふり、ふる) = tremble, quiver (see also puru)

fusa(ふさ) = abundant, soft hair. (Or, in these stories, somebody touching it.)

fuwa, fuwato(ふわ、ふわと) = gentle movement, lifting or floating

fuwari, funwara(ふわり、ふんわら) = even gentler, calmer movement than fuwato

fwahaha(ふわはは) = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, gahaha, gwahaha

G

ga(が) = yet another impact word

gaba(がば) = grab (see also gashi, gu, gui, gya, gyu, ku, kyu)

gaba gaba(がば　がば) = gurgling

gaba gaba(がば　がば) = too big (as of clothes)

gacha, gachari(がちゃ、がちゃり) = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also kacha)

gahaha(がはは) = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gwahaha

gakin(がきん) = clash

gak(がく)u = shaking, wobbling (see also kaku, kakun)

gakun, gakunto, gakuri(がくん、がくんと、がくり) = to collapse, fall

gapu(がぷ) = big bite, chomp (see also paku)

gan(があん) = revelation, usually horrible

GAAA-N(があああーん) = BIG revelation, always horrible

gangan(がんがん) = strong or violent action

gara gara, garan(がら　がら、がらん) = clatter, rattle (see also bara bara, chara chara)

gasa, goso(がさ、ごそ) = rustle, stealthy movement

gashan(がしゃん) = crash, impact (see also gashin, gochin)

gashi(がし) = grab (see also gaba, gyu)

gashin(がしん) = crash, impact (see also gashan, gochin)

gasshiri(がっしり) = solid

gata, gatan(がた、がたん) = to reel in shock from a revelation

gata, gatan(がた、がたん) = to fall or collapse

gatsu gatsu/gatu gatu(がつ　がつ) = gobble food (see also hau hau, paku)

gaya(がや) = excited crowd sound

gebo(げぼ) = throwing up

gefu(げふ) = belch, burp

geho(げほ) = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon, koho)

gennari(げんんあり) = exhausted

geshi geshi(げし　げし) = 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(ぎ　ぎ、ぎいええ) = sounds Kurama's plants (and other evil plants) make. (for other menacing sounds see go go go and uzo uzo)

giku, gikuri(ぎく、ぎくり) = surprise (see also biku, piku)

gin(ぎん) = glare, stare at (see also giro)

gira(ぎら) = twinkle, shine, glint (see also kira, kiran)

giri giri(ぎり　ぎり) = scratching, grinding, more vigorous than kiri (see also bari bari)

giri giri(ぎり　ぎり) = at the limit, to have no time or space to spare

giro(ぎろ) = glare, stare at (see also gin)

gishi(ぎし) = creaking (see also kishi)

Gitai-go(ぎたいーご) = not a sound effect, but the Japanese word for onomatopoeia, or sound effects.

go go go go(ご　ご　ご　ご) = general menace, a threatening atmosphere. (for other menacing sounds, see gi gi and uzo uzo)

gochi n(ごちん) = impact. W-san: "Another comical collision sound." (see also gashan, gashin)

gofu(ごふ) = cough

goho, gohon(ごほ、ごほん) = a deep, wet cough, also vomiting up water (see also geho, gofu, kehen, kon, koho)

goku, gokun(ごく、ごくん) = gulp, swallow (see also kokun)

goooo(ごおおお) = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei's fire attacks (see also bo, guooo, po)

goro goro(ごろ　ごろ) = purr purr

goro, goron(ごろ、ごろん) = 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(ごし) = scrubbing, rubbing, wiping (see also koshi)

goso(ごそ) = rummage, rustle

goun(ご うん) = 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(ごわ　ごわ) = stiff, rigid gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)

gu(ぐ) = 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(ぐ) = stomach growling (see also ku, kyururu)

gucha(ぐちゃ) = smashing, crushing (see also gusha)

guchi guchi(ぐち　ぐち) = wet sound? twisting sound? We're not sure.

gui(ぐい) = grab (see also gaba, gu, gyu)

gui(ぐい) = gulp

Gunya(ぐんや) = sudden mental realization

guon(ぐおん) = the sound of a dryer. For the sound of a washing machine, see goun

guooo(ぐおおお) = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei's fire attacks (Cf. bo, goooo, po)

gura(ぐら) = stagger, move shakily (see also zuru)

guri(ぐり) = to give noogies

gusha(ぐしゃ) = squeeze, grab, crush (see also gucha)

gussuri(ぐっすり) = deep sleep (see also gu, ku, suka, supigu, suya)

gutta, guttari(ぐった、ぐったり) = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also kuta)

gutto, guutto(ぐっと、ぐうっと) = extreme concentration, also strong emotion

guzu(ぐず) = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, gyaa)

gwahaha(ぐわはは) = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gahaha

gya(ぎゃ) = shriek (see also kya)

gya(ぎゃ) = grab (see also gaba, gyu)

gyaa gyaa(ぎゃあ　ぎゃあ) = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, guzu)

gy(ぎょ)o = shock

gyu, kyu(ぎゅ、きゅ) = grab, squeeze, twist (see also gaba, gya)

gyuu, gyuun(ぎゅう、ぎゅうん) = fast motion (see also byu, hyu, pyu)

H

ha!(は！) = sound of surprise or realization. Can mean catching breath in shock or panic.

ha, haa haa(は、はあ　はあ) = panting, exhalation

ha ha ha(ははは) = laughter (masculine laughter, as opposed to ho ho ho, which is refined feminine laughter) (see also ahaha)

hakkiri(はっきり) = clear, unambiguous

hamu(はむ) = bite, chew, glomp, as in Lively Little Hiei-chan glomping onto a spoon

hara hara(はら　はら) = to fall gently, like a flower petal....

hata(はた) = soft, quiet landing noise. (for a louder rattle see gata)

hau hau(はう　はう) = gobbling (see also gatsu, paku)

he he he(へへへ) = heh heh heh (laugh)

hena hena(へな　へな) = worn out, exhausted. (see also heto heto)

henshin(へんしん) = transformation (as from Tsukino Usagi to Sailor Moon). We've seen it used at least once as a sound effect.

hero hero(へろ　へろ) = spineless, limp, or pliable (see also mero, pura, puran)

heta(へた) = collapsing, sitting down in despair or exhaustion

heto heto(へと　へと) = worn out, exhausted. (see also hena hena)

hiee(ひええ) = exclamation: eek, yikes

hiii, hiiie(ひいい、ひいいえ) = shriek

hihiin(ひひいん) = high-pitched whinny, as of a horse

hiku, hiku hiku(ひく、ひく　ひく) = shaking, as with anger or sobs (compare to shiku)

hiku(ひく) = hiccup

hiri hiri(ひり　ひり) = continuous pain or irritation

hiso hiso(ひそ　ひそ) = whisper whisper

hiya hiya(ひや　ひや) = fear, worry

hn(へ ん) = huh, hrumph, humph. Traditional spelling of Hiei's traditional interjection. When anybody else says it, we've rendered it huh or humph..

hoisatto, arayotto(ほいさっと、あらよっと) = 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(ほ　ほ　ほ) = laughter, specifically, refined feminine laughter. (see also ahahaha, ha ha ha for masculine laughter)

hoka hoka(ほか　ほか) = warmth, heat (internal or external)

honobono(ほのぼの) = peaceful, harmonious, tranquil

hooo(ほおお) = wind

hote hote(ほて　ほて) = toddle toddle (see also tote)

hu, hua (fu, fua)(ふ、ふあ) = sigh

hu hu hu(ふ　ふ　ふ) = (or fu fu fu) a strange laugh

hu-e(ふーえ) = cry, wail (see also e, miiii)

hun(ふん) = huh, hrumph, humph (see hn)

hunka hunka (funka funka)(ふんか　ふんか) = sniff sniff

hyoi(ひょり) = popping up suddenly, quick movement such as reaching

hyoko(ひょこ) = popping up suddenly

hyu, hyun(ひゅ、ひゅん) = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes, or Kurama's whip moving (see also byu, gyu, pyu)

hyuuuuu(ひゅううう) = cold wind, lonely wind

I

icha icha, ichakura ichakura(いちゃ　いちゃ、いちゃくら) = displaying affection in public. K-san: "touching and carrying on." Acting spoony. ^_-

ira ira(いら　いら) = fume fume. It's also been suggested that this is the sound of clenched or grinding teeth.

iso iso(いそ　いそ) = moving blithely, happily

J

ja, jaaaa(じゃ、じゃあああ) = water/liquid flowing or rushing, or any other hissing sound (see also jo, ju, zu)

ja ja ja(じゃ　じゃ　じゃ) = hiss hiss hiss (such as the sound of Kurama frying something)

jabon(じゃぼん) = big splash (see also shapu, zabu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)

jaki(じゃき) = glint of something sharp

jan, jan jan(じゃん　じゃん　じゃん) = tada!

jiiiiii, jiiiin, jiiiito, jiiiton(じいいい、じいいいん、じいいいと、じいいいとん、) = 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(じく　じく) = numbness

jiro, jiro-jiro-to(じろ、じろーじろーと) = a hard look. 'Jiro-jiro-to' means 'in a fixed, staring manner.'

jiri, jiri jiri(じり、じり　じり) = something scraping on the ground. Sometimes used for a charater inching forward or backward

jitabat(じ たばっ)a = 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(じわ) = tears welling up

jiwa jiwa(じわ　じわ) = slowly but steadily

jo, joro joro(じょ、じょろ　じょろ) = water/liquid flowing or pouring (see also dara dara, jururu, zururu)

jururu(じるる) = drool (see also dara dara, jo, zururu)

K

ka(a)(かあ) = light (see also pa, po)

ka, kan(か、かん) = heels going click, footsteps

kaa(かあ) = face turning red, blushing (see also po)

kacha(かちゃ) = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also gacha)

kaji(かじ) = bite, gnaw, sink your little fangs into (see also agi, agu, kari)

kaku(かく) = scratching, running a hand through hair, paddling a hand in water

kaku, kakun(かく、かくん) = shaking, wobbling, losing balance (see also gaku)

kapan(かぱん) = rattle, open (compare to batan, patan for closing)

kara(から) = empty

karakara(からから) = bone dry

karan(からん) = rattle, open

kari kari(かり　かり) = something scratching on something else, e.g., a pen on paper, somebody's little fangs on your head

kasa, kase(かさ、かせ) = rustle. Commonly used for a quiet footstep in the grass, also can be paper, cloth, or other material rustling.

katsu katsu(かつ　かつ) = clomp clomp

kehen(けへん) = cough (see also geho, gofu, goho, kon, koho)

kerori(けろり) = unaffected, casual, unimpressed

ki(き) = glare, the glint of a dagger eye

kii(きい) = squeak, high-pitched sound, as in a door squeaking

kiiiii!(きいいい！) = long high-pitched sound: brakes squealing, hysterical scream (see also biiii for shrieking)

kichi kichi(きち　きち) = full, jam-packed

kichin, kichinto(きちん、きちんと) = meticulously, carefully

kin kon, kan kon, kin koun (and other variations)(きん　こん、かん　こん、きん　こうん) = ding dong, as of a school bell (see also pin pon)

kippari(きっぱり) = flatly, definitely, clearly (to say something this way)

kira, kiran, kirari(きら、きらん、きらり) = twinkle, shine, glint (see also gira)

kiri kiri(きり　きり) = scratching or scraping, less vigorous than giri

kiri kiri(きり　きり) = business, haste

kishi(きし) = creaking (see also gishi)

kochoku(こちょく) = frozen, paralyzed

koho(こほ) = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon)

koi(こい) = come on (as a fighting phrase)

koi koi(こい　こい) = come, come, beckoning

kokun(こくん) = swallow (see also goku, gokun)

kokuri, kokkun(こくり、こっくん) = nod

kon(こん) = quiet impact, such as knocking at a door

kon(こん) = soft cough (see also goho, kehen, koho)

kopo(こぽ) = pouring

kori(こ り) = 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(こり　こり) = scraping

koro, koron(ころ、ころん) = dropping something, something rolling or tumbling (see also poro)

koshi koshi(こし　こし) = rubbing, wiping (see also goshi, geshi)

koso, kossori(こそ、こっそり) = sneaky, doing something stealthily

koto, kotsun(こと、こつん) = little clink, like the sound of a glass being put down or a tear gem falling.

kotsu kotsu(こつ　こつ) = slowly but surely

ku(く) = sleeping (see also gu, supigu, suka, suya)

ku, ku ku, ku ku ku(く、く　く) = giggle in the throat

ku, kukyururu, kyururu(く、くきゅるる、きゅるる) = stomach rumbling, tummy growling

kudo kudo(くど　くど) = repetitive

kuha(くは) = yawn (see also fua, fa)

kukaa(くかあ) = sleepy breathing

kukuri(くくり) = distinct, clear

kun kun(くん　くん) = smelling

kune kune(くね　くね) = wiggling like a snake (see also nyoro nyoro)

kunka kunka(くんか　くんか) = sniff sniff (as of smelling). (see also funka, hunka, nku)

kura(くら) = dizziness (see also fura)

kurin(くりん) = curling (as in the movement of tentacles or an unhappy dog's tail)

kuru(くる) = turning

kusha, kushu, kushun(くしゃ、くしゅ、くしゅん) = sneeze: ker-choo!

kusu(くす) = little laugh

kuta, kutari(くた、くたり) = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also guttari)

kya(きゃ) = shriek (see also gya)

kyapi kyapi(きゃぴ　きゃぴ) = happy noisy girlish chattering

kyoro kyoro(きょろ　きょろ) = looking this way and that, searching for something with the eyes

kyu, gyu(きゅ、ぎゅ) = grab

kyururu, ku, kukyururu(きゅるる、く、くきゅるる) = stomach rumbling, tummy growling

M

meki meki(めき　めき) = quick progress

mero mero(めろ　めろ) = limp, floppy (see also hero, pura, puran)

meso meso(めそ　めそ) = whimper, sniffle

miii(みいい) = cry, wail (see also e, hu-e)

Miin miin(みいん　みいん) = The sound of cicadas in the summer

mishi mishi(みし　みし) = creak creak

moji moji(もじ　もじ) = shyness

moku(もく) = eating, munching (see also mugu)

mom(もみ)I = groping (this one comes up a lot, sadly)

mu, musu, mumuu, muun(む、むす、むむう、むうん) = 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(むぐ、むく) = eating, munching with closed mouth (see also moku)

muka muka(むか　むか) = sick, nauseated

muku(むく) = getting up, sitting up

munyu(むんゆ) = The sound of groping–usually a girl's chest

mura mura(めら　むら) = sexual arousal

N

n?(ん？) = Hm? Huh?

n(ん) = 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(なで　なで) = stroke stroke, pet pet

nashi(なし) = smack (see also bashi, pashi)

nchu(んちゅ) = kiss (see also buchu, chu, uchu)

ni, niko, nikori(に、にこ、にこり) = smile, grin (see also nipa, nita)

nipa(a)(にぱあ) = brilliant smile, grin (see also niko, nita)

nisho(にしゃ) = effort (see also nsho, nshotto, yoisho)

nita(にた) = sinister smile (see also niko, nipa)

niyari, nyari(にやり、にゃり) = leer

nku(んく) = sniff sniff, inhale (see also funka, hunka, kunka)

nnuuu(んぬうう) = see nuuu

noro noro(のろ　のろ) = slowness

nsho, nshotto(んしゃ、んしょっと) = effort (see also nisho, unsho, yoisho)

nukenuke, nukenuketo(ぬけぬけ、ぬけぬけと) = nonchalantly (to speak or act that way)

nuru, nuru nuru, nurun(ぬる、ぬる　ぬる) = greasing, soaping, making slippery

nuuuu(ぬうううう) = menace. W-san: "'Nuu' is often used when something unknown, mysterious, or big appears out of nowhere."

nyari, niyari(にゃり、にやり) = leer

nyoro nyoro(にょろ　にょろ) = W-san: "Something long and thin like a snake moving along with a wriggling motion." (see also kune kune)

O

oi(おい) = hey!

oisho, yoisho, nsho, nshotto, nisho(おいしょ、よいしょ、んしょ、んしょっと) = effort, strain: Oof! Umph!

oo!(おお ！) = approving exclamation: Oh! Whoa!

oooo(おおおお) = wind howling

oooo(おおおお) = menacing roar, animal or mechanical (such as the roar of an engine) (see also buroro)

ora ora(おら　おら) = 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(おろ　おろ) = shock, surprise, befuddlement, confusion. (You don't usually say it, though, unlike Kenshin.)

orya(おりゃ) = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, sorya, uraa)

osoru osoru(おそる　おそる) = timidly

P

pa(a)(ぱあ) = light, shining (see also ka, po)

pachi(ぱ ち) = 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(ぱか) = 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(ぱか) = snap

paku(ぱく) = closing mouth on food, chomp (see also gapu)

paku paku(ぱく　ぱく) = opening and closing mouth, eating, gobbling. This is where Pac-man came from! (see also hau, gatsu)

pan(ぱん) = sudden impact

pan pan(ぱん　ぱん) = pat, pat or smack, smack, as of dusting hands (or oneself) off

pari(ぱ り) = crunch, as in eating (see also bari, kori, pori) pari pari = crackle, as of energy or electricity. Quieter than bari bari.

parin(ぱりん) = crash, clash pasa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving

pasha(ぱしゃ) = splashing, as with the hand (see also pisha) For a big splash, see zabun.

pashi(ぱし) = impact: smack! click! (see also bashi, nashi)

pata pata(ぱた　ぱた) = flap flap

patata(ぱたた) = spatter spatter

patan(ぱたん) = door slamming (see also batan)

pechanko, peshanko(ぺちゃんき、ぺしゃんこ) = flattened, crushed

peko(ぺこ) = bow

peko peko(ぺこ　ぺこ) = bow over and over (grovel)

pero, pero pero(ぺろ、　ぺろ、ぺろ) = licking (see also bero)

peron(ぺろん) = rolling up or down, or flipping

petan, petanto(ぺたん、ぺたんと) = smooth, flat. Also, to flop down on the floor.

pi(ぴ) = beep, peep, any other short high-pitched sound

pi, picha, pichon(ぴ、ぴちゃ、ぴちょん) = drip (see also po, pochan, pota)

pichi(ぴち) = flap, bounce, snap (see also bichi)

piiii(ぴいいい) = shrill sound, beeper, telephone, whistle

piii piii(ぴいい　ぴいい) = chirp chirp

piku, pikuri(ぴく、ぴくり) = blink, noticing something. May be from piku = twitch = pricking up the ears.

piku(ぴく) = twitch

pin pon(ぴん　ぽん) = ding dong, bell (see also kin kon)

piri(ぴり) = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag ) see also biri

piri piri(ぴり　ぴり) = sharp sensation, as of pain, electricity, spiciness. Can be the sharpness or electricity of a glare.

pisha(ぴしゃ) = splashing, as with the hand (see also pasha) For a big splash, see zabun.

pishi(ぴし) = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also bishi)

pita(ぴた) = stopping

pito(ぴと) = gentle touch

piyo(ぴよ) = peep

po, pochan, pota(ぽ、ぽちゃん、ぽた) = drip, plunk. Pochan = kerplunk! (see also pi, picha, pichon, pochi)

po(ぽ) = flame, light. Can also be blushing. For other fire sounds see bo, gooo, guooo. Other light sounds include paa, kaa.

Po(ぽ) = 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(ぽち　ぽち) = something happening steadily, as in water dripping

poi(ぽい) = throwing or tossing something

poka(ぽか) = impact

poka poka(ぽか　ぽか) = warmth of the sun

pon(ぽん) = impact, fairly quiet

pon, pom(ぽん、ぽむ) = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also bon, dororonpa)

pootto(ぽおっと) = dazed, obsessed

pori pori(ぽり　ぽり) = 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(ぽろ、ぽと) = dropping something, something rolling (see also koro, koron)

potsun(ぽつん) = aloneness, separation

puchi puchi(ぷち　ぷち) = pop pop, crackle crackle

puku, pukupuku(ぷく、ぷくぷく) = swelling, something swollen (see also buku)

pun pun(ぷん　ぷん) = bad-smelling

pu pu pu, upupupu(ぷ　ぷ　ぷ、うぷぷぷ) = yet another strange laugh (see also fu fu fu)

pura pura, puran(ぷら　ぷら、ぷらん) = limp, floppy (see also hero, mero)

puri puri(ぷり　ぷり) = anger (see also puuu)

puru(ぷる) = shake, quiver (see also puri, furu)

pusu(ぷす) = puncturing, penetrating

pusu pusu(ぷす　ぷす) = the sound of something smoldering or smoking (see also busu busu)

puu(ぷうう) = puff

puuuu(ぷううう) = anger (see also puri puri)

puutto(ぷうっと) = snort, honk, fart

pyu(ぴゅ) = fast motion (see also byu, gyu, hyu)

R

runtata(る んたた) = 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(さ、さあ) = hissing, rain, water running (softer sound than zaa, which can also be rain)

sa, saaaa(さ、さあああ) = rustling, wind

sa, sasa(さ、ささ) = quick motion

sa, saku(さ、さく) = step

sara sara(さら　さら) = smooth, light, dry

sasu sasu(さす　さす) = rubbing

sawa, sawayaka(さわ、さわやか) = cool, refreshing, something that makes you feel refreshed (see also suka)

sesseto(せっせと) = working steadily

shaaa(しゃああ) = something slicing through air: whishhh!

shaka shaka(しゃか　しゃか) = scrape scrape

shapu shapu(しゃぷ　しゃぷ) = splash (see also zabun)

shiiin(し いいん) = 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(しく　しく) = sobbing, whimpering

shire(しれ) = shrug (we think) Definitely a strange 'don't look at me' look.

shittori(しっとり) = moist. Also calm, soothing.

shizu(しず) = move solemnly

shobo shobo(しょぼ　しょぼ) = sadness, moping

shu(しゅ) = quick movement, fabric rubbing, swish

shuuuu(しゅううう) = fog, mist, steam

shubo(しゅぼ) = the sound of a flame igniting, e.g. lighting a lighter. (Maybe shu = quick movement/rubbing plus bo = light.)

shun(しゅん) = W-san: "This sound describes something wilting. It can be used for people, to describe being sad."

shuru, shururu, shurun(しゅる、しゅるる、しゅるん) = snaking motion. Often used for Rose Whip or other vines or tendrils snaking around.

sorya(そりゃ) = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, orya, uraa)

sosokusa(そそくさ) = running away quickly, beating a hasty retreat

sowa sowa(そわ　そわ) = restless, fidgety (as in 'Ammari sowasowa shinaide!' (Don't get so fidgety!), the first line of 'Lum no Love Song')

su(す) = breathe in (compare to fu, breathe out)

su(す) = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off, someone moving smoothly

sube sube(すべ　すべ) = smooth

subu(すぶ) = see tsubu

sui(すい) = smooth movement, as of a good skater

suka(す か) = whooshy sound. K-san: "the sound of swinging a baseball bat and missing." Togashi frequently uses it for punches missing.

suka(す か) = 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(すか、すや) = sleeping (see also gu, ku, supigu)

suka, sukari, sukkiri, sukato(すか、すかい、すっきり、すかと) = feeling of refreshment. K-san: "for example, when you drink a carbonated drink on a hot day." (see also sawa, sawayaka)

sukon(すこん) = plunk, plonk

suku(すく) = getting up, standing up

sunari(すなり) = slender, smooth, graceful (see also surari)

supa, supari(すぱ、すぱり) = cutting or breaking something (see also zuba)

supigu(すぴぐ) = peaceful sleep, a whistling sound (see also gu, ku, suka, suya)

suppa suppa(すっぱ　すっぱ) = puff puff

supo(す ぷ) = 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(すらり、すらりと) = long and straight, slim, slender (see also sunari)

suru(する) = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off....

suta(すた) = landing (as in after you've jumped)

sutatata(すたたた) = running

suten(すてん) = falling

sutetete(すててて) = a little kid running fast

suton(すとん) = sit

T

taaaaa(たあああ) = dashing, running (see also da, d o do do, tatata)

tappuri(たっぷり) = full, stuffed

tatatata(たたたた) = running lightly

tehe(てへ) = teehee, giggle

teka teka(てか　てか) = shiny, smooth surface

teku teku(てく　てく) = walking (see also to to to, toko toko)

ten ten tenmari tentemari(てん　てん　てんまり　てんてまり) = traditional song to accompany bouncing a ball

tere(て れ) = 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(と) = quiet impact, e.g. a soft landing from a jump

to to to(と　と　と) = walking (see also teku, toko)

to, ton, tonde(と、　とん、とんで) = jumping

tobo tobo(とぼ　とぼ) = dejected walking

toko toko(とこ　とこ) = walking (see also teku teku)

tokun(とくん) = harder heartbeat (see also dokun)

ton(とん) = fairly quiet impact

tontonton(とんとんとん) = chopchopchop (as of food) or any other light continuous action (see also dondondon)

toppuri(とっぷり) = night falling, the sun disappearing

tote(とて) = toddle toddle (see also hote)

tsu(っ) = 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(つ、す) = rain

tsu, tsuuuu(つ、つううう) = bzzzzzzzz (insect sound)

tsubu(つぶ) = eyes (and only eyes) closing

tsun tsun(つん　つん) = bad-smelling, stinky (see also pun pun)

tsuru, tsurun(つる、つるん) = sliding, also used for something smooth or slick

tsutsutsu, sususu(つつつ、すすす) = sliding

tsuya tsuya(つや　つや) = shining, glowing

U

u(う) = ugh, urgh, ulp! A grunt or growl of surprise, pain, or anger.

uchu(うちゅ) = kiss (see also buchu, chu, nchu)

ugogo(うごご) = choking

uka uka, ukkari(うか　うか、うっかり) = daydreaming, not paying attention

ukkun(うっくん) = swallow, gulp (see also gokun, kokun)

umu(うむ) = uh, uh-huh, hmm (see also fumu)

uni(うに) = the noise you make with your mouth when you're waking up

unsho(うんしょ) = effort (see also nsho, yoisho)

unzari(うんざり) = bored, fed up

uraaa, uryaaa(うらああ、うりゃああ) = roar, war cry (see also dorya, ora, orya, sorya)

ura ura(うら　うら) = swaying

uto(うと) = nodding off

utsura(うつら) = half-asleep

uttori(うっとり) = enraptured by beauty

uuu(ううう) = sound of anger: Urrgh!

uwaaaa!(うわああ！) = exclamation: Auuugh!

uzo uzo(うぞ　うぞ) = menace. A sound that evil creatures and nasty plants make. (see also gi gi and go go go)

W

wa!(わ！) = (a character saying it) Wow! Ack!

waa, waaa waaa(わあ、わああ　わああ) = (a crowd's) excited roar (see also wai wai, wara wara)

wai(わ い) = (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(わい　わい) = (as a background effect) noise, excitement, lots of people talking (see also wa, wara wara)

waku, waku waku(わく、わく　わく) = excitement. K-san: "Happy cute excitement."

wan wan(わん　わん) = bow wow

wara wara(わら　わら) = crowd noise (see also waa, wai wai)

wasa wasa(わさ　わさ) = rustle rustle?

wata wata(わた　わた) = flap flap

Y

yaho, yahoi(やほ、やほい) = yoohoo! hey! hi!

yakimoki(やきもき) = fretting, worrying

yanwari(やんわり) = soft, gentle

yare- yare(やれーやれ) = 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(よいしょ) = effort (see also nsho, unsho)

yoji(よじ) = the sound a cockroach makes when crawling up your back. May be related to jiri jiri, which is inching.

yoro, yororo(よろ、よろろ) = stagger, waddle, walk shakily

yusa(ゆさ) = shaking (something)

Z

za, za za za(ざ、ざ　ざ　ざ) = footstep on grass, walking quickly or running through grass or bushes

za(ざ) = generic white noise sound, can be tv static, etc.

ZA!(ざ！) = strong, energetic movement.

za za, zaa zaaa(ざ　ざ、ざああ　ざあああ) = rustling, e.g., wind rustling in leaves, grass

zaa(ざあ) = rain (louder rain than saa)

zaba, zabu, zabun(ざば、ざぶ、ざぶん) = big splash (see also jabon, shapu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)

ZAKU!(ざく！) = cross between za and zoku?

zashu(ざしゅ) = lash, slash

zawa(ざわ) = rustle . May be specific to plants, we've seen it used for trees and Kurama's power rising.

zawa(ざわ) = crowd noise

ze, zei(ぜ、ぜい) = wheeze, gasp

zoku, zotto(ぞく、ぞっと) = chill or shiver (see also chiri)

zooon(ぞおおん) = rumbling, shaking

zu(ず) = drool or other liquid flowing

zu(ず) = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)

zu, zun(ず、ずん) = vigorous motion

zuuu, zuuun(ずうう、ずううん) = disappointment, sadness. W-san: "It often describes things sinking, and can mean a sinking heart."

zuba, zubari(ずば、ずばり) = to slice or cut with a single blow (see also supa)

zugagaga, zugogogo(ずががが、ずごごご) = combination of vigorous action and menace? Anyway, loud drastic things happening.

zuki(ずき) = sharp pain

zumo, zumomomo(ずも、ずももも) = menace, looming

zunguri(ずんぐり) = dumpy

zuri, zuriri, zuru(ずり、ずりり、ずる) = stagger when walking, or fall back in shock (see also gura)

zuru(ずる) = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)

zuru(ずる) = strong movement, more vigorous than 'suru'

zuru, zuru zuru(ずる、ずる　ずる) = something heavy dragging or being pulled

zururu(ずるる) = slurp (see jururu)

zusasa(ずささ) = zu (vigorous) plus sasa (quick motion). We've seen it used for a quick scuttling recoil.

zuzu(ずず) = sip (see also zuru)

Notes

• Imported from http://oceanmoon.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/japanese-sound-effects-and-what-they-mean/.
• Similar works:

1. http://www.lolikon.org/misc/soundfx.html
2. http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/
3. http://www.angelfire.com/geek/tetrisnomiko/sfx.html