Waku Waku Japanese – Lesson 44: Fun Onomatopoeia

While learning a new language can be a difficult and painstaking process, there are often an abundance of fun new words to learn! Japanese is no exception as it uses very expressive and amusing onomatopoeia called giongo and gitaigo. Ever wondered if there was a word for the sound of your mouth opening and closing when you eat? Well there is! You’re sure to find some Japanese onomatopoeia that will become your favorite!

Onaka ga pekopeko – my stomach is hungry

Pekopeko – (onomatopoeia) hunger

Pakupaku taberu – eat enthusiastically/quickly

Pakupaku – (onomatopoeia) sound of mouth opening and closing

Kinniku morimori – build muscle

Morimori – (onomatopoeia) swelling/abundant

Buyobuyo ni natteshimaimashita – became fat/flabby

Buyobuyo – (onomatopoeia) sound of fat/flabby

Nikoniko – (onomatopoeia) smiling

Niyaniya – (onomatopoeia) grin/smirk

Geragera – (onomatopoeia) laughing heartily

Shikushiku – (onomatopoeia) crying/sobbing/weeping

Mukamuka – (onomatopoeia) angry/irritated/annoyed

Pyonpyon – (onomatopoeia) hopping/skipping

There’s endless amounts of Japanese onomatopoeia, so explore and study more to use when you want to describe numerous situations!