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 f
ighting 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)
