Japanese Sound effects in Manga and what they
mean
A gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)
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 pochan, pota)
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
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)
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,
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.
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
H pishi = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also
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)
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
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)
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.'
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)
Q
((none))
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

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 squealing, hysterical scream (see also biiii for
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
shrieking)
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, sawayaka)
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,
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)
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)
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
E kukaa = sleepy breathing
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 pain, or anger.
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)
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
L
((none))
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?
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,
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)
V
((none))
W
wa! = (a character saying it) Wow! Ack!
waa, waaa waaa = (a crowd's) excited roar
(see also wai wai, wara wara)
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)
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 wan wan = bow wow
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 zaba, zabu, zabun = big splash (see also
oi = hey!
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."
wara wara = crowd noise (see also waa, wai
wai)
wasa wasa = rustle rustle?
wata wata = flap flap
X
((none))
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)
jabon, shapu, and bashan, picha, pisha for
smaller splashes)
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
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 zuba, zubari = to slice or cut with a single
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)
Originally found at www.oop-ack.com/manga/soundfx.html
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."
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)