Japanese Sound effects and what they mean A
gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)
a = general interjection: oh, uh, ah
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."
a! = exclamation of surprise, alarm, amazement, relief, frustration, fury: Oh! Ack! Agh! Ah! Argh! Also inarticulate sound of pain or passion: Ah! Oh!
gu = stomach growling (see also ku, kyururu)
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.
aaaa! = same as above, but more so
gucha = smashing, crushing (see also gusha)
aa = yes, okay, sure
guchi guchi = wet sound? twisting sound? We're not sure.
pata pata = flap flap
aa(aaa)n = opening the mouth wide, as in "Say ah!" Used when feeding or being fed by someone.
gui = grab (see also gaba, gu, gyu)
patata = spatter spatter
gui = gulp
patan = door slamming (see also batan)
Gunya = sudden mental realization
pechanko, peshanko = flattened, crushed
guon = the sound of a dryer. For the sound of a washing machine, see goun
peko = bow
aan, an = cry of passion (see a!) acha = remorse agi agi = bite bite, gnaw, sink your cute little fangs into (see also agu agu, kaji) agu agu = bite bite (see also agi agi, kaji) ahaha = laughter (see also ha ha ha for masculine laughter, and ho ho ho for refined feminine laughter) arayotto, hoisatto = K-san: "These are used when one is doing some physical task and finishing it easily. One uses either or both of them at a time." B
ba = sudden impact. English equivalents would be: bam, bang, crash, ka-boom, thump, thud, wham, whomp, etc. (See also bagu, baki, ban, bashi, bata, batan, bokan, bun, dan, doka, don, doshin, dote, ga, ka, kon, paka, pan, pashi, patan, poka, pon, to, ton, among others.) bachi = crackle (see also bari, biri) bagu = impact baki = impact (one of the most common impact sounds) or other very loud sound ban = bang! bam! ban = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something something astonishing or important has happened (see also don) bara bara = rattle rattle (see also chara chara, gara gara)
pashi = impact: smack! click! (see also bashi, nashi)
peko peko = bow over and over (grovel) guooo = a roar. Can be a fire sound, often used for Hiei's fire attacks (Cf. bo, goooo, po)
pero, pero pero = licking (see also bero)
gura = stagger, move shakily (see also zuru)
peron = rolling up or down, or flipping
guri = to give noogies
petan, petanto = smooth, flat. Also, to flop down on the floor.
gusha = squeeze, grab, crush (see also gucha) pi = beep, peep, any other short high-pitched sound gussuri = deep sleep (see also gu, ku, suka, supigu, pi, picha, pichon = drip (see also po, pochan, suya) pota) gutta, guttari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to pichi = flap, bounce, snap (see also bichi) describe people or plants. (see also kuta) gutto, guutto = extreme concentration, also strong piiii = shrill sound, beeper, telephone, whistle emotion piii piii = chirp chirp guzu = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, gyaa) piku, pikuri = blink, noticing something. May be gwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, from piku = twitch = pricking up the ears. gahaha piku = twitch gya = shriek (see also kya) pin pon = ding dong, bell (see also kin kon) gya = grab (see also gaba, gyu) piri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato gyaa gyaa = whine, grumble (see also boso, busu, chip bag ) see also biri guzu) piri piri = sharp sensation, as of pain, electricity, spiciness. Can be the sharpness or electricity of a gyo = shock glare. gyu, kyu = grab, squeeze, twist (see also gaba, gya) pisha = splashing, as with the hand (see also pasha) gyuu, gyuun = fast motion (see also byu, hyu, For a big splash, see zabun. pyu) pishi = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also bishi)
bari bari = crunch, as in eating. K-san: "Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus." (see also kori, pari, pori) bari bari = scratch scratch (see also giri giri, kiri kiri) bari bari = rip rip (see also biri biri) bari bari = crackle, crackle? Anyway, energy or electricity, just like biri biri. Pari pari is a quieter crackle, just as pori is a quieter crunch than bari. (see also bachi) basa = rustling, e.g. cloth sliding, paper moving (see also pasa) bashan = medium splash (see also zabun for a very big splash)
H
pita = stopping
ha! = sound of surprise or realization. Can mean catching breath in shock or panic.
pito = gentle touch piyo = peep
ha, haa haa = panting, exhalation
po, pochan, pota = drip, plunk. Pochan = ha ha ha = laughter (masculine laughter, as opposed kerplunk! (see also pi, picha, pichon, pochi) to ho ho ho, which is refined feminine laughter) (see po = flame, light. Can also be blushing. For other also ahaha) fire sounds see bo, gooo, guooo. Other light sounds include paa, kaa. hakkiri = clear, unambiguous hamu = bite, chew, glomp, as in Lively Little Hieichan 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)
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
bashi, bashito = impact (see also nashi, pashi)
he he he = heh heh heh (laugh)
bata, batan = impact, often used for falling down
hena hena = worn out, exhausted. (see also heto heto)
batan = door slamming (see also patan)
henshin = transformation (as from Tsukino Usagi to pon, pom = sound of magical transformation or appearance, often seen with a puff of smoke (see also Sailor Moon). We've seen it used at least once as a bon, dororonpa) sound effect.
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.
hero hero = spineless, limp, or pliable (see also mero, pura, puran) heta = collapsing, sitting down in despair or exhaustion
bee, bee da = rudeness, what you say when heto heto = worn out, exhausted. (see also hena you stick out your tongue and pull down your hena) eyelid at someone. From 'Bero bero akkan-bee (or akanbei).' Like the mocking Western 'nya nya!' hiee = exclamation: eek, yikes bero = peeling back
hiii, hiiie = shriek
bero bero = licking over and over, stronger than pero
hihiin = high-pitched whinny, as of a horse
betari = people or objects that stick together (physically or metaphorically) metaphorically)
(compare to shiku)
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
hiku, hiku hiku = shaking, as with anger or sobs hiku = hiccup
poka poka = warmth of the sun pon = impact, fairly quiet
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
hiri hiri = continuous pain or irritation
(see also fu fu fu)
hiso hiso = whisper whisper
pura pura, puran = limp, floppy (see also hero, mero)
hiya hiya = fear, worry
puri puri = anger (see also puuu)
hn = huh, hrumph, humph. Traditional spelling of Hiei's traditional interjection. interjection. When anybody else says puru = shake, quiver (see also puri, furu) it, we've rendered it huh or humph.. pusu = puncturing, penetrating 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."
pusu pusu = the sound of something smoldering or smoking (see also busu busu) puu = puff
biri biri = tearing, as in ripping cloth, opening a potato chip bag (see also bari, piri)
ho ho ho = laughter, specifically, refined feminine laughter. (see also ahahaha, ha ha ha for masculine laughter) hoka hoka = warmth, heat (internal or external)
puutto = snort, honk, toot (from a horn or any bodily orifice ^_^)
honobono = peaceful, harmonious, harmonious, tranquil
pyu = fast motion (see also byu, gyu, hyu)
biron = tongue hanging out bishi = whip, slap, smack, depending on the degree of power
puuuu = anger (see also puri puri)
bo = flame, fire (see also gooo, guooo, po). Wsan: "'Bo' is like the 'whoosh' of a gas range turned on."
hooo = wind hote hote = toddle toddle (see also tote)
bo = sluggish and exhausted (see also doyon)
hu, hua (fu, fua) = sigh
bochan = kerplunk (see also pochan)
hu hu hu = (or fu fu fu) a strange laugh
R
bochi bochi = something happening steadily, as in water dripping
hu-e = cry, wail (see also e, miiii)
runtata = music. In this case, used for something Hiei-chan is humming. Run is a slow beat and tata quick beats. (see also bunchacha)
Q ((none))
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)
hun = huh, hrumph, humph (see hn) hunka hunka (funka funka) = sniff sniff
hyoi = popping up suddenly, quick movement such as S reaching sa, saa = hissing, rain, water running (softer sound than zaa, which can also be rain) hyoko = popping up suddenly hyu, hyun = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei makes, or Kurama's whip moving (see also byu, gyu, pyu)
sa, saaaa = rustling, wind
hyuuuuu = cold wind, lonely wind
sa, saku = step sara sara = smooth, light, dry
I
iso iso = moving blithely, happily J
buchi = snap. Can be used metaphorically, such ja, jaaaa = water/liquid flowing or rushing, or any as when Hiei snaps under the pressure of learning other hissing sound (see also jo, ju, zu) he's a father. ja ja ja = hiss hiss hiss (such as the sound of Kurama buchi buchi = ripping, tearing frying something) 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
sasu sasu = rubbing
icha icha, ichakura ichakura = displaying sawa, sawayaka = cool, refreshing, something affection in public. K-san: "touching and carrying on." that makes you feel refreshed (see also suka) Acting spoony. ^_sesseto = working steadily ira ira = fume fume. It's also been suggested that this is the sound of clenched or grinding teeth. shaaa = something slicing through air: whishhh!
boto boto, bote = falling botsu = whoosh
sa, sasa = quick motion
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 jabon = big splash (see also shapu, zabu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes) shire = shrug (we think) Definitely a strange 'don't look at me' look. jaki = glint of something sharp shittori = moist. Also calm, soothing. jan, jan jan = tada! shizu = move solemnly jiiiiii, jiiiin, jiiiito, jiiiton = the sound of staring, of silence, or of remaining frozen/ motionless. shobo shobo = sadness, moping Often used in djs to indicate that a character is moved beyond words, stunned beyond words, or just generally shu = quick movement, fabric rubbing, swish beyond words. (see also shiiiin) As a word, jitto
runtata)
emphasizes being motionless, jiitto emphasizes the duration of being still.
bun, buun = swish jiku jiku = numbness buun = buzz, whir, as of an insect
shuuuu = fog, mist, steam shubo = the sound of a flame igniting, e.g. lighting a lighter. (Maybe shu = quick movement/rubbing plus bo = light.)
jiro, jiro-jiro-to = a hard look. 'Jiro-jiro-to' means 'in a fixed, staring manner.' shun = W-san: "This sound describes something wilting. It can be used for people, to describe being burororo = sound of a loud motor, as of an jiri, jiri jiri = something scraping on the ground. sad." automobile (see also oooo) Sometimes Sometimes used for a charater inching forward or backward shuru, shururu, shurun = snaking motion. Buru = a head being shaken violently in the Often used for Rose Whip or other vines or tendrils negative jitabata = flail one's arms and legs (or one's tail, in snaking around. the case of 'The Mermaid Princess' ) (compare to busu busu = the sound of something dotabata for running around in confusion) sorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt smoldering or smoking. Used for the embers after or war cry. (see also dorya, ora, orya, uraa) Hiei's fire attacks. (see also pusu pusu) jiwa = tears welling up sosokusa = running away quickly, beating a hasty busu, busu busu, usuto, butsu = jiwa jiwa = slowly but steadily retreat muttered complaining (see boso, guzu, gyaa, jo, joro joro = water/liquid flowing or pouring (see sowa sowa = restless, fidgety (as in 'Ammari musu) also dara dara, jururu, zururu) sowasowa shinaide!' (Don't get so fidgety!), the first buwa = explosion line of 'Lum no Love Song') jururu = drool (see also dara dara, jo, zururu) buyo buyo = squishy and swollen, su = breathe in (compare to fu, breathe out) waterlogged K su = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off, bwahaha = evil laugh, same as fwahaha, someone moving smoothly gahaha, gwahaha ka(a) = light (see also pa, po) sube sube = smooth byu = quick movement, such as the leaps Hiei ka, kan = heels going click, footsteps makes (see also hyu, gyu, pyu) subu = see tsubu kaa = face turning red, blushing (see also po) sui = smooth movement, as of a good skater C kacha = the click of something opening, such as a suka = whooshy sound. K-san: "the sound of latch, a door, or even a belt (see also gacha) swinging a baseball bat and missing." Togashi chapon, chapu = plunk (water sound) (see kaji = bite, gnaw, sink your little fangs into (see also frequently uses it for punches missing. also shapu) agi, agu, kari) suka = something sparse. K-san: "When you get a chara chara = rattle, clatter, jingle (see also kaku = scratching, running a hand through hair, big box which is light for its size, and you shake it, bara bara, gara gara) paddling a hand in water and the packing material makes rustling sounds, that's chi, ch' = Various translators: "I think of it as a suka suka. Or when you put on a big pair of jeans, kaku, kakun = shaking, wobbling, losing balance you say 'These are suka suka (too big).'" tongue-clicking noise." "It means 'shit.'" "I think (see also gaku) it's better translated as 'damn' since it's about the suka, suya = sleeping (see also gu, ku, supigu) equivalent in vulgarity." "Probably a--mm, vocal referent, would you call it?--to chikushou, another kapan = rattle, open (compare to batan, patan for suka, sukari, sukkiri, sukato = feeling of closing) of the 'oh shit' words." You can see why we refreshment. K-san: "for example, when you drink a decided to leave it as ch'. ^_^ kara = empty carbonated drink on a hot day." (see also sawa, sawayaka) chichichi = how you call a cat karakara = bone dry sukon = plunk, plonk chi chi = high shrill noise karan = rattle, open suku = getting up, standing up chira, chirari, chiron = quick sideways kari kari = something scratching on something else, glance e.g., a pen on paper, somebody's little fangs on your sunari = slender, smooth, graceful (see also surari) head chiri chiri = curly, frizzy supa, supari = cutting or breaking something kasa, kase = rustle. Commonly used for a quiet (see also zuba) chiri chiri = tingle of heat, shiver of cold (see footstep in the grass, also can be paper, cloth, or other also zoku for shiver) material rustling. supigu = peaceful sleep, a whistling sound (see also gu, ku, suka, suya) chirin = chime katsu katsu = clomp clomp suppa suppa = puff puff chiyahoya = fuss over, butter up kehen = cough (see also geho, gofu, goho, kon, buran = hanging, dangling
choki choki = cutting, as with knives or scissors
chokon = small and quiet chu = kiss (see also nchu, uchu)
koho)
kerori = unaffected, casual, unimpressed unimpressed ki = glare, the glint of a dagger eye
chu = suck (as through a straw)
kii = squeak, high-pitched sound, as in a door squeaking
chun chun = chirp chirp (see also pii pii for peep peep)
kiiiii! = long high-pitched sound: brakes squealing, hysterical scream (see also biiii for shrieking) kichi kichi = full, jam-packed
D
da da da, daaaaaaaa = running away (see also do do do, ta, ta ta ta) dan = bang, boom, sudden impact dara dara = continuous dripping of thick liquid, like blood, sweat, saliva drool (see also jo, jururu, zururu) dere dere = sloppy, loose. Also to go goofy over someone, to fawn. do = big impact
kichin, kichinto = meticulously, carefully kin kon, kan kon, kin koun (and other variations) = ding dong, as of a school bell (see also pin pon)
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 Hieichan's head. surari, surarito = long and straight, slim, slender (see also sunari) suru = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping off....
suta = landing (as in after you've jumped) sutatata = running suten = falling sutetete = a little kid running fast suton = sit
kippari = flatly, definitely, clearly (to say something something this way) T kira, kiran, kirari = twinkle, shine, glint (see also gira) taaaaa = dashing, running (see also da, do do do, tatata) kiri kiri = scratching or scraping, less vigorous than giri tappuri = full, stuffed
kiri kiri = business, haste
tatatata = running lightly
kishi = creaking (see also gishi)
tehe = teehee, giggle
do do do do = footsteps, especially heavy footsteps, running (see also da)
kochoku = frozen, paralyzed
teka teka = shiny, smooth surface
do do do do = quick punches
koho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon)
teku teku = walking (see also to to to, toko toko)
Dobi = missed kick
koi = come on (as a fighting phrase)
doka = impact
koi koi = come, come, beckoning
ten ten tenmari tentemari = traditional song to accompany bouncing a ball
doki doki = heartbeat (see also dokun, tokun)
kokun = swallow (see also goku, gokun)
dokun = harder heartbeat (see also doki, tokun)
kokuri, kokkun = nod
don = BIG impact
kon = quiet impact, such as knocking at a door
don = sometimes added to a scene for dramatic effect, to show that something something astonishing or important has happened (see also ban)
kon = soft cough (see also goho, kehen, koho)
do = heartbeat, the loudest kind! (see also doki doki, dokun, tokun)
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.'"
kopo = pouring
tere = abashed. K-san: "Embarrassed in a happy way. Like when you're asked out on a date by somebody 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 kori = crunch, as in eating. K-san: "Pori pori is the quietest crunching. Pori pori is for cookies; bari bari is toko toko = walking (see also teku teku) for chips. Kori kori is for broccoli and asparagus." (see also bari, pari, pori) tokun = harder heartbeat (see also dokun) kori kori = scraping
ton = fairly quiet impact
doron, dororonpa = the sound of magical transformation (see also bon, pon, pom)
koro, koron = dropping something, something rolling or tumbling (see also poro)
tontonton = chopchopchop (as of food) or any other light continuous action (see also dondondon)
dorya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or war cry. (see also ora, orya, sorya, uraa)
koshi koshi = rubbing, wiping (see also goshi, geshi)
toppuri = night falling, the sun disappearing
dosa = thud of something heavy (often a person or body) hitting the floor
koso, kossori = sneaky, doing something stealthily
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
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.'"
koto, kotsun = little clink, like the sound of a glass finally M.J. came up with what we think is the best solution. "I hear it as a slightly high-pitched 'uh' made being put down or a tear gem falling. by catching your breath in your throat." So from now kotsu kotsu = slowly but surely on we're translating it as 'uh.' ku = sleeping (see also gu, supigu, suka, suya)
tsu, su = rain
dotabata = running around wildly, as in panic or confusion (compare to jitabata for flailing)
ku, ku ku, ku ku ku = giggle in the throat
tsu, tsuuuu = bzzzzzzzz (insect sound)
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."
tummy growling
ku, kukyururu, kyururu = stomach rumbling, tsubu = eyes (and only eyes) closing
doyon = sluggish and exhausted, depressed (see also bo)
tsun tsun = bad-smelling, stinky (see also pun kudo kudo = repetitive kuha = yawn (see also fua, fa) kukaa = sleepy breathing kukuri = distinct, clear
pun)
tsuru, tsurun = sliding, also used for something smooth or slick
tsutsutsu, sususu = sliding
kun kun = smelling
tsuya tsuya = shining, glowing (the way Kurama looks in the morning ^_^)
e! e? = what! huh? We usually translate this as 'eh?' although the Japanese 'e?' is less colloquial and informal than the Western 'eh?'
kune kune = wiggling like a snake (see also nyoro nyoro)
U
e, eeee = cry, wail (see also hu-e, miiii)
kunka kunka = sniff sniff (as of smelling). (see also funka, hunka, nku)
u = ugh, urgh, ulp! A grunt or growl of surprise, pain, or anger.
kura = dizziness (see also fura)
uchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, nchu)
kurin = curling (as in the movement of tentacles or an unhappy dog's tail)
ugogo = choking
kuru = turning
uka uka, ukkari = daydreaming, not paying attention
kusha, kushu, kushun = sneeze: ker-choo!
ukkun = swallow, gulp (see also gokun, kokun)
kusu = little laugh
umu = uh, uh-huh, hmm (see also fumu)
kuta, kutari = droopy, wilted, limp. Used to describe people or plants. (see also guttari)
uni = the noise you make with your mouth when you're waking up
kya = shriek (see also gya)
unsho = effort (see also nsho, yoisho)
kyapi kyapi = happy noisy girlish chattering
unzari = bored, fed up
E
ee = yes, okay, sure eeto = (said by a character) um, er, uh. What you say while you're thinking of what to say. ehen = we've had this translated as both 'ahem!' and 'haha!' ei = shriek F
fua, fuwa, fa = yawn fu, fua (hu hua) = sigh, blowing breath out (as in blowing out a candle) fu fu fu (hu hu hu) = a strange laugh. M.J.: "The evil chuckle in the back of the throat." (see also ku ku ku, pu pu pu) fuki fuki = wiping fumi = step, stomp fumu (humu) = hmmph, hmm, uh-huh (see also umu)
kyoro kyoro = looking this way and that, searching uraaa, uryaaa = roar, war cry (see also dorya, for something with the eyes ora, orya, sorya) kyu, gyu = grab
ura ura = swaying
kyururu, ku, kukyururu = stomach rumbling, uto = nodding off
tummy growling
utsura = half-asleep L
uttori = enraptured by beauty
funka funka (hunka hunka) = sniff sniff, inhale (see also nku, kunka)
((none))
uuu = sound of anger: Urrgh!
fura = yawn (see also fua)
M
fura = drift fura = dizziness (see also kura) fura, fura fura = wobble, totter
uwaaaa! = exclamation: Auuugh!
meki meki = quick progress mero mero = limp, floppy (see also hero, pura, puran)
uzo uzo = menace. A sound that evil creatures and nasty plants make. (see also gi gi and go go go) V
fura, furi, furu = tremble, quiver (see also puru)
meso meso = whimper, sniffle
((none))
miii = cry, wail (see also e, hu-e) W
fusa = abundant, soft hair. (Or, in these stories, somebody touching it.)
Miin miin = The sound of cicadas in the summer mishi mishi = creak creak
fuwa, fuwato = gentle movement, lifting or floating fuwari, funwara = even gentler, calmer movement than fuwato fwahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, gahaha, gwahaha G
moji moji = shyness moku = eating, munching (see also mugu) momi = groping (this one comes up a lot, sadly)
wa! = (a character saying it) Wow! Ack! waa, waaa waaa = (a crowd's) excited roar (see also wai wai, wara wara) wai = (a character saying it) feminine exclamation of delight. M.J. says of 'wai' and 'wai wai,' "Both are also kid's language for delight, is why female characters say it to be cute, I think."
mu, musu, mumuu, muun = grimace, anger, sulkiness. It's been suggested that the sound of 'mu' is a wai wai = (as a background effect) noise, sort of closed-mouth grunt--perhaps similar to the excitement, lots of people talking (see also wa, wara sound of disapproval Marge Simpson makes? wara)
ga = yet another impact word
mugu, muku = eating, munching with closed mouth (see also moku)
gaba = grab (see also gashi, gu, gui, gya, gyu, ku, kyu)
waku, waku waku = excitement. K-san: "Happy cute excitement."
muka muka = sick, nauseated
wan wan = bow wow
gaba gaba = gurgling
muku = getting up, sitting up
wara wara = crowd noise (see also waa, wai wai)
gaba gaba = too big (as of clothes)
munyu = The sound of groping--usually a girl's chest wasa wasa = rustle rustle?
gacha, gachari = the click of something opening, such as a latch, a door, or even a belt (see also kacha)
mura mura = sexual arousal
gahaha = evil laugh, same as bwahaha, fwahaha, gwahaha gakin = clash gaku = shaking, wobbling (see also kaku, kakun) gakun, gakunto, gakuri = to collapse,
N
n? = Hm? Huh?
wata wata = flap flap X ((none))
n = a grunt, as of surprise, effort, sleepiness, pain, or Y passion. We've had translators render the actual sound in different ways: mm, n, nh, ngh, ng, ung, unh. Lately yaho, yahoi = yoohoo! hey! hi! we've been going with nh or ng.
fall
nade nade = stroke stroke, pet pet
yakimoki = fretting, worrying
gapu = big bite, chomp (see also paku)
nashi = smack (see also bashi, pashi)
yanwari = soft, gentle
gan = revelation, usually horrible
nchu = kiss (see also buchu, chu, uchu)
GAAA-N = BIG revelation, always horrible
ni, niko, nikori = smile, grin (see also nipa, nita)
yare-yare = one of the words/phrases 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.
gangan = strong or violent action
nipa(a) = brilliant smile, grin (see also niko, nita)
gara gara, garan = clatter, rattle (see also
nisho = effort (see also nsho, nshotto, yoisho)
bara bara, chara chara)
gasa, goso = rustle, stealthy movement gashan = crash, impact (see also gashin, gochin) gashi = grab (see also gaba, gyu)
nita = sinister smile (see also niko, nipa) niyari, nyari = leer nku = sniff sniff, inhale (see also funka, hunka, kunka) nnuuu = see nuuu
gashin = crash, impact (see also gashan, gochin)
noro noro = slowness
gasshiri = solid
nsho, nshotto = effort (see also nisho, unsho, yoisho)
gata, gatan = to reel in shock from a
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.
revelation
gata, gatan = to fall or collapse gatsu gatsu/gatu gatu = gobble food (see also hau hau, paku) gaya = excited crowd sound gebo = throwing up gefu = belch, burp geho = cough (see also goho, kehen, kon, koho) gennari = exhausted geshi geshi = not sure about this. At times it seems to be a wiping sound like goshi ; at others either a squashing or rustling sound. Maybe a general cloth sound? gi gi, giiee = sounds Kurama's plants (and other evil plants) make. (for other menacing sounds see go go go and uzo uzo) giku, gikuri = surprise (see also biku, piku) gin = glare, stare at (see also giro) gira = twinkle, shine, glint (see also kira, kiran) giri giri = scratching, grinding, more vigorous than kiri (see also bari bari) giri giri = at the limit, to have no time or space to spare giro = glare, stare at (see also gin) gishi = creaking (see also kishi)
nukenuke, nukenuketo = nonchalantly (to speak or act that way)
ZA! = strong, energetic movement.
nuru, nuru nuru, nurun = greasing, soaping, making slippery
za za, zaa zaaa = rustling, e.g., wind rustling in leaves, grass
nuuuu = menace. W-san: "'Nuu' is often used when zaa = rain (louder rain than saa) something unknown, mysterious, or big appears out of zaba, zabu, zabun = big splash (see also jabon, nowhere." shapu, and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes) nyari, niyari = leer ZAKU! = cross between za and zoku? nyoro nyoro = W-san: "Something long and thin zashu = lash, slash like a snake moving along with a wriggling motion." (see also kune kune) zawa = rustle. May be specific to plants, we've seen it used for trees and Kurama's power rising. O
oi = hey! oisho, yoisho, nsho, nshotto, nisho = effort, strain: Oof! Umph! oo! = approving exclamation: Oh! Whoa! oooo = wind howling
go go go go = general menace, a threatening atmosphere. (for other menacing sounds, see gi gi and uzo uzo)
P
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
zoku, zotto = chill or shiver (see also chiri) zooon = rumbling, shaking zu = drool or other liquid flowing
ora ora = what you say when you punch somebody zu(uu), zu(uu)n = disappointment, sadness. Wrepeatedly. A fighting taunt or war cry; we've had it san: "It often describes things sinking, and can mean a loosely translated as "Take that!" "Try this!" (see also sinking heart." dorya, orya, sorya, uraa) zuba, zubari = to slice or cut with a single blow oro oro = shock, surprise, befuddlement, confusion. (see also supa) (You don't usually say it, though, unlike Kenshin.) zugagaga, zugogogo = combination of orya = what to yell as you attack; a fighting taunt or vigorous action and menace? Anyway, loud drastic war cry. (see also dorya, ora, sorya, uraa) things happening. osoru osoru = timidly
gofu = cough
ze, zei = wheeze, gasp
zu = sip, slurp (see also zuzu) oooo = menacing roar, animal or mechanical (such as the roar of an engine) (see also buroro) zu, zun = vigorous motion
Gitai-go = not a sound effect, but the Japanese word for onomatopoeia, or sound effects.
gochin = impact. W-san: "Another comical collision sound." (see also gashan, gashin)
zawa = crowd noise
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.
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'
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.'"
zuru, zuru zuru = something heavy dragging or being pulled
zururu = slurp (see jururu)
paka = snap
zusasa = zu (vigorous) plus sasa (quick motion). recoil. paku = closing mouth on food, chomp (see also gapu) We've seen it used for a quick scuttling recoil. zuzu = sip (see also zuru) paku paku = opening and closing mouth, eating, gobbling. This is where Pac-man came from! (see also
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
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)
