!

Manga Onomatopoeia
!

A
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 rened feminine laughter)
arayotto, hoisatto = K-san: "These are used when one is
doing some physical task and nishing 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 eect,
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 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 = opping, 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
bishi = whip, slap, smack, depending on the degree of
power
bo = ame, re (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 pu 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 ngers making the V-sign.

Manga Onomatopoeia
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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)
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 re 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 tongueclicking 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
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 eect,
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 ghting taunt or
war cry. (see also ora, orya, sorya, uraa)
dosa = thud of something heavy (often a person or
body) hitting the oor
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 ailing)
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)

E
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
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)

Manga Onomatopoeia
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funka funka (hunka hunka) = sni sni, 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 oating
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)
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)

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 eect, but the Japanese word for
onomatopoeia, or sound eects.
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 re sound, often used for Hiei's
re 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 specically by two dierent
djka. The sound of a dryer, however, is guon (see the
dierence?)
gowa gowa = sti, rigid
gu = grabbing, pulling (see also gaba, gui, gyu)
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 re sound, often used for Hiei's
re 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)

Manga Onomatopoeia
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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

H
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 rened 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 ower 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 eect.
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 nishing it easily. One uses
either or both of them at a time."
ho ho ho = laughter, specically, rened feminine
laughter. (see also ahahaha, ha ha ha for masculine
laughter)
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) = sni sni
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 aection 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 owing 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
xed, staring manner.'
jiri, jiri jiri = something scraping on the ground.
Sometimes used for a charater inching forward or
backward
jitabata = ail 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 owing 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)

Manga Onomatopoeia
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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 = unaected, 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 squealing,
hysterical scream (see also biiii for shrieking)
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 = atly, denitely, 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 ghting 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)
kukaa = sleepy breathing
kukuri = distinct, clear
kun kun = smelling
kune kune = wiggling like a snake (see also nyoro nyoro)
kunka kunka = sni sni (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

M
meki meki = quick progress
mero mero = limp, oppy (see also hero, pura, puran)
meso meso = whimper, snie
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
closedmouth grunt--perhaps similar to the sound of
disapproval Marge Simpson makes?
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
n? = Hm? Huh?
n = a grunt, as of surprise, eort, sleepiness, pain, or
passion. We've had translators render the actual sound
in dierent ways: mm, n, nh, ngh, ng, ung, unh. Lately
we've been going with nh or ng.
nade nade = stroke stroke, pet pet

Manga Onomatopoeia
!

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 = eort (see also nsho, nshotto, yoisho)
nita = sinister smile (see also niko, nipa)
niyari, nyari = leer
nku = sni sni, inhale (see also funka, hunka, kunka)
nnuuu = see nuuu
noro noro = slowness
nsho, nshotto = eort (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
oi = hey!
oisho, yoisho, nsho, nshotto, nisho = eort, 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 ghting 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 ghting taunt or war
cry. (see also dorya, ora, sorya, uraa)
osoru osoru = timidly

P
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) o
pari = crunch, as in eating (see also bari, kori, pori)
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 = ap ap
patata = spatter spatter
patan = door slamming (see also batan)
pechanko, peshanko = attened, crushed
peko = bow
peko peko = bow over and over (grovel)
pero, pero pero = licking (see also bero)
peron = rolling up or down, or ipping
petan, petanto = smooth, at. Also, to op down on the
oor.
pi = beep, peep, any other short high-pitched sound
pi, picha, pichon = drip (see also po, pochan, pota)
pichi = ap, 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.
pishi = crack (as of a whip), smack (see also bishi)
pita = stopping
pito = gentle touch
piyo = peep
po, pochan, pota = drip, plunk. Pochan = kerplunk! (see
also pi, picha, pichon, pochi)
po = ame, light. Can also be blushing. For other re
sounds see bo, gooo, guooo. Other light sounds include
paa, kaa.
Po = Po's nom de plume. Has nothing to do with sound
eects, 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

Manga Onomatopoeia
!

pon, pom = sound of magical transformation or

appearance, often seen with a pu of smoke (see also
bon, dororonpa)
pootto = dazed, obsessed
pori pori = eating, crunching, softer than 'bari bari.' Ksan: "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, oppy (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 = pu
puuuu = anger (see also puri puri)
puutto = snort, honk, toot (from a horn or any bodily
orice ^_^)
pyu = fast motion (see also byu, gyu, hyu)
runtata = music. In this case, used for something Hieichan 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) Denitely 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 ame igniting, e.g. lighting a
lighter. (Maybe shu = quick 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 ghting taunt or
war cry. (see also dorya, ora, orya, uraa)
sosokusa = running away quickly, beating a hasty retreat
sowa sowa = restless, dgety (as in 'Ammari sowasowa
shinaide!' (Don't get so dgety!), the rst line of 'Lum no
Love Song')
su = breathe in (compare to fu, breathe out)
su = slow movement, e.g. cloth slowly slipping o,
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. Ksan: "for example, when you drink a carbonated drink on
a hot day." (see also sawa, sayaka)
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 = pu pu
supo = pop? Anyway, the sound of tight something
being pulled o (or pulled out), such as Hiei's boot
coming o 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 o....
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)

Manga Onomatopoeia
!

tappuri = full, stued

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 nally 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
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, pain, or
anger.
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 = eort (see also nsho, yoisho)
unzari = bored, fed up
uraaa, uryaaa = roar, war cry (see also dorya, ora, orya,
sorya)
ura ura = swaying
uto = nodding o
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)

W
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."
wai wai = (as a background eect) noise, excitement,
lots of people talking (see also wa, wara wara)
waku, waku waku = excitement. K-san: "Happy cute
excitement."
wan wan = bow wow
wara wara = crowd noise (see also waa, wai wai)
wasa wasa = rustle rustle?
wata wata = ap ap

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 = eort (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)
zaba, zabu, zabun = big splash (see also jabon, shapu,
and bashan, picha, pisha for smaller splashes)
ZAKU! = cross between za and zoku?
zashu = lash, slash
zawa = rustle. May be specic 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 owing
zu = sip, slurp (see also zuzu)
zu, zun = vigorous motion

Manga Onomatopoeia

zu(uu), zu(uu)n = disappointment, sadness. W-san: "It

often describes things sinking, and can mean a sinking
heart."
zuba, zubari = to slice or cut with a single 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)