NISJ-386-Onomatopoeia Part 1

Onomatopoeia (オノマトペ) Part 1

Today, I am breaking from my usual format because I thought this would be a better way to introduce these concepts to you. I hope you find this material useful and entertaining.

Onomatopoeia (オノマトペ) are words that represent sounds, and they are used in many languages to add more depth and texture to speech. However, Japanese onomatopoeia are unique in that they’re used more frequently and in a wider variety of contexts than in other languages. For example, after mopping and waxing a floor, you might say “pika pika” in Japanese to describe how shiny and clean it looks. A fluffy dog would be described as “fuwa fuwa” and the sound of a door being slammed as “batan.” Japanese relies on these flavoring words to express different nuances.

Take the previous example of “batan.” In English, speakers would use a different verb, “slam,” to express this meaning. However, Japanese uses “batan” in combination with the more generic verb “shimeru” (to close) to achieve the same nuance. Therefore, “I slammed the door” would be translated as “私はドアをバタンと閉めた。” in Japanese.

These are just a few examples of how onomatopoeia are used in everyday Japanese conversation. In Part 2 I will go into a little more depth about the various categories of ononatopoeia and how they are used in Japanese.

How many onomatopoeia do you already know? Try taking the quizzes below to test your knowledge. Have fun!

今日は学校に行かず、街をぶらぶらした。
Today, I didn’t go to school and wandered around the city.
Kyou wa gakkou ni ikazu, machi wo burabura shita.
突然雨がザーザー降ってきて、全身びしょびしょになった。
Suddenly, it started pouring rain and I got completely drenched.
Totsuzen ame ga zaa zaa futte kite, zenshin bisho bisho ni natta.
家に帰って、お菓子を·もぐもぐ食べながら、テレビを観てげらげら笑っていたら、母親にがみがみ叱られた。
I got home and while I was munching on some snacks and watching TV, I was laughing out loud, and I was griped at by my mother.
Ie ni kaette, okashi wo mogu mogu tabenagara, terebi wo mite geragera waratte itara, hahaoya ni gamigami shikarareta.
英語の先生はとても厳しい。
My English teacher is very strict.
Eigo no sensei wa totemo kibishii.
いつも怒られるが、私はくよくよせず、勉強を頑張った。
I always get scolded, but I didn’t worry too much and worked hard.
Itsumo okorareru ga, watashi wa kuyokuyo sezu, benkyou wo ganbatta.
疲れて毎日くたくただ。
I’m tired and exhausted every day.
Tsukarete mainichi kutakuta da.
しかし、少しずつ英語をすらすら話せるようになった。
However, I’ve gradually become able to speak English fluently.
Shikashi, sukoshi zutsu eigo wo surasura hanaseru you ni natta.
来年はオーストラリアに留学する予定だ。
Next year, I’m planning to study abroad in Australia.
Rainen wa Oosutoraria ni ryuugaku suru yotei da.
今からわくわくしている。
Now, I am excited
Ima kara wakuwaku shite iru.