What Is “Teku Teku”? The Japanese Sound of Steady, Small Steps

Ever watched a child walking to school with a little backpack, step after step?

Or seen an elderly person strolling slowly down a path, enjoying the scenery?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Teku Teku” comes in — a sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

What is “Teku Teku” (てくてく)?

“Teku Teku” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses walking at a steady, moderate pace.
It’s not rushed, not dragging — just a calm, continuous rhythm of steps.
You’ll hear it in contexts that feel casual, relaxed, or even cute.

It’s often used to describe:

• Small children walking
• People strolling casually
• Characters in stories moving from place to place

Pronunciation

teh-koo teh-koo
(Say it softly and rhythmically — like tapping your feet on a quiet street)

Category

Movement

あわせて読みたい

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What Does “Teku Teku” Look Like?

It looks like footprints in the sand.
Like a small dog walking alongside its owner.
Like an anime character moving across the screen, one step at a time.

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a gentle, even beat:
Teku… teku…

Like footsteps on a quiet path,
or a character making their way through a peaceful scene.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: A child walking to school

The little boy walked down the street,
his shoes making a gentle sound —
tekku tekku…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
てくてく、あるこう。

Example 2: Traveling on foot

She wandered through the old town,
past shops and cafés,
camera in hand —
teku teku…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
てくてくあるくのは、たのしい！

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “Walking along”
• “Strolling”
• “Ambling”

But in Japanese, “teku teku” adds a sound-image that makes the walk feel alive and warm — especially in children’s books, anime, and casual storytelling.

Watch & Feel the “Teku Teku” World!

Feel the “teku teku” — steady, peaceful walking.

A world without hurry, where each step takes you somewhere new.

The journey is the rhythm.

Try Using It!

When you’re strolling through the park…
When you’re window-shopping downtown…
When you’re sightseeing in a new city…

Say it with a smile:
Teku teku〜