What Is “Shaki Shaki”? The Japanese Sound of Crispness and Lively Action

Ever bitten into a fresh apple, the crunch echoing in your ears?

Or seen someone move swiftly, without hesitation, full of energy?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Shaki Shaki” comes in — a sound that captures crispness, freshness, and brisk movement.

Let’s start by listening to the sound itself!

What is “Shaki Shaki” (しゃきしゃき)?

“Shaki Shaki” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses two main feelings:

1. Crisp texture — especially vegetables or fruits that crunch when bitten.
2. Brisk, energetic movement — people working, moving, or acting quickly and decisively.

It’s lively, refreshing, and vivid.
It often describes freshness (in food) or sharpness (in actions).

Pronunciation

sha-kee sha-kee
(Say it quickly and lightly — like taking small, crisp bites.)

Categories

Sound / Atmosphere / Condition

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What Does “Shaki Shaki” Look Like?

It looks like sparkles flying off fresh vegetables.

Like someone’s movements drawn in fast, sharp lines.

Like a bright, energetic scene full of snap and clarity.

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a light bounce, like footsteps on a wooden floor:
Shaki… shaki…

Like a knife cutting into crisp lettuce:
Shaki shaki…

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Eating a crisp apple

He took a big bite,
the sound rang out —
shaki shaki…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
このりんごは、すごくしゃきしゃきしている。

Example 2: Working briskly

She organized the files,
answered calls,
and kept moving —
so shaki shaki!

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
かのじょは、しゃきしゃきしごとをしているね。

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “Crisp” or “Crunchy” (for food)
• “Brisk” or “Energetic” (for action)

But in Japanese, “Shaki Shaki” captures both sound and feel at once.
It’s used to describe not only the taste and sound of fresh food but also the sharp, quick quality of someone’s behavior.

Watch & Feel the “Shaki Shaki” World!

Feel the “Shaki Shaki” — Crisp and Brisk

Experience the sharp freshness of a bite or the sharpness of quick movement.
No dullness. No hesitation. Just energy and clarity.

The world is crisp and lively.

Try Using It!

When biting into fresh lettuce…
When describing someone full of energy…
When you see action that’s quick and decisive…

Say it with a smile:
Shaki shaki〜