Japanese Sound Words Loved in Brazil: From “Doki Doki” to “Nyaa~”

Japanese sound words aren’t widely known across Brazil —
but among anime fans, they’ve carved out a unique and growing presence.

Thanks to Brazil’s passionate anime culture, fan translations, and local conventions, Japanese onomatopoeia like doki doki and nyaa~ are finding their place in cosplay captions, memes, and even fan-made dubs.

How Brazilian Fans First Encounter Japanese Onomatopoeia

Language and culture videos

Brazilian YouTubers and anime explainers sometimes highlight cute or intense Japanese sound words, often translating or contextualizing them for local audiences.

Anime (e.g., Naruto, One Piece, Death Note)

Anime is extremely popular in Brazil, especially through dubs and streaming services. Many fans notice sound effects in the visuals or through subtitled phrases like doki doki.

Manga (translated to Portuguese)

While most sound effects are translated in Brazilian Portuguese editions, some iconic ones like Baki! or Pyon Pyon are left in their original form, especially in popular shonen manga.

Cosplay and fan culture

At events like Anime Friends or CCXP, fans decorate their booths, signs, and skits with Japanese sound words — either untranslated or stylized in romaji.

TikTok, Instagram, and fan comics

Sound words like nyaa~ or doki doki are occasionally used in memes, parody videos, and Brazilian fan-made manga, especially in “kawaii” contexts.

Popular Japanese Sound Words in Brazil

Doki Doki (どきどき)

Meaning: Heart pounding
Where it appears: Romance, dramatic tension
This sound is often used in emotional or romantic scenes. Brazilian fans may hear it in anime or see it stylized in fan art. It’s easily mimicked and fun to say.

あわせて読みたい

What Does “Doki Doki” Mean in Japanese? The Sound of Heart-Pounding Excitement If you’ve ever felt your heart race with excitement, nervousness, or love — the Japanese onomatopoeia “Doki Doki” (どきどき) is the perfect way to express th…

Nyaa (にゃあ)

Meaning: Meow
Where it appears: Cat characters, memes
Similar to Portuguese “miau,” this version is often associated with catgirl cosplay or cute anime aesthetics. It’s used playfully in jokes and TikToks.

あわせて読みたい

What Sound Do Cats Make in Japanese? Discover the cutest “Meow” You’ve Never Heard This Way When a cat strolls by and lets out a soft “meow,” what do the Japanese hear?They hear “Nyaa nyaa!” (にゃぁにゃあ)— the adorable sound of a cat’s voice in Jap…

Baki! (ばきっ！)

Meaning: Impact or punch
Where it appears: Fight scenes, comic panels
Found in shonen anime, baki! is often left untranslated in visuals and mimicked in fan-made memes or dramatic reenactments.

Why Brazilian Fans Love These Words

They match the expressive style of Brazilian humor and fandom

Anime is a major part of pop culture in Brazil

Japanese sound words add visual and emotional spice

Romaji versions are easy to remember and imitate

Fun Fact

At some Brazilian anime conventions, fans chant “Doki doki!” or “Nyaa~” during cosplay contests or karaoke events —
showing how sound words have become part of the fan experience, even without speaking Japanese.