Ever seen a small animal quietly perch on a cushion?
Or someone sitting politely at the edge of a bench, barely making a sound?
That’s when the Japanese mimetic word “Chokon” appears —
a soft, subtle, and endearing word that captures tiny, modest stillness.
Let’s hear what it doesn’t sound like — because “chokon” is almost silent in feeling.
What is “Chokon” (ちょこん)?
“Chokon” is a gitaigo — a mimetic word in Japanese that describes a posture, presence, or action without sound.
It expresses how something small, gentle, or shyly modest sits, stands, or stays in place.
It’s full of cuteness, delicacy, and humility.
Nuance:
Small, cute, and polite presence
Light, non-intrusive behavior
Emotionally calm, still, or quietly present
Pronunciation
cho-kon
(Say it gently, almost like a whisper — with a soft stop at the end.)
Categories
Atmosphere / Condition
What Does “Chokon” Look Like?
A character in manga with a tiny presence drawn in the corner
A small stuffed animal sitting alone on a shelf
A child sitting politely on their knees
A rabbit perching quietly beside a basket
How Do You Say It?
Say it softly, as if placing something down with care:
Chokon.
Example in Daily Life
Example: A bunny’s quiet posture
The bunny sat quietly beside the basket,
barely moving —
chokon.
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Perched gently”
- “Sitting quietly”
- “Neatly placed”
But “chokon” adds an emotional softness — the feel of gentle presence, not just action.
It’s often used to express cuteness and modesty in Japanese culture.
Watch & Feel the “Chokon” World!
Feel the “Chokon” — a Cat Sitting on the Chair
Try Using It!
Next time you:
- Sit quietly with modesty
- See something small placed carefully
- Want to describe a still, polite cuteness…
Say it softly:
Chokon.
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