5 Japanese Sound Words That Make You Sound Like a Real Local at a Sushi Bar

Japanese is full of texture-based sound words — fun, expressive, and incredibly useful.
Especially at a sushi bar, these little words help you describe flavors and textures in a way that feels very Japanese.

And here’s the fun part:

If you casually whisper these sound words while enjoying sushi…
you’ll instantly sound like a real local.

So now, let’s explore 5 sound words you can use at a sushi bar.
Try saying them softly while eating — the chef will definitely smile.

Torori (とろり)

Meaning:
A soft, slow-melting texture — rich, silky, and luxurious.

Best for:
Fatty tuna (toro /とろ)
Sea urchin (Uni / うに)

Say like this:
(While the tuna melts on your tongue)
とろり と しています ね
(Torori to shiteimasu ne)

Memo:
Torori is a magical sound word that captures a melt-in-your-mouth texture that English can’t fully express!

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Torori”? The Japanese Sound of Smooth, Thick Flow Ever poured warm honey from a spoon? Or seen melted cheese stretch out in golden strings? That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Torori” (とろり) comes in — …

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Toro”? — A Delicious Sushi Name Born from a Sound Word In Japanese sushi culture, there’s a famous topping called “toro” —the fatty, melt-in-your-mouth cut of tuna. But did you know the name toro actually comes f…

Puni Puni (ぷにぷに)

Meaning:
Soft, bouncy, a bit squishy — cute, fun texture.

Best for:
Salmon roe (Ikura /いくら)

Say like this:
(When the little orange pearls pop gently)
ぷにぷに です ね
(Puni Puni desu ne)

Memo:
Puni Puni is a cute sound word that describes a squishy, bouncy texture—something English doesn’t have.

あわせて読みたい

What Does “Puni Puni” Mean? The Squishy and Bouncy Japanese Word Everyone Loves If you’ve ever felt the urge to squeeze something delightfully soft and bouncy, the Japanese onomatopoeia “Puni Puni” (ぷにぷに) perfectly captures that sens…

Fuwa Fuwa (ふわふわ)

Meaning:
Soft and airy — like eating a sweet cloud.

Best for:
Egg (Tamago / たまご)

Say like this:
(When the tamago melts softly)
ふわふわ です ね
(Fuwa Fuwa desu ne)

Memo:
Fuwa Fuwa is a soft, airy texture wrapped into one sound—instantly recognizable to any Japanese speaker.

あわせて読みたい

What Does “Fuwa Fuwa” Mean in Japanese? Soft, Fluffy, and Dreamy If you’re looking for a word that captures the feeling of something fluffy, soft, and weightless — the Japanese onomatopoeia “Fuwa Fuwa” (ふわふわ) might be …

Puri Puri (ぷりぷり)

Meaning:
Firm but tender, with a lively bounce.

Best for:
Shrimp (Ebi / えび)
Scallops (Hotate / ほたて)

Say like this:
(When the shrimp has that perfect bite)
ぷりぷり です ね
(Puri Puri desu ne)

Memo:
Puri Puri is a lively texture word that combines firmness and juiciness in a way English can’t capture.

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Puri Puri”? The Japanese Sound and Feel of Springy, Juicy Delight (…or Anger!) Ever bitten into a freshly grilled shrimp —with that springy, juicy snap? Or seen someone puff their cheeks in anger, fuming silently? That’s when the Japane…

Neba Neba (ねばねば)

Meaning:
Sticky, stretchy, slimy — a very distinctive Japanese texture.

Best for:
Natto roll (Natto maki / なっとうまき)

Say like this:
(While eating natto rolls)
ねばねば です ね
(Neba Neba desu ne)

Memo:
Neba Neba is a uniquely Japanese texture word that perfectly describes foods with stretchy, sticky sliminess.

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Neba Neba”? The Japanese Sound of Stickiness and Gooeyness Ever tried natto (fermented soybeans) and noticed the sticky strings stretching endlessly?Or cut into okra and found it slimy inside? That’s when the Japanes…

Try Using Them!

Try whispering these sound words to enjoy sushi like a local!