Ever walked on fresh snow and heard that satisfying crunch?
Or dug through sand and heard gritty resistance?
Or even imagined coins pouring out of a hidden treasure chest?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Zaku Zaku” comes in — a sound of crunchy, granular impact with a slightly rugged texture.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Zaku Zaku” (ざくざく) ?
“Zaku Zaku” is a Japanese onomatopoeia used to express rough, crunchy, or grainy sounds and textures.
It’s often used for:
- Stepping on snow or gravel
- Digging through sand or dirt
- Crunchy food textures
- Treasure or coins pouring out
- A sense of abundance or richness (metaphorical use)
It’s rhythmic, dry, and tactile — a sound you can almost feel.
Pronunciation
zah-koo zah-koo
(Say it crisply and with a bit of grit, like snow underfoot or gravel on a trail.)
Categories
Sound / Texture
What Does “Zaku Zaku” Look Like?
It looks like fresh snow being stepped on.
Like coins pouring out of a cracked box.
Like a crisp cookie with a jagged edge.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a crunch and a rhythm:
Zaku… zaku…
As if each step, bite, or scoop makes the world just a little more tactile.
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Snowy footsteps
He stepped off the path and walked into the snow —
zaku zaku…
Example 2: Unearthed treasure
She dug her hand into the box —
coins poured out with a sound:
zaku zaku…!
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Crunch crunch”
- “Scrape scrape”
- “Clatter”
But Zaku Zaku is more than a sound — it captures a texture and feeling:
crunchy, dry, plentiful, or even satisfying.
You’ll see it in:
- Manga and anime (footsteps, treasure scenes)
- Food ads (crispy coatings)
- Snowy adventures or sandy digs
Watch & Feel the “Zaku Zaku” World!
Feel the “Zaku Zaku” — Snow Mountain Walk
Try Using It!
Walking in the snow? → Say zaku zaku
Biting into something crispy? → Try zaku zaku
Feeling like you just hit a jackpot? → Celebrate with zaku zaku!
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