You might know the sound of a rooster as “cock-a-doodle-doo!” in English.
But in Japanese, the proud morning call goes — “Ko-ke-kok-koh!”
It’s the iconic sound of sunrise, fresh air, and a rooster waking up the world.
From storybooks to anime to early countryside mornings — this is Japan’s signature rooster call!
What is “Ko-ke-kok-koh”?
“Ko-ke-kok-koh” (コケコッコー) is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a rooster’s crow.
It mimics the loud, confident call that roosters make — especially in the early morning.
This sound has become a symbol of starting the day, new beginnings, and, sometimes, rural peace and quiet (or chaos!).
Pronunciation
koh-ke-koh-koh
(Each syllable is clear, and the final “koh” is slightly stretched: コケコッコー！)
Categories
Animal / Sound
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Rooster crowing at sunrise
The sky turned orange, and the rooster jumped on the fence:
“Ko-ke-kok-koh!”
It was time to wake up.
Example 2: A child imitating a rooster at school
During the school play, he puffed out his chest and shouted,
“Ko-ke-kok-koh!”
The audience burst into laughter.
How Do You Say It？
Take a deep breath and let it out like a proud rooster —
Ko-ke-kok-koh!!!
It’s bold, rhythmic, and full of energy!
Let’s Compare!
Roosters may sound the same, but the way we hear them changes by language.
Let’s check out how roosters call in different cultures:
English: Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Spanish: ¡Quiquiriquí!
Why Do Rooster Sounds Differ by Language?
Roosters crow the same everywhere — but languages interpret sounds differently.
Each culture has its own set of vowels, syllables, and rhythm patterns.
In Japanese, “Ko-ke-kok-koh” has a punchy, even tempo that feels structured and clear.
It’s used in everything from folk tales to commercials, and kids love shouting it with their whole hearts!
Isn’t it fun how the same bird can speak so many languages?
What Does “Ko-ke-kok-koh” Look Like?
In books and cartoons, the word is often written in bold, upright letters — full of confidence and motion.
It gives the feeling of a rooster lifting its head and singing to the world!
Watch & Feel the “Ko-ke-kok-koh” World!
Watch roosters welcome the sun with their proud “Ko-ke-kok-koh!” cries.
It’s the ultimate natural alarm clock — and a timeless symbol of a fresh new day.
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