START EXPLORING
Japanese sound words
& beyond
Explore onomatopoeia — little words full of meaning, and the rich world of expressions beyond words.
What’s New
We add new topics every day ー feel free to explore.
Monthly Quiz – October (Kanna-zuki)

Recent Posts
New words, fresh perspectives, and tiny discoveries.
-
What Is “Gisshiri”? The Japanese Expression for Something Packed Full
-



What Does “Toutoi” Mean in Modern Japanese? More Than “Precious”
-



What Is “Hokkori”? The Japanese Feeling of Warmth and Gentle Comfort
-



What Is “Sura Sura”? The Japanese Expression for Doing Something Smoothly and Effortlessly
-



What Is “Shinmiri”? The Japanese Feeling of Quiet Emotion and Reflection
-



What Is Yuuyake? More Than a Red Evening Sky
Puni Puni Dictionary
Perspective
A softer way to look at language.
Comparison Series
Similar words. Different little worlds.
Sound Words in Japanese Culture
Language, seasons, and everyday life.
Tea Time Columns
Take a breath. Stay for a little chat.
Words Explained Through Onomatopoeia
Explore meaning through little sound words.
Almost Onomatopoeia!
Explore the edges of sound and meaning.


What Is “Oi Oi”? A Playful Japanese Expression of Surprise and Disbelief
Explore the edges of sound and meaning.


What Is “Aka Aka”? A Japanese Expression That Makes Red Feel More Vivid
A little discovery is waiting for you.
Across Languages
Listen beyond familiar borders.
Sound-based
Sounds you can almost hear.
♫
Explore sound-based expressions.
Motion-based
Words that move with you.
↝
Explore motion-based expressions.
Emotion-based
Little words for big feelings.
♡
Explore emotion-based expressions.
Texture-based
How the world feels to the touch.
✳︎
Explore texture-based expressions.
Condition-based
States, moods, and moments.
☁︎
Explore condition-based expressions.
Visual-based
Expressions for what we see.
☼
Explore visual-based expressions.
HELLO FROM NAOBOO
Welcome to our little world.
Japanese onomatopoeic expressions — each one like a tiny, sound-flavored candy, shared gently and playfully.
Find a favorite or two to carry with you.






























