1.
onomatopoeia, sound-imitating word
A word that imitates or represents a natural sound, such as animal cries, environmental noises, or the sounds of actions. Japanese is especially rich in these.
日本語は擬音が豊かだ。
Japanese is rich in onomatopoeia.
「ワンワン」は犬の鳴き声の擬音だ。
'Wan wan' is onomatopoeia for a dog's bark.
マンガでは擬音が視覚的に表現される。
In manga, onomatopoeia is expressed visually.
2.
sound effect (in film, theater, etc.)
Artificially created sounds used in film, television, radio, or theater to represent real-world sounds such as footsteps, rain, or doors closing.
映画の擬音を担当している。
I'm in charge of the sound effects for the film.
ラジオドラマでは擬音が重要な役割を果たす。
Sound effects play an important role in radio dramas.
舞台裏で擬音を出す係の人がいる。
There is a person backstage responsible for producing sound effects.
USAGE:
The full linguistic term is 擬音語 (onomatopoeia — words imitating sounds). Japanese linguistics distinguishes between 擬音語 (sound-imitating words like ザーザー for rain) and 擬態語 (manner/state words like キラキラ for sparkling). Together they are called 擬声語 or オノマトペ. The shortened form 擬音 is used colloquially for both the linguistic concept and for sound effects in media production.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 擬音語: onomatopoeia (linguistic term)
- 擬音効果: sound effects
- 擬音を出す: to produce sound effects
- 擬態語: mimetic words (contrast)