1.
onomatopoeia; a word that imitates a voice or cry made by a person or animal
A linguistic term for words that mimic sounds made by living things — human voices and animal cries. 擬声語 covers this sound-imitating vocabulary in particular; related terms include 擬音語 (for non-living sound effects, such as rain or machines) and 擬態語 (for words describing states or manners rather than sounds).
A linguistic term for words that imitate the sounds of living things — animal cries and human voices. Typically written in katakana when the sound itself is quoted.
Usage
- Used in language education, linguistics, and discussions about Japanese expressiveness.
- In general speech, people often just call such words オノマトペ, a loanword from French.
Common collocations
Similar words
- 擬音語: sound-effect words — imitates non-living sounds such as rain, doors, or machines.
- 擬態語: mimetic words — describes appearances, feelings, or manners that do not actually make sound (e.g., キラキラ for sparkling).
- オノマトペ: the general everyday term for all these categories combined, borrowed from French.
Register
Somewhat technical. In casual contexts, speakers use オノマトペ or simply describe the sound directly.