A list of cute onomatopoeia! A collection of sound-symbolic words and expressions you'll want to use

fluffy

The onomatopoeic expression “powapowa” is used to describe a pleasant feeling or a hazy, floating sensation.

For example, saying “Ofuro agari de karada ga powapowa suru” conveys that your body feels warm and comfortable after a bath.

Saying “Gohan o tabete manpuku ni nattara, powapowa shite kita” suggests that after eating to fullness, you feel dreamy and a bit dazed.

When you’re feeling relaxed, try saying “powapowa suru~” in a cute way!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

fluffy

“Mofu-mofu” is a Japanese onomatopoeia often used to describe something that feels nice to the touch or looks so soft you want to touch it.

For example, saying “The dog’s fur is mofu-mofu and cute” evokes an image of soft, pleasant-to-touch fur, and “The area around the neck is mofu-mofu and warm” suggests wearing a scarf or a coat with fur that feels gentle on the skin.

Mofu-mofu is frequently used to express tactile sensations and pleasant textures.

It’s one of those cute onomatopoeic words that’s easy to use in everyday conversation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

sparkling

There is an onomatopoeic expression, “kira-kira,” that conveys something shining or beautiful.

It can also describe brightness.

For example, saying “The fireworks bloom kira-kira” evokes the image of aerial fireworks glittering in the night sky.

The expression “eyes that are kira-kira” makes you imagine a gaze full of joy and expectation.

In this way, the onomatopoeia kira-kira is perfect for expressing visually perceptible sparkle, radiance, or beauty.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

excited

There is an onomatopoeic expression, “wakuwaku,” that conveys anticipation and excited feelings.

It’s often used when expressing the thrill or flutter of looking forward to something.

For example, saying “I’m wakuwaku about tomorrow’s field trip” conveys the excitement you feel when imagining it.

Saying “I got excited (wakuwaku) when I heard someone would teach me” suggests you’re looking forward to new learning and have expectations for your own growth.

It’s not commonly used in negative situations, so try using it when something good happens or when there’s something to look forward to.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

teary-eyed

“Uru-uru,” said to derive from tears “urumu” (to become moist), is often uttered by characters in manga—especially gag manga—during crying scenes.

Cutesy-idol types will also often put their hands to their eyes and say “uru-uru.” For some reason, this onomatopoeia reminds me of Momoko Tsugunaga, aka “Momochi,” from Hello! Project.

“Uru-uru” can be used not only when you’re sad but also when you’re moved, as in “I was moved to the point of uru-uru.” It feels like it’s gone beyond “cute” and become part of everyday Japanese.

korokoro

What kinds of things come to mind when you hear the word “korokoro”? If it means moving by rolling, you might say “rolling along.” If it means something perfectly round, chubby, and cute, perhaps “a chubby, round little puppy.” It can also be used to mean “easily,” as in “to lose easily.” It’s less common, but lately it seems people sometimes use it to describe the way a woman laughs: “a tinkling, bubbly laugh.” I wonder if “a korokoro laugh” will be a phrase that survives for the next hundred years.

sleeping soundly

Suyasuya is a word that has long been used to describe a comfortable, peaceful sleep.

If you imagine a baby sleeping, the cuteness of this onomatopoeia comes across even more strongly.

In Japan, it’s so commonly used that there are even picture books that include it in their titles.

Try using it while gazing at the adorable sleeping faces of babies and children, as in “Suyasuya, sleeping so well.” For some people, it also evokes the gesture of putting both palms together against the cheek to mime sleeping.