Category: Go Go Nihongo

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #12: Bero Bero

unlockjapan - 30/07/2019

PHOTO: Getty Images Last month, I introduced the onomatopoeia “bero bero”, which can be used to describe excited dogs licking your face, or the funny faces you...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #17: Buru Buru

unlockjapan - 31/12/2019

In Japanese folklore, the yōkai (demon) is a well-known collection of creatures, known for their eclectic (and often terrifying) characteristics. During the Edo period, a printmaker...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #5: Pika Pika

unlockjapan - 24/09/2018

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of “pika pika” from the ultra-popular anime character, Pikachu. Pikachu’s super power, Lightning Rod, is a burst of bright light, befitting the onomatopoeia that inspired its name. Similarly, when eye-blinding...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #19: Zoro Zoro

unlockjapan - 04/03/2020

I trust all of you had a good break the previous month! As we start to regain our momentum to face the year 2020 with full...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #8: Tsuru Tsuru

unlockjapan - 29/03/2019

I just returned from Hokkaido a few weeks ago. Winter is still in full swing over there, so there was heaps of snow everywhere.

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #10: Kyaa!

unlockjapan - 30/05/2019

PHOTO CREDITS: しろまるんさんによるイラストACからのイラスト When a young girl is surprised or excited, she’ll most probably scream out loud. And in the world of onomatopoeia, the most common expression...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #16: Mochi Mochi

unlockjapan - 29/11/2019

Boba Tea Recently, my friend welcomed a new baby into her family. Her baby is happy and healthy, with plump, puffy cheeks, and supple skin that bounces back...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #3: Niko Niko & Niya Niya

unlockjapan - 01/08/2018

“Niko niko” and “niya niya” are used to describe smiling expressions. However, although they bear a striking resemblance in terms of pronunciation, the underlying meaning is totally different, and I’ll explain why. “Niko niko” is derived...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #9: Ton Ton

unlockjapan - 02/05/2019

It’s considered a polite gesture to knock softly before entering a room. We usually refer to this action as “ton ton”. “Ton ton”...

Go Go Nihongo! Volume #18: Zoku Zoku

unlockjapan - 31/01/2020

Welcome to 2020! Last month, I talked about getting the “buru buru” shivers. Today, let’s look at something quite similar, which is called “zoku zoku”.