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Japanese Onomatopoeia ⑤: Eating and Texture Words 「パクパク・モグモグ・ペコペコ」
18/06/2026
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Japanese Onomatopoeia ④: Movement and Walking Words Like 「テクテク」, 「ピョンピョン」, and 「ノロノロ」
Kotoba Drill Editor
Today's theme
In the previous onomatopoeia articles, we learnt:
- Part ①: words that express feelings or states, such as 「ワクワク」 and 「ドキドキ」
- Part ②: words that express sounds you can actually hear, such as 「ザーザー」 and 「ドンドン」
- Part ③: words that express how something feels when you touch it, such as 「フワフワ」 and 「ツルツル」
This time, we will look at another very common group.
These are words that turn people's movements and ways of walking into language.
- walking with energy: 「テクテク」
- hopping: 「ピョンピョン」
- moving slowly: 「ノロノロ」
These are not sounds that you actually hear. Because they express how something is moving, they are called 「擬態語（ぎたいご） [ɡʲitaiɡo̞]」, mimetic words. They appear not only in conversation, but also often in stories, picture books, and manga.
Today, we will learn eight common onomatopoeic words for movements and ways of walking, with examples showing what kind of movement they express and how to use them.
Difference between 「擬音語（ぎおんご） [ɡʲio̞ɴɡo̞]」 and 「擬態語（ぎたいご） [ɡʲitaiɡo̞]」 (review)
Japanese onomatopoeia has two main types. Let us review them from the previous article.
| Type | What it expresses | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 「擬音語（ぎおんご） [ɡʲio̞ɴɡo̞]」: words that turn sounds into language | Sounds you can actually hear | 「ザーザー（雨の音）」 (sound of heavy rain), 「ドンドン（たたく音）」 (knocking or banging sound) |
| 「擬態語（ぎたいご） [ɡʲitaiɡo̞]」: words that turn states into language | States, feelings, and movements without sound | 「ワクワク（楽しみ）」 (excited anticipation), 「テクテク（歩く様子）」 (a steady walking manner) |
Ways of walking and moving usually do not make a special sound. For that reason, all of today's words are 「擬態語」.
They put into words how someone is moving: at what speed, with what feeling, and in what kind of state.
The eight words for today
First, let us look at the list.
| Word | What kind of movement? | In one short phrase |
|---|---|---|
| 「テクテク」 | to keep walking at a steady speed | walking a long way with energy |
| 「スタスタ」 | to walk fast and briskly | walking in a hurry |
| 「トボトボ」 | to walk slowly without energy | walking sadly or dejectedly |
| 「ノロノロ」 | to move very slowly | slow enough to feel annoying |
| 「ピョンピョン」 | to hop lightly many times | rabbits and children |
| 「ヨロヨロ」 | to stagger and look about to fall | unsteady steps |
| 「ウロウロ」 | to go back and forth without a clear aim | lost or restless |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | to walk unsteadily in small steps | how a baby walks |
Now let us look at each one in more detail.
① 「テクテク」
Meaning: Walking continuously at about the same speed without stopping. It is especially used when someone walks a fairly long distance.
Use it when someone walks steadily at a normal speed, such as walking to the station or to a destination.
Examples:
- 「駅までテクテク歩いて行った。」 (I walked steadily to the station.)
- 「バスがないので、家までテクテク帰った。」 (There was no bus, so I walked steadily all the way home.)
- 「子どもが一人でテクテク歩いている。」 (A child is walking steadily alone.)
Usage hint: 「テクテク」 has an energetic and positive image. It does not sound dangerous or painful. It simply shows someone walking steadily.
② 「スタスタ」
Meaning: Walking quickly and briskly. The steps feel efficient and hurried.
Use it for the way someone walks when they are in a hurry or when their purpose is clear.
Examples:
- 「彼は何も言わずにスタスタ歩いて行った。」 (He walked away quickly without saying anything.)
- 「時間がないので、スタスタ駅へ向かった。」 (I had no time, so I headed quickly to the station.)
- 「店員さんがスタスタとレジに向かった。」 (The shop staff member walked briskly to the cash counter.)
Difference from 「テクテク」: 「テクテク」 is steady and relaxed at a normal speed. 「スタスタ」 is faster and brisker. The speed and the feeling of urgency are different.
③ 「トボトボ」
Meaning: Walking slowly with no energy, often looking down. It shows a lonely, tired, or discouraged feeling.
Use it after being scolded, after failing at something, or when someone is tired.
Examples:
- 「しけんに落ちて、トボトボ家に帰った。」 (After failing the exam, I walked home dejectedly.)
- 「雨の中、かさもなくトボトボ歩いた。」 (I walked sadly in the rain without even an umbrella.)
- 「ペットがいなくなって、トボトボ歩いている。」 (The pet is missing, so they are walking sadly.)
Usage hint: 「トボトボ」 is a word with feeling in it. More than the speed of walking, it communicates loneliness or a dejected mood.
④ 「ノロノロ」
Meaning: Moving very slowly. Progress is poor, and the person watching may feel irritated.
It can be used not only for people's movements, but also for cars and the progress of work.
Examples:
- 「朝からノロノロしていて、ちこくしそうだ。」 (I have been moving slowly since morning, and I may be late.)
- 「道がこんでいて、車がノロノロ進む。」 (The road is crowded, and the cars are moving very slowly.)
- 「そんなにノロノロしないで、早くしよう。」 (Do not move so slowly. Let us hurry.)
Caution: 「ノロノロ」 carries a slightly negative feeling. It can mean that the slowness is causing trouble, so be careful when saying it directly to someone.
⑤ 「ピョンピョン」
Meaning: Hopping lightly many times. It fits the movements of rabbits, children, frogs, and similar living things.
It is also used for movement when someone is happy or full of energy.
Examples:
- 「うさぎがピョンピョンとんでいる。」 (A rabbit is hopping around.)
- 「子どもがうれしくてピョンピョンはねた。」 (The child was so happy that they hopped up and down.)
- 「水たまりをピョンピョンとびこえた。」 (I hopped over the puddles.)
Usage hint: If you say 「ピョン」 only once, it means one jump, as in 「カエルがピョンととんだ。」. When the sound is repeated, it shows repeated hopping.
⑥ 「ヨロヨロ」
Meaning: Staggering and looking as if one may fall at any moment. It describes walking without strength.
Use it when someone is tired, feeling unwell, or carrying something heavy.
Examples:
- 「熱が高くて、ヨロヨロ歩いた。」 (I had a high fever and walked unsteadily.)
- 「重いにもつを持って、ヨロヨロしている。」 (They are staggering while carrying heavy luggage.)
- 「立ち上がったら、ヨロヨロしてたおれそうになった。」 (When I stood up, I staggered and almost fell.)
Caution: 「ヨロヨロ」 describes a dangerous or unsafe state. When using it for an elderly person or someone who is unwell, use it with a feeling of concern.
⑦ 「ウロウロ」
Meaning: Going back and forth around the same area without a clear aim. It gives a restless feeling.
Use it when someone is lost, looking for something, or waiting.
Examples:
- 「駅の前でウロウロしていたら、こえをかけられた。」 (When I was wandering around in front of the station, someone spoke to me.)
- 「何をさがしているの？ さっきからウロウロしているね。」 (What are you looking for? You have been walking around for a while.)
- 「ねこが部屋の中をウロウロしている。」 (The cat is wandering around the room.)
Usage hint: 「ウロウロ」 shows movement without a clear purpose. It can sometimes look suspicious, so when you explain your own action, adding a reason such as 「道にまよって」 helps the listener feel at ease.
⑧ 「ヨチヨチ」
Meaning: The unsteady, clumsy way a baby or small child walks.
It is often used for babies who have just started walking. It also carries a cute and affectionate feeling.
Examples:
- 「赤ちゃんがヨチヨチ歩きはじめた。」 (The baby has started toddling.)
- 「ヨチヨチ歩く子どもを、お母さんが見守っている。」 (The mother is watching over a child who is toddling.)
- 「ペンギンがヨチヨチ歩いている。」 (A penguin is waddling along.)
Usage hint: The phrase 「ヨチヨチ歩き」 can be used like a noun. It can also refer to the stage when a child has just started walking.
How movement onomatopoeia is built (basic patterns)
| Form | Examples | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat the same sound twice | 「テクテク」、「スタスタ」、「ノロノロ」 | The most common form. It gives the image that the movement continues. |
| Add 「〜と」 to connect it to a verb | 「テクテクと歩く」、「ピョンピョンととぶ」 | Natural when explaining the movement in detail. |
| Add 「〜する」 to make a verb | 「ノロノロする」、「ウロウロする」 | Expresses a movement or state. |
| Say it only once | 「ピョンととぶ」 | Expresses a single movement. |
Scene ①: everyday conversation
Movement onomatopoeia is useful for briefly saying who moved in what way. Even without a long explanation, the image becomes clear quickly.
- 「駅までテクテク歩いた。」 (I walked steadily to the station.)
- 「急いでスタスタ出て行った。」 (They quickly walked out in a hurry.)
- 「つかれて家までトボトボ帰った。」 (I was tired and walked home dejectedly.)
Compared with only saying that someone walked or returned home, these words communicate the mood and manner at the same time.
Scene ②: stories, picture books, and manga
Movement onomatopoeia is used very often inside stories. It helps the reader imagine the characters' movements clearly.
- 「うさぎがピョンピョンとんでいきました。」 (The rabbit hopped away.)
- 「おじいさんがトボトボ歩いてきました。」 (The old man came walking sadly.)
- 「赤ちゃんがヨチヨチ歩いています。」 (The baby is toddling.)
When you read Japanese picture books or manga, you will see many movement onomatopoeic words. Once you understand their meanings, stories become more enjoyable.
Caution: similar movements and easily confused pairs
| Word | Movement | Easily confused word | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 「テクテク」 | walking at a normal speed | 「スタスタ」 | 「スタスタ」 is faster and brisker |
| 「スタスタ」 | walking quickly | 「ノロノロ」 | 「ノロノロ」 is very slow, the opposite |
| 「トボトボ」 | walking without energy | 「ヨロヨロ」 | 「ヨロヨロ」 means the feet are unsteady and unsafe |
| 「ウロウロ」 | moving without a clear aim | 「ノロノロ」 | 「ノロノロ」 means slow, while 「ウロウロ」 means without a purpose |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | walking clumsily | 「ヨロヨロ」 | 「ヨチヨチ」 is for babies, while 「ヨロヨロ」 is staggering |
Where movement onomatopoeia fits and does not fit
| Fits | Does not fit |
|---|---|
| Conversation with friends and family | Public documents and reports, especially if overused |
| Talking about children or animals | Business email, where it can sound a little childish |
| Writing stories, picture books, and diaries | Academic papers and legal documents |
| Sharing events on social media | Formal self-introductions with people you have just met |
Rephrasing direction（「かな（ひらがなよみ）＋ IPA」）
| Word | What kind of movement? | Example | Reading（「かな（ひらがなよみ）」） | Pronunciation (IPA) | Usage point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 「テクテク」 | keep walking at a normal speed | 「駅までテクテク歩く。」 (I walk steadily to the station.) | （てくてく） | [te̞kɯ̥te̞kɯ̥] | walking steadily with energy |
| 「スタスタ」 | walk quickly and briskly | 「スタスタ歩いて行く。」 (I walk away briskly.) | （すたすた） | [sɯ̥tasɯ̥ta] | hurried, efficient steps |
| 「トボトボ」 | walk without energy | 「トボトボ家に帰る。」 (I walk home dejectedly.) | （とぼとぼ） | [to̞bo̞to̞bo̞] | lonely or discouraged |
| 「ノロノロ」 | move very slowly | 「ノロノロ進む。」 (It moves very slowly.) | （のろのろ） | [no̞ɾo̞no̞ɾo̞] | slow and irritating |
| 「ピョンピョン」 | hop lightly | 「ピョンピョンとぶ。」 (It hops repeatedly.) | （ぴょんぴょん） | [pʲo̞mpʲo̞ɴ] | hopping or happy movement |
| 「ヨロヨロ」 | stagger in an unsafe way | 「ヨロヨロ歩く。」 (I walk unsteadily.) | （よろよろ） | [jo̞ɾo̞jo̞ɾo̞] | weak and unsafe |
| 「ウロウロ」 | move back and forth without a clear aim | 「前でウロウロする。」 (I wander around in front.) | （うろうろ） | [ɯɾo̞ɯɾo̞] | no clear purpose and restless |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | walk clumsily | 「ヨチヨチ歩く。」 (The baby toddles.) | （よちよち） | [jo̞tɕijo̞tɕi] | how a baby walks |
Note
IPA is approximate. Vowel length and sounds such as 「つ」 and 「ち」 vary by speaker and region. Check them together with kana.
Practical usage examples (daily life and work｜「かな（ひらがなよみ）＋ IPA」)
| Scene | Intention | Natural wording | Reading（「かな（ひらがなよみ）」） | Pronunciation (IPA) | Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily life (commuting or school) | walked to the station | 「駅までテクテク歩いたよ。」 (I walked steadily to the station.) | （えき まで てくてく あるいた よ） | [e̞ki made̞ te̞kɯ̥te̞kɯ̥ aɾɯita jo̞] | walking in an ordinary steady way |
| Daily life (hurry) | left in a hurry | 「時間がなくてスタスタ出た。」 (I had no time, so I walked out quickly.) | （じかん が なくて すたすた でた） | [dʑikaɴ ɡa nakɯ̥te̞ sɯ̥tasɯ̥ta de̞ta] | hurried steps |
| Daily life (child) | a baby started walking | 「赤ちゃんがヨチヨチ歩き出した。」 (The baby started toddling.) | （あかちゃん が よちよち あるきだした） | [akatɕaɴ ɡa jo̞tɕijo̞tɕi aɾɯkidaɕita] | a cute and affectionate image |
| Daily life (health) | feeling unwell | 「熱でヨロヨロしている。」 (They are unsteady because of a fever.) | （ねつ で よろよろ して いる） | [ne̞tsɯ̥ de̞ jo̞ɾo̞jo̞ɾo̞ ɕite̞ iɾɯ] | unsafe and concerning |
| School (message) | got lost near a meeting point | 「駅前でウロウロしてました。」 (I was wandering around in front of the station.) | （えきまえ で うろうろ して ました） | [e̞kimae̞ de̞ ɯɾo̞ɯɾo̞ ɕite̞ maɕita] | adding a reason makes it clearer |
| Work (gentle caution) | work is slow | 「少しノロノロしているようです。」 (It seems to be moving a little slowly.) | （すこし のろのろ して いる よう です） | [sɯ̥ko̞ɕi no̞ɾo̞no̞ɾo̞ ɕite̞ iɾɯ jo̞ː desɯ̥] | a softer way than saying it directly |
Small tips for using them more naturally
1) Both hiragana and katakana can be used
Movement onomatopoeia can be written in both hiragana and katakana.
- Katakana: 「テクテク」 (when you want emphasis, or in manga)
- Hiragana: 「てくてく」 (a softer and gentler impression)
The meaning is the same. Choose based on the situation and the feeling you want to give.
2) Learn opposite movements as pairs
Movement onomatopoeia becomes easier to organise when you learn it together with opposite states.
| One side | Opposite |
|---|---|
| 「スタスタ（速い）」 (fast) | 「ノロノロ（おそい）」 (slow) |
| 「テクテク（元気に歩く）」 (walking steadily with energy) | 「トボトボ（元気なく歩く）」 (walking without energy) |
| walking steadily | 「ヨロヨロ・ヨチヨチ（足どりがあぶない）」 (unsteady steps) |
3) Remember that these words also show feelings
Movement onomatopoeia communicates not only speed, but also feeling.
- 「トボトボ」: lonely or dejected
- 「ピョンピョン」: happy and energetic
- 「ヨロヨロ」: painful, weak, or unsafe
If you imagine the feeling behind the movement, it becomes easier to choose the right word.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Common sentence | What is the issue? | Fix (example) |
|---|---|---|
| 「急いでいるので、ノロノロ歩いた。」 | 「ノロノロ」 means slow. It does not fit being in a hurry. | 「急いでいるので、スタスタ歩いた。」 |
| 「赤ちゃんがスタスタ歩きはじめた。」 | A baby who has just started walking is unsteady. | 「赤ちゃんがヨチヨチ歩きはじめた。」 |
| 「うれしくてトボトボした。」 | 「トボトボ」 shows a sad feeling. | 「うれしくてピョンピョンはねた。」 |
| 「元気いっぱいヨロヨロ歩いた。」 | 「ヨロヨロ」 means unsafe or weak. | 「元気いっぱいテクテク歩いた。」 |
Summary
Onomatopoeic words for people's movements and ways of walking become easier to learn when you group them by type:
- walking speed: 「テクテク（ふつう）」 (normal), 「スタスタ（速い）」 (fast), 「ノロノロ（おそい）」 (slow)
- feeling: 「トボトボ（しょんぼり）」 (dejected), 「ピョンピョン（うれしい・元気）」 (happy and energetic)
- danger or unsteadiness: 「ヨロヨロ（ふらつく）」 (staggering), 「ヨチヨチ（赤ちゃん）」 (baby-like toddling)
- lack of purpose: 「ウロウロ（あてもなく行き来する）」 (going back and forth without a clear aim)
The four key points are:
- All of them are 「擬態語」, meaning they express movement without a real sound.
- Many repeat the same sound twice.
- You can put them into sentences with 「〜と」 and 「〜する」.
- They communicate not only speed, but also feeling.
Once you can use movement onomatopoeia, you can describe the movements of people and animals vividly in Japanese. Start with the eight words you learnt today, especially common ones such as 「テクテク」 and 「ノロノロ」, and try using them for real events.
Next time
Next time, in Japanese Onomatopoeia ⑤, we will cover onomatopoeia that describes eating and drinking. We will look at words often used in meal scenes, such as 「パクパク（よく食べる）」 (eating a lot or with appetite), 「ゴクゴク（いきおいよく飲む）」 (drinking with big gulps), and 「モグモグ（口を動かしてかむ）」 (chewing with the mouth moving). Please look forward to it.
