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Japanese Onomatopoeia ⑤: Eating and Food Texture Words with 「パクパク・モグモグ・ペコペコ」
06/18/2026
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Japanese Onomatopoeia ④: Movement and Walking Words with 「テクテク・ピョンピョン・ノロノロ」
Kotoba Drill Editor
Today's theme
In the previous onomatopoeia articles, we learned:
- 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 one more very common group.
These are words that put people's movements and ways of walking into language.
- walking with steady energy as 「テクテク」
- hopping as 「ピョンピョン」
- moving slowly as 「ノロノロ」
These are not sounds you 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 in stories, picture books, and manga.
Today, we will learn eight movement and walking onomatopoeic words that are common in daily life, 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's 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）」 (walking steadily) |
Ways of walking and moving usually do not make a sound. For that reason, all of today's words are 「擬態語」.
They turn how fast, with what feeling, and in what manner someone is moving into words.
The eight words for today
First, let's look at the list.
| Word | What kind of movement? | In one short phrase |
|---|---|---|
| 「テクテク」 | continuing to walk at a steady speed | walking a long way with energy |
| 「スタスタ」 | walking fast and briskly | walking in a hurry |
| 「トボトボ」 | walking slowly without energy | walking sadly |
| 「ノロノロ」 | moving very slowly | so slow it can feel frustrating |
| 「ピョンピョン」 | hopping lightly again and again | rabbits and children |
| 「ヨロヨロ」 | unsteady and about to fall | unsafe footing |
| 「ウロウロ」 | going back and forth without a clear purpose | lost or restless |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | walking awkwardly with small steps | how a baby walks |
Now let's 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 walking a 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 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 that someone is walking steadily.
② 「スタスタ」
Meaning: Walking fast and briskly. The steps feel efficient and purposeful.
Use it for walking when someone is in a hurry or has a clear purpose.
Examples:
- 「彼は何も言わずにスタスタ歩いて行った。」 (He walked away briskly without saying anything.)
- 「時間がないので、スタスタ駅へ向かった。」 (I did not have time, so I headed to the station quickly.)
- 「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 register.)
Difference from 「テクテク」: 「テクテク」 is a relaxed, normal speed. 「スタスタ」 is faster and more brisk. The speed and sense of hurry are different.
③ 「トボトボ」
Meaning: Walking slowly with no energy, often while looking down. It shows a lonely, tired, or disappointed feeling.
Use it after someone has been scolded, after a failure, or when someone is tired.
Examples:
- 「しけんに落ちて、トボトボ家に帰った。」 (I failed the exam and walked home dejectedly.)
- 「雨の中、かさもなくトボトボ歩いた。」 (I walked sadly through the rain without an umbrella.)
- 「ペットがいなくなって、トボトボ歩いている。」 (After losing a pet, they are walking with no energy.)
Usage hint: 「トボトボ」 carries emotion. More than walking speed, it communicates a lonely or downhearted feeling.
④ 「ノロノロ」
Meaning: Moving very slowly. Progress is poor, and people watching may feel frustrated.
Use it 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, so 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's hurry.)
Caution: 「ノロノロ」 includes a slightly negative feeling. It can mean that something is slow in an inconvenient way, so be careful when saying it directly to a person.
⑤ 「ピョンピョン」
Meaning: Hopping lightly again and again. It fits movements by rabbits, children, frogs, and similar subjects.
It is also used for happy or energetic movement.
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 happy and 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 only 「ピョン」 once, it means one jump or hop, as in 「カエルがピョンととんだ。」 (A frog hopped once). When you repeat it, it shows repeated hopping.
⑥ 「ヨロヨロ」
Meaning: Walking unsteadily, as if about to fall. The body or legs do not have enough strength.
Use it when someone is tired, 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 unsteady 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 became unsteady and almost fell.)
Caution: 「ヨロヨロ」 describes an unsafe state. When using it about an older person or someone who is unwell, use it together with a feeling of concern.
⑦ 「ウロウロ」
Meaning: Going back and forth around the same area without a clear purpose. 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。」 (While 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 wandering 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」 describes movement without a clear purpose. It can sometimes look suspicious, so when explaining yourself, adding a reason such as 「道にまよって」 (because I got lost) can make the situation clearer.
⑧ 「ヨチヨチ」
Meaning: A baby or small child walking awkwardly and unsteadily.
It is often used for a baby who has just started walking. It has a cute, affectionate feeling.
Examples:
- 「赤ちゃんがヨチヨチ歩きはじめた。」 (The baby 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 with small steps.)
Usage hint: The phrase 「ヨチヨチ歩き」 can also be used like a noun. It can 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 to a verb | 「テクテクと歩く」、「ピョンピョンととぶ」 | Natural when explaining a 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」 | Shows a single movement. |
Scene ①: everyday conversation
Movement onomatopoeia is useful for briefly explaining who moved and how. Even without a long explanation, the situation becomes easy to imagine.
- 「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 went home, these words also communicate the feeling and manner at the same time.
Scene ②: stories, picture books, and manga
Movement onomatopoeia is very common inside stories. It helps readers feel as if they can see the characters moving.
- 「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 slowly and 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 them, the story becomes 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 fast and brisk |
| 「スタスタ」 | walking fast | 「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 purpose | 「ノロノロ」 | 「ノロノロ」 means slow; 「ウロウロ」 means without a purpose |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | walking awkwardly | 「ヨロヨロ」 | 「ヨチヨチ」 is for babies; 「ヨロヨロ」 is unsteady walking |
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 |
| Stories, picture books, and diaries | Academic papers and legal documents |
| Social media posts about daily events | 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」 | continuing to walk 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 with steady energy |
| 「スタスタ」 | walking fast and briskly | 「スタスタ歩いて行く。」 (They walk away briskly.) | （すたすた） | [sɯ̥tasɯ̥ta] | Hurried, efficient steps |
| 「トボトボ」 | walking without energy | 「トボトボ家に帰る。」 (I walk home dejectedly.) | （とぼとぼ） | [to̞bo̞to̞bo̞] | Lonely and downhearted |
| 「ノロノロ」 | moving very slowly | 「ノロノロ進む。」 (It moves very slowly.) | （のろのろ） | [no̞ɾo̞no̞ɾo̞] | Slow and frustrating |
| 「ピョンピョン」 | hopping lightly | 「ピョンピョンとぶ。」 (It hops around.) | （ぴょんぴょん） | [pʲo̞mpʲo̞ɴ] | Hopping or happy movement |
| 「ヨロヨロ」 | unsteady and unsafe | 「ヨロヨロ歩く。」 (They walk unsteadily.) | （よろよろ） | [jo̞ɾo̞jo̞ɾo̞] | Weak and unsafe |
| 「ウロウロ」 | going back and forth without a clear purpose | 「前でウロウロする。」 (They wander around in front.) | （うろうろ） | [ɯɾo̞ɯɾo̞] | No clear purpose and restless |
| 「ヨチヨチ」 | walking awkwardly | 「ヨチヨチ歩く。」 (A 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) | You 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] | A normal walking situation |
| Daily life (in a hurry) | You left quickly | 「時間がなくてスタスタ出た。」 (I had no time, so I left quickly.) | （じかん が なくて すたすた でた） | [dʑikaɴ ɡa nakɯ̥te̞ sɯ̥tasɯ̥ta de̞ta] | Hurried steps |
| Daily life (children) | 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, affectionate image |
| Daily life (health) | Someone feels 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 worrying |
| School (message) | You got lost at a meeting place | 「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 (soft warning) | Work is moving slowly | 「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, less direct wording |
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 organize 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 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）」 (unsafe footing) |
3) Remember that feeling is also communicated
Movement onomatopoeia expresses not only speed, but also feeling.
- 「トボトボ」: lonely and downhearted
- 「ピョンピョン」: happy and energetic
- 「ヨロヨロ」: painful, weak, or unsafe
When you choose the word by imagining the feeling, it becomes easier to find the right one.
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」 is 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 still 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 lonely or 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, not energetic. | 「元気いっぱいテクテク歩いた。」 |
Summary
Onomatopoeia for people's movements and ways of walking becomes easier to learn when you group it by type:
- walking speed: 「テクテク」 (normal), 「スタスタ」 (fast), 「ノロノロ」 (slow)
- feeling: 「トボトボ」 (downhearted), 「ピョンピョン」 (happy and energetic)
- unsafe or awkward movement: 「ヨロヨロ」 (unsteady), 「ヨチヨチ」 (baby steps)
- no clear purpose: 「ウロウロ」 (going back and forth without a clear purpose)
The four key points are:
- All of them are 「擬態語」, meaning they express the state of movement without a real sound.
- Many of them 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 common words such as 「テクテク」 and 「ノロノロ」, and try using them for real events in your own life.
Next time
Next time, in Japanese Onomatopoeia ⑤, we will cover onomatopoeia for eating and drinking. We will look at words often used in mealtime situations, such as 「パクパク（よく食べる）」 (eating eagerly), 「ゴクゴク（いきおいよく飲む）」 (drinking in 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.
