Does Tsugaru Dialect Have a Lot of Onomatopoeia? Introducing Commonly Used Onomatopoeia [Aomori Prefecture]

If you use Tsugaru dialect on a daily basis,of onomatopoeic words that don't exist in standard Japanese. The abundance of onomatopoeia enriches the nuances of conversation and makes it easier to understand intuitively—that's one of the fascinating aspects of Tsugaru dialect.

This time, we will introduce onomatopoeia unique to Tsugaru dialect and explain their meanings and usage with example sentences

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Bayabaya (to wander around, wander around)

meaning

"Bayabaya" is a word that describes someone restlessly pacing around. It's used when someone is wandering aimlessly or fidgeting as if searching for something. It's a word that can be used in a wide range of situations, such as when a child is wandering around the house wanting to play, or when someone is fidgeting and unable to concentrate before an exam.

Example sentences

• "You've been wandering around for a while now, what's going on?"
• "without studying even thoughthe exam is coming up, your score will be terrible!"

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Geja geja, gecha gecha (the road is muddy with snow)

meaning

"Geja-geja" describes the state of snow that has melted into a slushy consistency. It's an unavoidable condition in winter in the Tsugaru region, and it's a word you hear frequently, especially during the early spring snowmelt. At first glance, it may not seem slippery, but you need to be careful as your feet can get stuck and make walking difficult.The roads are really geja-geja today, so wear your bootsSome of you may have had the experience of being told

Example sentences

• "This road is so muddy and difficult to walk on!"
• "My shoes got wet becauseof the slushy snow!"

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Google (appears to be in a hurry)

meaning

"Goo-gu" is a word used to describe the movement of a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle in a hurry. It is often used when driving at excessive speed on snowy roads or when making a sudden start. "Unu-unu"has a similar meaning, but "goo-gu" is more often used for vehicles, while "unu-unu" is more often used for people.

Example sentences

"to go in a hurry!"
"You can turn, so justgo right away!"

Nikiniki (slippery due to oil etc.)

meaning

"Niki niki" describes a feeling of greasiness or sliminess on hands or objects. It's used when you feel an unpleasant, slimy feeling after eating potato chips or fried food. It's also used when the floor of a restaurant is greasy and sticky. In the Tsugaru region, the cold winter temperatures prevent oil from solidifying easily, so people may experience this greasiness more often.

Example sentences

• "after eating chicken wings!"
• "This floor is slimy, I wonder who spilled oil on it?"

Mutamuta (vigorously, greedily)

meaning

"Mutamuta" is a word that describes eating with great enthusiasm, referring to a situation where someone is devouring food. It is often used when someone is so hungry they can't wait and gobble it down, or when they are eating with great enthusiasm.

Example sentences

• "eat so greedily, you'll choke!"
• "You don't have to eat so quickly, there's always room for seconds!"

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Jigajig (carbonated drinks, or the fizzy sound of carbonation)

meaning

"Jigajiga" is a word that describes the sensation of carbonation fizzing in the mouth, and in the Tsugaru region, it often refers to carbonated drinks. It's an expression that conveys the fizzy sensation of carbonation, and is especially often used by children when they drink juice.

Example sentences

• "Coke, it's so fizzyand delicious!"
• "The fizzy juice hurts my teeth!"

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Bafulatto (fluttering clothes, blankets, etc.)

meaning

"Bafuratto" describes the act of vigorously shaking or moving blankets or clothes. It's often used when jumping out of bed on a cold winter morning or when quickly folding laundry. It can also refer to large pieces of clothing, and its meaning varies depending on the context.

Example sentences

• "I got up this morning, shook out my futon, and hung it outside to dry!"
• "I like that loose-fitting outfit!" (That oversized outfit looks good!)

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summary

Tsugaru dialect has many unique onomatopoeias that express everyday actions and states. These words don't just describe things, but also add a lively rhythm to conversations and convey a more sensory experience. They are deeply connected to the lives and climate of the people living in the Tsugaru region, and it's interesting to note that there are many expressions that relate to the snow conditions and cold in winter

If you have the opportunity to come across Tsugaru dialect, be sure to keep these onomatopoeia in mind. You'll find your conversations more enjoyable and you'll feel more familiar with Tsugaru culture

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