Traditions and customs

Tsugaru dialect

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

When you use Tsugaru dialect on a daily basis, onomatopoeias that are not found in standard Japanese . The interesting thing about Tsugaru dialect is that the abundance of onomatopoeias enriches the nuances of conversation and makes it easier to understand intuitively.

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

Bayabaya (to wander around, wander around)

meaning

" Bayabaya " is a word that describes the act of wandering around restlessly. It is used when someone is wandering aimlessly without a purpose, or fidgeting as if they are searching for something. It is 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 a person is fidgeting and unable to concentrate before an exam.

Example sentences

  • " You've been wandering around for a while now , what's wrong?"
  • " If you rush around without studying before the exam, your grade will be terrible!"

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

Sherbet-like snow

meaning

" Geja geja " describes the state of snow that has melted and turned into a slush. This is an unavoidable condition in the winter in the Tsugaru region, and is a word you hear frequently, especially during the early spring thaw. At first glance, it may not look slippery, but you need to be careful as your feet can get caught and it can be difficult to walk. Before leaving the house, some of you may have heard someone say to you, " The roads are geja geja today, so make sure you wear your boots ."

Example sentences

  • " This road is so messy and difficult to walk on! "
  • " Yuki gejageja doshiterahan sho soaked! " (My shoes got wet because of the slush!)

Google (appears to be in a hurry)

meaning

" Googu " is a word used to describe a car or motorcycle moving quickly. It is often used when driving at high speed on snowy roads or when starting off in a hurry. " Unuunu " has a similar meaning, but "googu" is more often used for vehicles, while "unuunu" is more often used for people.

Example sentences

" to go too fast! "
" You can turn, so go quickly!"

Nikiniki (slippery due to oil etc.)

Oily fingers

meaning

" Nikiniki " describes the feeling when your hands or objects are oily and slippery. It is used when you feel a slimy, unpleasant sensation, such as when you eat potato chips or fried food. It is also used when the floor of a restaurant is sticky with oil. In the Tsugaru region, the cold winter weather makes it difficult for oil to solidify, so perhaps this oily feeling is common.

Example sentences

  • " disgusting after eating chicken wings !"
  • " This floor is slippery, who spilled oil on it? "

Mutamuta (vigorously, greedily)

A dog eating food vigorously

meaning

" Mutamuta " is a word that describes the act of eating vigorously, as if you are gobbling down food. It is often used when you are hungry and can't wait to eat, or when you are eating enthusiastically.

Example sentences

  • " eat so greedily , you'll choke!"
  • " Even if you don't eat so quickly, there's always a second helping!"

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

Carbonated juice

meaning

" Jigajiga " is a word that describes the sensation of carbonation fizzing in your mouth, and in the Tsugaru region it is often used to refer to carbonated drinks. The expression conveys the fizzy sensation of carbonation, and is often used by children when they drink juice.

Example sentences

  • " Coke, it's so fizzy! " (Coke is so delicious!)
  • " stings my teeth and hurts! "

Bafulatto (fluttering clothes, blankets, etc.)

meaning

" Bafulatto " describes the act of moving a futon or clothes around with great force. It is often used when someone flips over a futon and jumps out on a cold winter morning, or when someone folds laundry with great force. It can also refer to large clothing, and the meaning varies depending on the context.

Example sentences

  • " When I got up in the morning, I shook off my futon and hung it outside to dry!"
  • " I like that loose clothing! "

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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