This chapter introduces the concept of onomatopoeia in Japanese, differentiating between 擬音語 (giongo) and 擬体語 (gitaigo). It sets the stage for exploring the nuances of these expressive words.
Japanese onomatopoeia includes two types: 擬音語 (giongo) which mimics sounds, and 擬体語 (gitaigo) which describes situations, feelings, or states using sound.