A small sample of Chinese onomatopoeia with English explanations.
| Onomatopoeia | Sound Source | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| gudu gudu (咕嘟咕嘟) | Bubbling of boiling liquid | Partial: similar to “simmer / bubble” |
| sha sha (沙沙) | Soft friction of leaves | None: closest is “rustle” |
| puleng (扑棱) | Wings flapping quickly when taking off | None: described as “flap wings” |
| dida (滴答) | Water dripping | Partial: similar to “drip” |
| zizi (滋滋) | Food sizzling on a hot pan | Partial: “sizzle” |