ごろごろ
ごろごろ en 30 segundos
- Primarily used for the rumbling sound of thunder or heavy objects rolling.
- Commonly describes lounging around or being lazy at home (couch potato).
- Can refer to an irritating, gritty sensation in the eye.
- Metaphorically indicates that something is very common or a dime a dozen.
The Japanese word ごろごろ (Gorogoro) is a quintessential example of the richness of Japanese onomatopoeia (giongo) and mimetic words (gitaigo). At its core, it describes the sound or action of a large, heavy object rolling repeatedly, but its usage has branched out into several distinct meanings that every intermediate learner must master. To understand 'gorogoro,' imagine a large boulder tumbling down a mountain or the heavy vibration of a thundercloud. This physical sensation of 'heaviness' and 'repetition' informs all its metaphorical uses.
- The Sound of Nature
- When used to describe thunder (kaminari), it captures the deep, low-frequency rumbling that vibrates in your chest. Unlike a sharp crack of lightning, 'gorogoro' is the sustained roar.
- The Physical Action
- It describes large objects like barrels, rocks, or even a person rolling over on the floor. It implies a sense of weight; you wouldn't use this for a tiny marble.
- The Lifestyle State
- Perhaps the most common daily use is 'doing nothing' or 'lounging about.' Imagine someone rolling from their left side to their right side on a tatami mat because they are too lazy to get up. This is the 'gorogoro' of a relaxing Sunday.
休日は家でごろごろするのが一番の幸せです。 (On days off, lounging around at home is the greatest happiness.)
Furthermore, 'gorogoro' can describe a feeling of discomfort in the eye, as if a small pebble is rolling around under the eyelid. It is also used to indicate that something is very common or 'found everywhere' in a way that devalues it—like saying 'talented people are a dime a dozen.' Finally, it is the sound of a cat purring, which in Japanese culture is perceived as a rhythmic, vibrating 'goro goro' sound rather than the English 'purr.'
雷がごろごろと鳴り始めた。 (The thunder started rumbling.)
Understanding the context is key. If you are in a hospital, it refers to an eye irritation. If you are at home on a Sunday, it refers to laziness. If you are outside during a storm, it refers to the sky. The versatility of this word makes it a favorite in manga and casual conversation alike. It captures a physical sensation and translates it into a social state, making it a powerful tool for expressive Japanese communication.
- Purring Cat
- 猫が喉を鳴らしてごろごろ言っている。 (The cat is purring/saying 'goro goro'.)
Grammatically, ごろごろ functions primarily as an adverb. It can be used with the particle 'to' (ごろごろと) to emphasize the sound or manner, or it can be used directly before a verb. Most frequently, it is paired with 'suru' (to do) to describe the state of lounging or the presence of an eye irritant. Understanding the syntactic flexibility of this word allows you to describe everything from weather patterns to your weekend plans with ease.
- As a 'Suru' Verb
- When you say 'ごろごろする' (gorogoro suru), you are describing the act of lying around or idling. It is an active choice to be inactive.
目にゴミが入って、ごろごろします。 (Dust got in my eye, and it feels gritty/irritated.)
When describing the frequency or abundance of something, 'gorogoro' is often used with 'iru' (to exist for animate objects) or 'aru' (to exist for inanimate objects). In this context, it suggests that something is so common that you could practically trip over it. This is often used with a slightly negative or dismissive tone, implying that the thing in question is not special or rare.
そんな嘘をつく人は、世の中にごろごろいる。 (People who tell such lies are a dime a dozen in this world.)
Another common pattern involves the verb 'korogaru' (to roll). Saying 'ごろごろと転がる' (gorogoro to korogaru) specifically emphasizes the heavy, repeated rolling motion of an object. This is useful in storytelling or descriptive writing to paint a vivid picture of movement. You might see this in a children's book describing a giant peach or a boulder in an adventure story.
- Sound of Thunder
- 雷がごろごろ鳴っている。 (Kaminari ga gorogoro natte iru.) - The thunder is rumbling.
Finally, consider the 'purring' aspect. When describing a cat, 'gorogoro' is treated as the sound the cat makes. You can use it with 'nodo o narasu' (to make one's throat sound). This adds a layer of cuteness and sensory detail to your descriptions of pets. It's a versatile word that bridges the gap between the physical world and abstract states of being.
In daily Japanese life, ごろごろ is everywhere. You will hear it most frequently in casual conversations between friends and family when discussing plans for the weekend. If someone asks, 'What did you do yesterday?' and you stayed home watching Netflix and napping, 'Gorogoro shiteta' is the perfect, natural response. It conveys a sense of relaxed laziness that is culturally understood and often relatable.
- Weather Forecasts
- While news anchors use formal terms for thunder (raiu), casual weather reports or people checking the sky will use 'gorogoro' to warn others of an approaching storm.
「週末は何してたの?」「うーん、家でごろごろしてただけだよ。」 ('What did you do over the weekend?' 'Hmm, I just lounger around at home.')
You will also encounter this word in medical contexts, specifically at the ophthalmologist (eye doctor). If you have a scratch on your cornea or a piece of dust that won't come out, the doctor might ask, 'Me ga gorogoro shimasu ka?' (Does your eye feel gritty/irritated?). This usage is so standard that it is the primary way to describe that specific sensation of ocular discomfort.
In business or social commentary, you might hear it used to describe the job market or social phenomena. For example, 'Such startups are gorogoro everywhere these days.' Here, it takes on a slightly cynical edge, suggesting that these things are no longer unique or valuable because of their high quantity. This shift from a physical sound to a social evaluation is a hallmark of advanced Japanese vocabulary usage.
この辺りは、美味しいラーメン屋がごろごろある。 (There are tons of delicious ramen shops around here.)
Lastly, manga and anime are prime places to see 'gorogoro' written in large stylized katakana (ゴロゴロ). It might appear next to a sleeping character, a rumbling volcano, or a cat being petted. Seeing the word visually helps reinforce its various meanings through artistic context, making it one of the most recognizable onomatopoeic expressions for fans of Japanese media.
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with ごろごろ is using it for the wrong kind of 'rolling.' Because English uses the word 'roll' for everything from a rolling ball to rolling dough, learners often over-apply 'gorogoro.' In Japanese, 'gorogoro' is specifically for *heavy* or *clunky* rolling. If you are talking about a small, smooth marble rolling across a table, you should use 'korokoro' (ころころ) instead. Using 'gorogoro' for a marble would make it sound like the marble weighs fifty pounds!
- Gorogoro vs. Korokoro
- Gorogoro = Heavy, large, deep sound. Korokoro = Light, small, high-pitched sound.
❌ ビー玉がごろごろ転がる。 (Incorrect for a small marble.)
✅ ビー玉がころころ転がる。 (Correct.)
Another mistake involves the 'lounging' meaning. While 'gorogoro' means doing nothing, it specifically implies a physical state of lying down or rolling around on the floor/sofa. If you are 'doing nothing' but you are sitting upright at a desk or standing around, 'gorogoro' might feel slightly off. In those cases, 'daradara' (だらだら - sluggishly) or 'bon'yari' (ぼんやり - absentmindedly) might be more appropriate depending on the vibe.
Learners also sometimes confuse the 'purring' sound with other animal sounds. Remember that 'gorogoro' is specifically the vibration in the throat. If a dog is growling, that is 'unaru' (唸る) or 'wan-wan' for barking. Using 'gorogoro' for a dog would make it sound like the dog is purring like a cat, which would be very confusing for a native speaker!
❌ 彼は会議中にごろごろしていた。 (Incorrect: implying he was literally rolling on the floor in a meeting.)
Finally, be careful with the 'eye irritation' usage. It is specifically for the feeling of having something *in* your eye. If your eyes are just tired from looking at a screen, you should use 'shibashiba suru' (しばしばする) or 'tsukareru' (疲れる). Using 'gorogoro' implies a physical grit or scratchiness, not just general fatigue.
Japanese is famous for its massive library of onomatopoeia. To truly master ごろごろ, you must know its neighbors. The most direct comparison is with 'korokoro,' which we've discussed as the 'light' version of rolling. But there are many others that describe similar states of being or sounds.
- だらだら (Daradara)
- This means doing things sluggishly or letting time slip away. While 'gorogoro' is about lying down, 'daradara' is about the lack of productivity. You can 'daradara' while sitting up, but you usually 'gorogoro' while lying down.
- のんびり (Nonbiri)
- This is a positive version of doing nothing. It means 'relaxing' or 'at a leisurely pace.' While 'gorogoro' can sound a bit lazy or unproductive, 'nonbiri' sounds peaceful and restorative.
温泉でのんびり過ごす。 (Spending time relaxing at a hot spring.)
When it comes to the 'common/abundant' meaning, an alternative is 'zara ni aru' (ざらにある). This is a bit more sophisticated and means 'it's not uncommon' or 'it happens all the time.' 'Gorogoro' is more visual and colloquial, whereas 'zara' is more of a set idiomatic expression. Another option is 'arifureta' (ありふれた), which means 'commonplace' or 'ordinary.'
Regarding the sound of thunder, you might also hear 'pika-goro.' 'Pika' is the flash of lightning, and 'goro' is the rumble of thunder. Together, they describe the whole storm experience. If the thunder is a sudden, loud crack, the word 'dokan' (どかん) or 'bari-bari' (バリバリ) might be used to describe the intensity of the sound breaking the silence.
- ぐうたら (Guutara)
- This is a noun/adjective for a 'lazybones' or someone who is chronically idle. While 'gorogoro' is an action/state, 'guutara' is often used to describe a person's character.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The reason 'gorogoro' means 'lazy' is because it mimics the physical act of rolling over on a tatami mat repeatedly because you don't want to get up and do anything productive.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' with curled tongue.
- Making the 'o' sounds too long or like 'ow'.
- Stressing the second 'goro' too much.
- Confusing it with 'korokoro' in pronunciation.
- Adding a 'u' at the end (gorogorou).
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to read in hiragana or katakana. No kanji to worry about.
Simple repetition of 'go' and 'ro'.
Requires correct pitch and understanding of context to sound natural.
Must distinguish from 'korokoro' or 'boroboro' in fast speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Onomatopoeia as Adverbs
ごろごろ(と)転がる。
Onomatopoeia with Suru
家でごろごろする。
Voiced vs Unvoiced Mimetic Words
ごろごろ (heavy) vs ころころ (light).
State of Being with ~te iru
一日中ごろごろしている。
Causative Purring
猫に喉をごろごろ鳴らさせる。
Ejemplos por nivel
ねこがごろごろと言っています。
The cat is purring (saying goro goro).
Uses 'to iu' to describe the sound the cat is making.
きょうは家でごろごろします。
Today I will lounge around at home.
Simple 'suru' verb usage for a future plan.
かみなりがごろごろなっています。
The thunder is rumbling.
Present continuous form 'natte iru' for an ongoing sound.
大きな石がごろごろ転がった。
A large stone rolled down.
Past tense of 'korogaru' (to roll).
日曜日はごろごろしたいです。
I want to lounge around on Sunday.
Desire form '-tai' added to 'gorogoro suru'.
めがごろごろします。
My eye feels gritty.
Describing a physical sensation.
ごろごろ寝るのが好きです。
I like rolling around and sleeping.
Using 'gorogoro' to modify the act of sleeping.
ボールがごろごろときました。
The (heavy) ball came rolling.
Adverbial use with 'to' for emphasis.
昨日は一日中家でごろごろしていました。
I was lounging around at home all day yesterday.
Compound time 'ichinichijuu' (all day) with past continuous.
雷がごろごろ鳴ると、犬が怖がります。
When the thunder rumbles, the dog gets scared.
Conditional 'to' indicating a natural consequence.
目に何かが入ったみたいで、ごろごろするんです。
It seems like something got in my eye; it feels gritty.
Explanatory 'ndesu' ending.
そんな話は、どこにでもごろごろ転がっているよ。
Those kinds of stories are rolling around everywhere (are common).
Metaphorical use for 'commonplace'.
猫が喉をごろごろ鳴らして甘えている。
The cat is purring and being affectionate.
Describing two simultaneous actions.
重い樽をごろごろと運んだ。
I transported the heavy barrels by rolling them.
Emphasis on the effort and sound of rolling.
週末は特に予定がないので、家でごろごろするつもりです。
I have no special plans for the weekend, so I intend to lounge at home.
Expressing intention with 'tsumori'.
ジャガイモが床にごろごろ転がっている。
Potatoes are rolling around on the floor.
Describing a messy scene.
この時期、雷がごろごろ鳴るのは珍しくない。
It's not unusual for thunder to rumble during this season.
Double negative 'mezurashiku nai' for emphasis.
コンタクトレンズが汚れているのか、目がごろごろして痛い。
Maybe my contact lenses are dirty; my eyes feel gritty and hurt.
Expressing uncertainty with 'ka' and giving a reason.
彼は仕事もせずに、毎日家でごろごろしてばかりいる。
He does nothing but lounge around at home every day without even working.
Using 'bakari iru' to express a negative habit.
そんな才能のある人は、探せばごろごろいるものだ。
If you look for them, talented people like that are a dime a dozen.
Using 'mono da' to state a general truth.
大きな岩が山からごろごろと落ちてきた。
A huge rock came tumbling down from the mountain.
Directional 'ochite kita' with adverbial 'gorogoro to'.
猫が私の膝の上で、満足そうにごろごろ喉を鳴らしている。
The cat is purring contentedly on my lap.
Adverbial 'manzokusou ni' (contentedly).
たまには家でごろごろ過ごすのも悪くないですね。
It's not bad to spend time lounging at home once in a while, is it?
Polite 'desu ne' seeking agreement.
道端に石がごろごろしていて、歩きにくい。
There are rocks scattered all over the roadside, making it hard to walk.
Describing a state that causes difficulty.
最近の若手起業家なんて、そこら中にごろごろいるよ。
Young entrepreneurs these days are a dime a dozen; they're everywhere.
Casual 'nante' to show slight dismissal.
激しい雷雨で、空がずっとごろごろ言っていた。
Due to the heavy thunderstorm, the sky was rumbling the whole time.
Personifying the sky with 'iu' (to say/make a sound).
不摂生な生活を続けて、家でごろごろしてばかりでは体に毒だ。
Continuing an unhealthy lifestyle and just lounging around at home is bad for your health.
Conditional 'de wa' followed by a negative consequence.
目に違和感があってごろごろするので、眼科に行ってきます。
My eye feels strange and gritty, so I'm going to the ophthalmologist.
Using 'iwakan' (strange feeling) to describe the sensation.
この小説の舞台となる村には、古い伝説がごろごろ転がっている。
In the village where this novel is set, old legends are found everywhere.
Metaphorical rolling of 'legends'.
トラックから荷物がごろごろと崩れ落ちた。
The cargo tumbled down from the truck with a rumble.
Describing a sudden, heavy collapse.
彼は一日中ごろごろしている癖に、夜は眠れないと言う。
Even though he lounges around all day, he says he can't sleep at night.
Using 'kuse ni' to show contradiction or irony.
猫がごろごろ言うのは、リラックスしている証拠だ。
A cat purring is proof that it is relaxed.
Using 'shouko' (proof) to explain a fact.
この業界には、口先だけの人間がごろごろしているから気をつけなさい。
There are plenty of people in this industry who are all talk, so be careful.
Imperative 'nasai' with a warning.
遠くの方で地鳴りのような音がごろごろと響いてきた。
A sound like the rumbling of the earth echoed from afar.
Using 'hibiku' (to echo/resonate) for deep sounds.
定年退職後、特に趣味もなく家でごろごろしている夫を見て妻は呆れている。
Seeing her husband lounging at home without any hobbies after retirement, the wife is exasperated.
Describing a complex social dynamic within a family.
砂埃が舞う中、目がごろごろして開けていられない。
With the dust swirling, my eyes are so gritty I can't keep them open.
Using 'rare nai' (potential negative) for inability.
かつては貴重だった技術も、今やどこにでもごろごろ転がっているありふれたものになった。
Technology that was once precious has now become a commonplace thing found everywhere.
Contrasting 'kichou' (precious) with 'gorogoro'.
雷鳴がごろごろと轟き、今にも大雨が降り出しそうな気配だ。
The thunder roared, and there's an indication that heavy rain will start at any moment.
Using 'todoroki' (roaring) and 'kehai' (sign/indication).
彼は一見怠け者だが、家でごろごろしながらも常に新しいアイデアを練っている。
He looks like a lazy person at first glance, but even while lounging at home, he's always refining new ideas.
Using 'nagara mo' to show a surprising simultaneous action.
その辺に転がっている石ころと同じように、凡才は世の中にごろごろしている。
Just like the pebbles rolling around nearby, mediocre talents are a dime a dozen in the world.
Simile comparison using 'onaji you ni'.
権力に擦り寄る輩など、政界にはそれこそごろごろしているのが現実だ。
The reality is that people who cozy up to power are absolutely everywhere in the political world.
Using 'sore koso' for extreme emphasis.
腹の底に響くような重低音がごろごろと空気を震わせた。
A deep bass that resonated in the pit of the stomach vibrated the air with a rumble.
Describing physical acoustics and vibration.
彼は世捨て人のように家でごろごろと日々を過ごしているが、その実、ネットを通じて世界を動かしている。
He spends his days lounging at home like a hermit, but in reality, he is moving the world through the internet.
Using 'sono jitsu' (in reality) to reveal a secret truth.
眼球の裏側までごろごろするような、えも言われぬ不快感に襲われた。
I was seized by an indescribable discomfort, as if the back of my eyeballs were gritty.
Using 'emo iwarenu' (indescribable).
市場の飽和により、かつての画期的製品も今やごろごろと投げ売りされている。
Due to market saturation, what were once groundbreaking products are now being sold off in heaps everywhere.
Combining market terminology with 'gorogoro'.
雷神が太鼓を叩くが如く、雷鳴がごろごろと天地を揺るがした。
As if the Thunder God were beating his drums, the thunder shook heaven and earth with a rumble.
Literary 'ga gotoku' (just like).
自己満足な表現などネット上にごろごろ転がっているが、真に心を打つものは稀だ。
Self-indulgent expressions are rolling all over the internet, but those that truly touch the heart are rare.
Contrasting abundance with rarity ('mare').
古今東西、英雄の陰には彼らを利用しようとする小人がごろごろしていたものだ。
Throughout all ages and places, in the shadows of heroes, there have always been petty people looking to exploit them.
Historical 'mono da' indicating a recurring historical truth.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Sleeping while rolling around or napping lazily.
昼間からごろごろ寝をしている。
— Chunky vegetables in a soup or curry.
ごろごろ野菜のシチュー。
— Often associated with children's manga magazines (like CoroCoro).
懐かしのごろごろコミック。
— A famous brand of mineral water in Japan (from the sound of water).
ごろごろ水を飲む。
— A rumbling or purring noise.
エンジンのごろごろ音が気になる。
— A state of being idle or a state of abundance.
失業者がごろごろ状態だ。
— Large pebbles or rocks scattered about.
川原にはごろごろ石がたくさんある。
— A lifestyle of lounging or taking it easy.
理想のごろごろライフ。
— The sensation of grittiness or chunkiness.
このスープ、具のごろごろ感がいい。
— The specific phenomenon of rumbling thunder.
ごろごろ雷が怖い。
Se confunde a menudo con
Gorogoro is for heavy things; Korokoro is for light things like marbles.
Gorogoro is specifically about lying down; Daradara is about being unproductive while doing anything.
Gorogoro is a physical state; Bon'yari is a mental state of being spaced out.
Modismos y expresiones
— To be extremely common and found everywhere.
そんな嘘つきはそこら中にごろごろしている。
Casual— To purr (of a cat) or to show extreme satisfaction.
彼は美味しいものを食べて喉をごろごろ鳴らした。
Neutral— To let time pass while doing absolutely nothing.
貴重な休みをごろごろと過ごしてしまった。
Neutral— To have such bad eye irritation that one cannot function.
花粉のせいで目がごろごろして開けられない。
Neutral— Doing something in a heavy, clumsy, or noisy manner.
彼は石をごろごろ転がすように階段を降りた。
Literary— One's stomach rumbling (due to hunger or indigestion).
お腹がごろごろ鳴って恥ずかしい。
Informal— When many former officials take high-paying private sector jobs (metaphorical abundance).
天下り官僚がごろごろしている。
Political/Cynical— To fail or drop out in large numbers.
試験で受験生がごろごろと落ちた。
Informal— To scold someone severely (figurative thunder).
部長が部下に雷をごろごろ落とした。
Informal— Tossing and turning heavily in bed.
悩み事があってごろごろと寝返りを打った。
NeutralFácil de confundir
Both involve rolling.
Gorogoro is heavy/clunky rolling. Korokoro is light/smooth rolling.
Rocks gorogoro; Beads korokoro.
Both start with 'g' and end in 'ra/ro'.
Gorogoro is rolling/rumbling. Guragura is wobbling/shaking.
Thunder gorogoro; A loose tooth guragura.
Both describe eye or surface sensations.
Gorogoro is the feeling of a pebble/grit *inside*. Zarazara is a rough texture on the *surface*.
Eye gorogoro; Sandpaper zarazara.
Phonetically similar.
Gorogoro is rolling/rumbling. Dorodoro is muddy/slushy or messy relationships.
Stone gorogoro; Mud dorodoro.
Both describe sounds during a storm.
Gorogoro is the low rumble. Baribari is the sharp crack of lightning or tearing.
Sky gorogoro; Lightning baribari.
Patrones de oraciones
Noun は ごろごろ しています。
猫はごろごろしています。
Place で ごろごろ する。
公園でごろごろする。
Noun が ごろごろ 鳴る。
お腹がごろごろ鳴る。
目 が ごろごろ する。
右目がごろごろする。
〜には 〜が ごろごろ いる。
この町には野良猫がごろごろいる。
ごろごろ と 転がり落ちる。
岩がごろごろと転がり落ちる。
〜をごろごろ(と)過ごす。
一生をごろごろと過ごす。
〜のごとき ごろごろ という響き。
地鳴りのごときごろごろという響き。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very Common in daily speech.
-
Using gorogoro for a rolling pencil.
→
Enpitsu ga korokoro korogaru.
A pencil is light, so 'korokoro' is correct. 'Gorogoro' makes the pencil sound like a log.
-
Saying 'gorogoro' for a dog's growl.
→
Inu ga unatte iru.
Gorogoro is for purring (happy cats). A growl is 'unaru'.
-
Using 'gorogoro' to mean 'busy'.
→
Bata-bata shite iru.
Gorogoro is the opposite of busy; it means doing nothing.
-
Using 'gorogoro' for a sharp lightning crack.
→
Pika! or Bari-bari!
Gorogoro is the low, long rumble, not the sharp initial sound.
-
Formal business use.
→
Ippanteki na genshou.
Don't say 'Problems are gorogoro' in a meeting; it's too casual.
Consejos
Context is King
Always check if you are talking about sound, action, or state. Gorogoro changes meaning entirely based on the noun it follows.
Tap the R
Make sure the 'r' sound is a quick tap. If you use an English 'r', it won't sound like onomatopoeia to a Japanese ear.
Suru vs To
Use 'gorogoro suru' for being lazy and 'gorogoro to' for the sound of something rolling.
Heavy vs Light
Remember: G = Grand/Great (Heavy). K = Kid/Kind (Light). This helps you choose between Gorogoro and Korokoro.
Pair with Kaminari
The most common natural pairing is 'Kaminari ga gorogoro'. Memorize this as a set phrase.
Self-Deprecation
Use 'gorogoro shiteta' when you want to sound humble or relatable about your boring weekend.
Eye Doctor Tip
If you go to a clinic in Japan for eye pain, 'gorogoro' is the most important word to describe the sensation.
Look for Katakana
In manga, look for ゴロゴロ in large bubbles to identify thunder or rolling boulders.
Pet Bonding
Talk to your Japanese friends about their cats using 'gorogoro' to sound more like a native speaker.
Nonbiri is Nicer
If you want to sound like you had a *good* rest, use 'nonbiri'. If you want to sound like a couch potato, use 'gorogoro'.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a **GO**ld **RO**ck. It's heavy and it goes **GORO GORO** when it rolls. Now imagine you are a heavy rock just rolling on your bed.
Asociación visual
Visualize a giant boulder rumbling down a hill, then transition that image to a person lying on a sofa looking like a round boulder.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'gorogoro' in three different ways today: describe the weather, your cat/pet, and your evening plans.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from the sound of heavy objects rolling. The 'go' sound in Japanese often represents deep, heavy, or dull noises, while the 'ko' sound represents light or sharp noises. This is a natural phonetic evolution in the Japanese language where voiced consonants (g, z, d, b) imply larger or more intense versions of their unvoiced counterparts (k, s, t, p).
Significado original: The sound of a large stone or heavy object rolling.
Japanese Onomatopoeia (Giongo/Gitaigo).Contexto cultural
Calling someone 'guutara' is an insult, but saying you are 'gorogoro' is usually just a casual, self-deprecating way to say you're relaxing.
English uses different words: 'rumble' for thunder, 'purr' for cats, 'couch potato' for people. Japanese uses one word for all.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Weekend Plans
- 家でごろごろする
- 何もせずごろごろ
- ごろごろして過ごす
- 週末はごろごろ
Weather
- 雷がごろごろ
- 空がごろごろ鳴る
- ごろごろと雷鳴
- 雨とごろごろ
Health/Doctor
- 目がごろごろする
- 目に違和感がある
- ごろごろして痛い
- ゴミでごろごろ
Pets
- 喉をごろごろ
- 猫がごろごろ
- 満足そうにごろごろ
- ごろごろ甘える
Social Observation
- ごろごろいる
- そこら中にごろごろ
- ごろごろ転がっている
- 凡才がごろごろ
Inicios de conversación
"「週末は何をして過ごすのが好きですか?ごろごろするのが好きですか?」"
"「猫を飼っていますか?猫がごろごろ喉を鳴らすのは可愛いですよね。」"
"「最近、雷がごろごろ鳴っているのを聞きましたか?」"
"「目がごろごろする時、どうやって対処していますか?」"
"「あなたの国では、怠け者のことを何と言いますか?」"
Temas para diario
今日は一日中家でごろごろしていました。その感想を書いてください。
雷がごろごろ鳴っている嵐の夜、あなたは何をしますか?
「ごろごろしている人」は、社会にとって必要だと思いますか?
目がごろごろした時の不快感について詳しく描写してください。
あなたの周りに「ごろごろいる」ものは何ですか?(例:コンビニ、自動販売機など)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but only if the ball is heavy, like a bowling ball or a large exercise ball. For a tennis ball or marble, use 'korokoro'.
It's not rude, but it's very casual. If you tell your boss you were 'gorogoro' all weekend, it might sound like you are a bit too lazy.
You use 'gorogoro'. For example: 'Neko ga nodo o gorogoro narasu'.
No, it only means thunder when paired with 'kaminari' or when the context of weather is clear.
It's a noun derived from 'gorogoro' and 'neru' (to sleep), meaning to nap while just lying down on the floor or couch without proper bedding.
Yes, if your stomach is making rumbling sounds or feeling 'heavy' and gassy, you can say 'onaka ga gorogoro suru'.
It is almost always written in hiragana or katakana. There are no standard kanji for it.
Gorogoro is specifically 'lying down and rolling around' (physically idle). Daradara is 'sluggishly wasting time' (procedurally idle).
In Japanese culture, the sound a cat makes when happy is perceived as the 'goro goro' vibration, which is why the word is used.
No, it's too colloquial. Use 'arifureta' or 'zara ni aru' instead.
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
Describe what you did last Sunday using 'gorogoro'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the sound of thunder using 'gorogoro'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you tell a doctor your eye feels gritty?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a cat's reaction when you pet it using 'gorogoro'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'gorogoro' to mean 'common'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a large rock falling down a mountain.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about chunky vegetables in a soup.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'gorogoro' to describe your stomach after eating too much.
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Translate: 'I want to lounge at home all day.'
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Translate: 'Thunder is rumbling in the distance.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a messy room with potatoes on the floor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a warning about common scams using 'gorogoro'.
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Describe the sound of a heavy barrel being moved.
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Use 'gorogoro' in a sentence with 'bakari' (only).
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Translate: 'My eye feels gritty because of the dust.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a cozy rainy day at home.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about talented people being common in a certain city.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the physical feeling of a cat's purr.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The sound of the landslide was rumbling.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'gorogoro' and 'nonbiri' in the same sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'Thunder is rumbling' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell your friend you were lazy all day yesterday.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The cat is purring' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain to a doctor that your eye feels gritty.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'There are many such people everywhere' using 'gorogoro'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I want to lounge at home this weekend.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe a heavy ball rolling on the floor.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The thunder started rumbling' using 'hajimeta'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask a friend if they like lounging around.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'My stomach is rumbling' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Talented people are common here.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I spent my day off lounging.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Big rocks are rolling down.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The cat is purring contentedly.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I have a gritty feeling in my eye.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Don't just lounge around!'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The sound of thunder echoed.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'There are plenty of those stories.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I like chunky vegetable soup.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Lounging around is the best.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen to the context: 'Kaminari ga...'. What sound follows?
Listen: 'Nichiyoubi wa ie de...'. What action is likely?
Listen: 'Me ga...'. What sensation is being described?
Listen: 'Neko ga...'. What sound is the cat making?
Listen: 'Sonna hito wa...'. What is the abundance level?
Listen: 'Oki na ishi ga...'. What is the rock doing?
Listen: 'Onaka ga...'. What is happening to the stomach?
Listen: 'Ichinichijuu...'. How was the day spent?
Listen: 'Yasai ga...'. How are the vegetables cut?
Listen: 'Sora ga...'. What is the sky doing?
Listen: 'Taru ga...'. What object is rolling?
Listen: 'Ganka ni...'. Why go to the eye doctor?
Listen: 'Guutara...'. What kind of person is being described?
Listen: 'Hibiku...'. What kind of sound is echoing?
Listen: 'Sore koso...'. What is the speaker emphasizing?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Gorogoro is a versatile 'heavy' onomatopoeia. Use it for thunder, rolling rocks, purring cats, gritty eyes, or your own lazy Sunday. Example: 'Kaminari ga gorogoro natte iru' (Thunder is rumbling).
- Primarily used for the rumbling sound of thunder or heavy objects rolling.
- Commonly describes lounging around or being lazy at home (couch potato).
- Can refer to an irritating, gritty sensation in the eye.
- Metaphorically indicates that something is very common or a dime a dozen.
Context is King
Always check if you are talking about sound, action, or state. Gorogoro changes meaning entirely based on the noun it follows.
Tap the R
Make sure the 'r' sound is a quick tap. If you use an English 'r', it won't sound like onomatopoeia to a Japanese ear.
Suru vs To
Use 'gorogoro suru' for being lazy and 'gorogoro to' for the sound of something rolling.
Heavy vs Light
Remember: G = Grand/Great (Heavy). K = Kid/Kind (Light). This helps you choose between Gorogoro and Korokoro.
Ejemplo
休日は家でごろごろして過ごした。
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