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B1 noun #9,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

ごうごう

gougou Top 9,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ごうごう en 30 secondes

Explication ごうごう in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'gougou' as a special 'sound word.' In English, we say 'vroom vroom' for a car or 'woof woof' for a dog. In Japanese, 'gougou' is the sound for very big things like a big wind or a big waterfall. Imagine a giant blowing air very hard—that sound is 'gougou.' You don't need to worry about the hard kanji yet. Just remember that if you see a picture of a big storm or a huge river, you can say 'gougou' to describe the noise. It is a 'big' and 'heavy' sound. When you study 'gougou,' try to make the sound deep in your throat. It is not a light sound like a bird; it is a strong sound like a monster or a big machine. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand Japanese weather and nature better.

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For A2 learners, 'gougou' becomes a useful adverb to make your sentences more descriptive. Instead of just saying 'The wind was strong' (Kaze ga tsuyokatta), you can say 'The wind was blowing gougou' (Kaze ga gougou to fuite ita). This makes you sound much more like a native speaker! You will mostly use it with the particle 'to.' Remember that 'gougou' is for continuous sounds. If a sound happens once and stops, we don't use 'gougou.' We use it for things that keep making noise for a long time, like a river flowing or a factory working. You might also see this word in manga (Japanese comics). It is often written in Katakana as ゴーゴー to show a big explosion or a character's powerful energy. It’s a great word to add 'flavor' to your basic Japanese.

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At the B1 level, you should start recognizing the two different meanings of 'gougou.' The first is the physical roar of nature (轟々), and the second is the metaphorical roar of people's voices (囂々). You are likely to encounter 'gougou' in news reports about typhoons or in short stories. Pay attention to how it is used with verbs like 'hibiku' (to echo) and 'naru' (to sound). At this level, you should also be careful with the pronunciation; ensure you are using the long 'ou' (gōgō) and not the short 'o' (gogo), which means 'afternoon.' You can also start using 'gougou' to describe large machinery or engines. It adds a level of sophistication to your descriptions of technology and the environment. Try using it in your diary when describing a trip to the mountains or a stormy day.

B2 learners should master the 'taru' (〜たる) construction, which is more formal and literary. Phrases like 'gougou-taru hinan' (嚣々たる非難 - clamorous criticism) are common in newspaper editorials and political discussions. You should be able to distinguish 'gougou' from similar onomatopoeia like 'dodo' (a more percussive roar) or 'zaa-zaa' (the sound of rain). This level requires understanding the 'weight' of the word. 'Gougou' implies an overwhelming force that cannot be easily stopped. When you use it to describe a crowd, you are implying that the collective voice has become a single, powerful entity. You should also be comfortable seeing the kanji 轟々 and 囂々, even if you can't write them from memory, as they provide immediate context about whether the 'roar' is natural or human.

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For C1 students, 'gougou' is a tool for nuanced literary analysis and high-level social commentary. You should understand its historical roots and how it appears in classical-style modern prose. The word often carries an atmospheric weight, setting a scene of 'sublime' power—where nature is both beautiful and terrifying. In a business or political context, you might use 'gougou' to describe the 'roar' of the market or a massive public movement. You should also explore the verb form 'todoroku' (轟く) and its various idiomatic uses, such as 'fumei ga todoroku' (to be world-famous). At this level, you aren't just using the word to describe a sound; you are using it to evoke a specific emotional response in your audience—a sense of awe, scale, and inevitability.

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At the C2 level, 'gougou' is used with precision to distinguish between different types of 'cacophony' and 'resonance.' You can discuss the phonological aesthetics of the 'g' and 'ou' sounds and how they contribute to the word's 'heavy' feeling in Japanese phonosemantics. You should be able to use the word in academic writing to describe socio-political phenomena, such as the 'gougou-taru' debate surrounding constitutional reform or economic shifts. Furthermore, you can appreciate the intertextuality of the word in Japanese literature, recognizing how modern authors evoke the 'gougou' of the industrial revolution to contrast with the silence of traditional Japan. Your mastery should include the ability to use the word's various kanji forms to subtly shift the reader's focus between the physical, the vocal, and the metaphorical.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ごうごう en 30 secondes

Gougou is a Japanese word for a deep, roaring sound like wind or waterfalls.
It can also mean a loud public outcry or a crowd of people shouting.
It is often used as an adverb with 'to' (gougou to) or 'taru' (gougou-taru).
The kanji 轟々 is for nature/machines, while 囂々 is for human voices.

The Japanese word ごうごう (often written in kanji as 轟々 or 囂々) is a powerful onomatopoeic expression that captures the essence of a deep, thunderous, and overwhelming sound. At its core, it describes a resonance so loud and persistent that it seems to vibrate through the environment and the listener's body. In English, we might translate this as 'roaring,' 'thundering,' or 'raging,' depending on whether we are talking about the natural world or human activity. It is a word that transcends simple 'noise' and moves into the realm of 'atmosphere.' When you use this word, you aren't just saying something is loud; you are describing a sound that has weight, power, and often a sense of unstoppable force. It is the sound of a massive waterfall plunging into a basin, the sound of a typhoon-strength wind whipping through a mountain pass, or the sound of a heavy freight train barreling down the tracks at midnight.

Natural Phenomena: This is the most common application. It describes the 'roaring' of wind (風がごうごうと吹く) or the 'raging' of water (滝がごうごうと落ちる). It implies a continuous, low-frequency rumble that fills the air.
Mechanical and Industrial: It is used for large machines, engines, or factories where the sound is a constant, vibrating hum or roar. Think of a jet engine or a massive hydroelectric plant.
Social Outcry (囂々): In a more figurative sense, when written as 囂々, it describes a 'clamorous' public reaction. If a politician makes a mistake, the 'gougou-taru' criticism (囂々たる非難) refers to a loud, widespread, and angry public outcry.

嵐の夜、風が窓の外でごうごうと吹き荒れていた。(On the night of the storm, the wind was roaring wildly outside the window.)

Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its kanji components. The version 轟々 uses the character for 'car' or 'wagon' (車) repeated three times. This visually represents the sound of many heavy wagons rolling across a wooden bridge or stone road—a thunderous, vibrating noise. This imagery is essential for learners: imagine the ground shaking under the weight of something massive. This is why it is used for waterfalls and storms; they possess a physical presence that a simple 'noise' does not. In modern Japanese, while the kanji are often replaced by hiragana in casual writing, the 'weight' of the three-car kanji remains in the word's soul. It is a 'heavy' sound.

Beyond nature, the word has a second life in the world of public opinion. When we say 'Gougou-taru hinan' (囂々たる非難), we are using the 'mouth' (口) variant of the kanji. This version features four 'mouth' components surrounding a 'head,' signifying many people shouting at once. It captures the chaotic, loud, and often angry buzz of a crowd. If you hear this on the news, it means the entire country is talking about a scandal. It’s not just one person complaining; it’s a roar of disapproval. This dual usage—one for nature/machines and one for people—makes it a versatile tool for advanced speakers who want to describe 'overwhelming' auditory experiences.

その法案に対して、国民から反対の声がごうごうと沸き起こった。(Voices of opposition against that bill rose up clamorously from the citizens.)

Using ごうごう correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility. It primarily functions as an onomatopoeic adverb, which means it is usually followed by the particle to (と) or taru (たる). When used with to, it describes the *manner* in which an action (like blowing or flowing) is happening. When used with taru, it functions as a descriptor for a noun, often in more formal or literary contexts. This distinction is crucial for achieving natural-sounding Japanese.

Adverbial Form (〜と): Used to modify verbs of sound or movement. 滝がごうごうと落ちる (The waterfall falls with a roar). This is the most versatile form.
Adjectival Form (〜たる): Used in formal writing or set phrases. 囂々たる非難 (Clamorous criticism). It gives the noun a grand, overwhelming quality.
Verb Form (〜としている): Less common, but can describe a state. 場内はごうごうとしている (The inside of the hall was in a roar/clamor).

エンジンの音が工場の外までごうごうと響き渡っている。(The sound of the engine is echoing roaringly all the way outside the factory.)

When constructing sentences with gougou, focus on the 'source' of the sound. If the source is natural, the sentence should emphasize the scale. For example, 'The wind roared through the pines' becomes '松林をごうごうと風が吹き抜けた.' Notice how the word fits perfectly between the object of the action and the verb. It provides the 'soundtrack' to the action. If you are describing a crowd, the word suggests that individual voices cannot be distinguished—only the collective roar remains. This is why it's used for 'criticism' (hinan) or 'opposition' (hantai). It’s not a single person talking; it’s a wave of sound.

For learners, a common trap is using gougou for high-pitched or sharp noises. It is strictly for low-frequency, 'big' sounds. You wouldn't use it for a whistle or a scream. You use it for the ocean, for fire (a huge forest fire roaring), or for a large crowd. If you want to describe a campfire crackling, you would use pachi-pachi. But if that fire grows into a massive blaze that makes the air rumble, then you upgrade to gougou. Contextualizing the volume and the frequency is the key to mastery.

激しい濁流がごうごうと音を立てて橋の下を流れていった。(The violent muddy stream flowed under the bridge, making a roaring sound.)

In daily life in Japan, you are most likely to encounter ごうごう in three specific environments: weather reports, literary works, and political news. While it isn't a word you'd use to describe your breakfast, it is indispensable for describing grand events. On the news, when a typhoon (taifuu) is approaching, reporters will often use gougou to describe the sound of the wind recorded on their microphones. This creates a sense of urgency and danger. If you hear this word on TV, it’s usually a signal that nature is being particularly violent.

Anime and Manga: It is a staple sound effect (giseigo). You will see it written in large, stylized katakana during scenes of explosions, massive fires, or when a character releases a huge amount of energy/aura.
News and Politics: Reporters use the phrase '囂々たる非難' (gougou-taru hinan) to describe public outrage. If a company is caught in a scandal, the 'roar' of the public's anger is described this way.
Classical Literature: Authors like Natsume Soseki or Mori Ogai used it to describe the overwhelming power of the sea or the industrial roar of the emerging modern world.

「テレビのニュースで、台風の風の音をごうごうと表現していました。」(On the TV news, they expressed the sound of the typhoon's wind as 'gougou'.)

If you visit a famous waterfall in Japan, such as Kegon Falls in Nikko, the descriptive plaques or guidebooks will almost certainly use gougou to describe the sound of the water. It is the 'standard' way to respect the power of the water. Similarly, in historical dramas (Jidaigeki), the sound of a large army marching or the roar of a castle burning is often narrated or described with this word. It carries a historical weight that newer onomatopoeia lack. It feels 'epic' and 'grand.'

Finally, you might hear it in a more metaphorical sense during a heated debate. If a meeting becomes chaotic with everyone shouting over each other, a moderator might describe the room as gougou. It implies that the situation has moved beyond reasonable discussion and into the realm of overwhelming noise. This usage is particularly common in editorials and opinion pieces in newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or Yomiuri Shimbun, where 'public opinion in a roar' is a frequent theme.

会場内は賛否両論が入り乱れ、ごうごうたる騒ぎとなった。(Inside the venue, pros and cons were jumbled together, resulting in a roaring clamor.)

While ごうごう seems straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its scale and pitch. The most common error is using it for sounds that are loud but 'thin.' For example, a loud siren or a high-pitched scream is loud, but it is not gougou. Those are sharp and piercing, whereas gougou is wide and rumbling. If you use gougou to describe a baby crying, a Japanese person will likely be confused unless that baby has the voice of a literal giant.

Confusion with 'Gogo' (午後): Beginners sometimes mispronounce the long 'ou' sounds. Saying 'gogo' (afternoon) instead of 'gougou' (roar) changes the sentence completely. 'The wind blew afternoon' makes no sense!
Misusing Kanji: Using 轟々 (cars) for people's voices or 囂々 (mouths) for a waterfall is a common writing error. While people will understand you, it shows a lack of nuance in formal writing.
Overusing it for 'Noisy': If a restaurant is just 'noisy' with chatter, use 'urusai' or 'nigiyaka.' 'Gougou' implies a roar so loud you can't hear the person next to you.

✕ 掃除機の音がごうごうとうるさい。(The vacuum cleaner is 'roaring' noisily.) -> Better: ブーーン (Buun) or ザーザー (Zaa-zaa). A vacuum is usually too small for 'gougou'.

Another mistake involves the grammar of 'taru.' In modern Japanese, 'taru' is a relic of classical grammar. Using 'gougou-taru' in a very casual conversation with friends can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. If you are just telling a friend about a windy day, stick to 'gougou to' (adverb). Save 'gougou-taru' for when you are writing a formal essay or describing something truly epic, like the public's reaction to a national crisis.

Finally, don't confuse gougou with zaa-zaa. Zaa-zaa is specifically for the sound of pouring rain. While rain can be part of a 'gougou' storm, gougou refers to the wind or the overall atmospheric roar, not the individual droplets hitting a surface. If you want to describe the rain itself, zaa-zaa is your word. If you want to describe the terrifying roar of the entire hurricane, use gougou.

✕ 雨がごうごうと降っている。(The rain is falling 'roaringly'.) -> Correct: 雨がザーザーと降っている。

Japanese is incredibly rich in onomatopoeia, and ごうごう exists within a spectrum of sounds. Knowing when to choose gougou over its cousins will significantly elevate your Japanese. The primary alternatives are dodo, zouzou, and wanwan. Each carries a slightly different 'texture' and 'volume.'

ドドー (Dodo): Similar to 'gougou' but has a more 'percussive' feel. It’s the sound of a heavy object hitting or the 'thudding' roar of a massive wave crashing. 'Gougou' is more continuous; 'Dodo' is more rhythmic.
ザーザー (Zaa-zaa): Specifically for white noise, like heavy rain or static on a TV. It lacks the 'bass' and 'vibration' that 'gougou' implies.
ワンワン (Wanwan): While this is the sound of a dog barking, it also describes a room 'ringing' with noise or a crowd 'clamoring.' However, 'wanwan' is more about the echoing quality, whereas 'gougou' is about the sheer volume and power.

比較：滝の音がごうごうと響く (Roaring continuously) vs ドドーと落ちる (Falling with a heavy, thundering impact).

When comparing gougou to gaagaa, the difference is one of annoyance. Gaagaa is the sound of a duck or a person complaining loudly and annoyingly (squawking). It is high-pitched and irritating. Gougou, on the other hand, is majestic and awe-inspiring. You might feel fear when you hear a gougou wind, but you feel annoyed when you hear a gaagaa neighbor. This emotional component is vital for choosing the right word.

In a formal context, you might replace gougou with todoro-ku (轟く), which is the verb form of the same kanji. 'Na o todorokaseru' (to make one's name roar/resound) is a common idiom meaning to become famous. This shows how the concept of 'roaring' moves from physical sound to metaphorical impact. While gougou describes the sound itself, todoroku describes the action of that sound reaching far and wide. Using both in your vocabulary arsenal will allow you to describe everything from a stormy night to a legendary career.

「彼の名は世界中に轟いている。」(His name is resounding throughout the world.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji for 'gougou' (轟) is one of the few characters that uses the same radical three times to represent 'intensity' through quantity. It's like saying 'car-car-car' to mean 'super loud traffic'!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡəʊ.ɡəʊ/

US /ɡoʊ.ɡoʊ/

Equal stress on both syllables, with a slight downward pitch at the end.

Rime avec

Koukou (高校) Houhou (方法) Souzou (想像) Toujou (登場) Joujou (上々) Youyou (悠々) Boubou (茫々) Dou-dou (堂々)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'gogo' (short 'o'), which means 'afternoon'.
Using a high pitch like 'gaagaa', which sounds like a duck.
Not elongating the 'ou' sound, making it sound clipped and less 'roaring'.
Confusing the 'g' sound with 'k' (koukou), which means 'filial piety' or 'high school'.
Failing to use the 'to' particle in adverbial contexts.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The kanji are very complex (轟, 囂) and usually only seen at N1 level, though hiragana is easy.

Écriture 5/5

Writing the kanji from memory is extremely difficult even for native speakers.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to say, just remember the long vowels.

Écoute 2/5

Very distinctive sound, though can be confused with 'gogo'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

風 (kaze) 水 (mizu) 音 (oto) 大きい (ookii) 鳴る (naru)

Apprends ensuite

ドドーザーザー響く (hibiku) 非難 (hinan) 嵐 (arashi)

Avancé

喧騒 (kensou) 罵詈雑言 (barizougon) 地鳴り (jinari) 喝采 (kassai)

Grammaire à connaître

Onomatopoeia + と (to)

ごうごうと吹く (Roaringly blows)

Onomatopoeia + たる (taru)

囂々たる非難 (Clamorous criticism)

Onomatopoeia + する (suru)

場内がごうごうとしている (The hall is in a roar)

Onomatopoeia as a Noun + の (no)

ごうごうという音 (A sound called gougou)

Causative + 轟かせる (todorokaseru)

名を世界に轟かせる (To make one's name resound)

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Exemples par niveau

かぜがごうごうとな鳴っています。

The wind is making a roaring sound.

Simple use of 'gougou to' with the verb 'naru' (to sound).

おおきなたきがごうごうとながれています。

A big waterfall is flowing roaringly.

Using 'gougou to' to describe the sound of moving water.

ひがごうごうともえています。

The fire is burning roaringly.

Describes the sound of a large fire.

ひこうきのごうごうというおとがきこえます。

I can hear the roaring sound of an airplane.

Using 'gougou to iu' to modify the noun 'oto' (sound).

うみがごうごうといっています。

The sea is 'saying' gougou (roaring).

Personification of the sea using 'iu' (to say).

とらっくがごうごうとはしります。

The truck runs with a roar.

Describes the mechanical roar of a vehicle.

あらしのなか、ごうごうとおとがします。

In the storm, there is a roaring sound.

Basic 'oto ga suru' (there is a sound) pattern.

ごうごうとおおきなおとがしました。

There was a big, roaring sound.

Past tense 'shimashita' for a completed sound.

台風の風がごうごうと窓を叩いています。

The typhoon wind is roaring and hitting the window.

Combines 'gougou to' with 'tataku' (to hit/knock).

工場の機械がごうごうと動いている。

The factory machines are operating with a roar.

Describes industrial noise.

冬の海はごうごうと荒れています。

The winter sea is roaring and rough.

Describes the state of the sea (areru).

トンネルの中でエンジンの音がごうごうと響いた。

The engine sound echoed roaringly inside the tunnel.

Use of 'hibiku' (to echo) for resonance.

焚き火の炎がごうごうと燃え上がった。

The flames of the bonfire flared up roaringly.

Describes the intensity of fire.

大雨で川の水がごうごうと流れている。

Due to heavy rain, the river water is flowing with a roar.

Connects cause (heavy rain) to the sound.

地下鉄がごうごうと音を立ててやってきた。

The subway came along making a roaring sound.

'Oto o tateru' is a common phrase for making noise.

森の奥からごうごうと風の音が聞こえる。

A roaring wind sound can be heard from deep in the forest.

Expresses the source of the sound (mori no oku).

激しい滝の音がごうごうと谷間に響き渡っている。

The sound of the violent waterfall is echoing roaringly through the valley.

Uses 'hibiki-wataru' for a sound that fills a space.

ジェット機がごうごうと爆音をあげて飛び立った。

The jet plane took off, letting out a roaring explosive sound.

'Bakuon o ageru' (to let out a roar) is a strong collocation.

火災現場では火がごうごうと音を立てて燃えていた。

At the fire scene, the fire was burning with a roaring sound.

Describes the terrifying scale of a fire.

反対派の住民からごうごうたる非難を浴びた。

He was showered with clamorous criticism from the opposing residents.

Introduction of the 'taru' form for social outcry.

強風がごうごうと吹き荒れ、木々がなぎ倒された。

The strong wind blew roaringly, and trees were blown down.

Describes the destructive power of the sound/wind.

ダムの放水が始まり、水がごうごうと流れ出した。

The dam release began, and water started flowing out with a roar.

Focuses on the start of a massive sound.

そのニュースを聞いて、教室内はごうごうとした騒ぎになった。

Hearing that news, the classroom turned into a roaring clamor.

Uses 'gougou to shita' to describe a state of noise.

蒸気機関車がごうごうと煙を吐きながら走っていく。

The steam locomotive runs while spitting out smoke with a roar.

Combines visual (smoke) and auditory (gougou) elements.

新法案の採決を巡り、議場内は囂々たる騒ぎに包まれた。

Regarding the vote on the new bill, the chamber was wrapped in a clamorous uproar.

Formal use of 囂々 (mouth variant) for human noise.

荒れ狂う冬の日本海が、轟々と音を立てて岸壁に打ち寄せている。

The raging winter Sea of Japan is crashing against the cliffs with a roar.

Literary description of nature's power.

不祥事を起こした企業に対し、世論の囂々たる非難が巻き起こった。

Clamorous public criticism arose against the company that caused the scandal.

Standard phrase for public reaction.

溶鉱炉が轟々と火を吹き、工場内は熱気に満ちていた。

The blast furnace roared with fire, and the factory was filled with heat.

Describes intense industrial heat and sound.

その名演説に、会場からは轟々たる拍手が沸き起こった。

At that great speech, thunderous (roaring) applause erupted from the venue.

Positive use of 'gougou' for applause.

吹雪が轟々と窓を揺らし、外の景色は全く見えなくなった。

The blizzard roared and shook the windows, making the outside view disappear.

Describes the physical effect of the sound/wind.

大群衆の囂々たる声が、スタジアムの外まで響いていた。

The clamorous voices of the huge crowd echoed even outside the stadium.

Emphasizes the scale of a collective human voice.

急流が岩に当たり、轟々と白いしぶきを上げている。

The rapids hit the rocks, creating a roar and white spray.

Detailed description of water movement.

その作家の急死は、文壇に囂々たる衝撃を与えた。

The author's sudden death sent a clamorous shock through the literary world.

Metaphorical 'roar' of impact in a specific community.

轟々と鳴り響く雷鳴が、古城の静寂を無慈悲に破った。

The thunderous roar of thunder mercilessly broke the silence of the old castle.

High-level literary contrast between sound and silence.

政府の強引な手法に対し、野党からは囂々たる反対の嵐が吹き荒れた。

A clamorous storm of opposition from the opposition parties blew wildly against the government's forceful methods.

Extended metaphor using storm imagery for politics.

巨大な水車が轟々と音を立てて回り、村の歴史を刻み続けている。

The giant waterwheel turns with a roar, continuing to carve the village's history.

Poetic use of sound to represent the passage of time.

深夜の滑走路に、ジェットエンジンの轟々たる残響がいつまでも残っていた。

On the midnight runway, the roaring reverberation of the jet engine lingered forever.

Focuses on the 'reverberation' (zankyou) of the roar.

群衆の囂々たる怒号が、冷たい夜の空気を震わせていた。

The clamorous angry roars of the crowd were vibrating the cold night air.

Combines auditory and tactile (vibration) descriptions.

火山の噴火とともに、大地を揺るがす轟々たる地鳴りが響いた。

Along with the volcanic eruption, a roaring ground-rumble that shook the earth resounded.

Describes low-frequency seismic sound (jinari).

そのバイオリニストの力強い演奏に、聴衆は轟々たる喝采を送った。

The audience gave a roaring (thunderous) ovation to the violinist's powerful performance.

Describes a powerful positive reaction.

明治維新の激動期、日本中が囂々たる変革の渦中にあった。

During the turbulent Meiji Restoration, all of Japan was in the midst of a clamorous vortex of change.

Historical/Sociological application of the term.

深淵から湧き上がる轟々たる水音は、聴く者の魂を揺さぶる畏怖の念を抱かせる。

The roaring sound of water rising from the abyss instills a sense of awe that shakes the listener's soul.

Abstract, philosophical description of sound and emotion.

学界における囂々たる議論の末、ようやく一つの定説が導き出された。

After clamorous debates in the academic world, a single established theory was finally derived.

Describes the 'noise' of intellectual discourse.

轟々と燃え盛る業火のごとき情熱が、彼の創作活動の源泉であった。

A passion like a roaring, blazing hellfire was the source of his creative activities.

Metaphorical use of 'gougou' for internal emotion.

近代化という名の轟々たる足音が、古き良き日本の風景を塗り替えていった。

The roaring footsteps named 'modernization' rewrote the landscapes of the good old Japan.

Personification of an abstract concept (modernization).

囂々たる世評に惑わされることなく、彼は己の信じる道を突き進んだ。

Without being misled by clamorous public reputation, he pushed forward on the path he believed in.

Describes the noise of 'reputation' (sehyou).

大瀑布の轟々たる響きは、自然の圧倒的な生命力を象徴しているかのようだった。

The roaring resonance of the great waterfall seemed to symbolize the overwhelming vitality of nature.

Symbolic interpretation of onomatopoeia.

戦火が轟々と大地を焼き尽くす中、人々はただ平和を祈り続けた。

While the fires of war roared and burned the earth to a cinder, people just kept praying for peace.

Uses sound to emphasize the tragedy of war.

Collocations courantes

ごうごうと流れる

ごうごうと吹く

ごうごうと響く

囂々たる非難

ごうごうと燃える

ごうごうと音を立てる

囂々たる反対

ごうごうたる喝采

ごうごうと吹き荒れる

ごうごうと鳴る

Phrases Courantes

風がごうごう

— The wind is roaring. Used in casual weather descriptions.

外は風がごうごう言ってるよ。

ごうごうたるもの

— Something that is in a state of roar or clamor.

その反対の声はごうごうたるものだった。

ごうごうと音を立てて

— Making a roaring sound. Very common in descriptive writing.

水がごうごうと音を立てて落ちる。

周囲はごうごうとして

— The surroundings were in a roar/clamor.

周囲はごうごうとして、何も聞こえない。

ごうごうたる反響

— A roaring/massive response or echo.

その提案にはごうごうたる反響があった。

ごうごうと響き渡る

— To echo roaringly across a wide area.

汽笛がごうごうと響き渡った。

ごうごうと燃え盛る

— To be burning at its peak with a roar.

炎がごうごうと燃え盛っている。

ごうごうたる怒号

— Roaring angry shouts.

スタジアムに囂々たる怒号が響く。

ごうごうと押し寄せる

— To come pressing in with a roar (like waves).

波がごうごうと押し寄せてくる。

ごうごうと回る

— To spin/rotate with a roar (like a turbine).

巨大なファンがごうごうと回っている。

Souvent confondu avec

ごうごう vs 午後 (gogo)

Means 'afternoon'. Easy to confuse if the long 'ou' is not pronounced correctly.

ごうごう vs ゴーゴー (gōgō)

Often used for 'Go! Go!' in sports or high-energy music, but phonetically identical.

ごうごう vs 高々 (takadaka)

Means 'at most' or 'haughty'. Sounds slightly similar but used very differently.

Expressions idiomatiques

"囂々たる非難を浴びる"

— To be showered with clamorous criticism. Used when someone is publicly shamed.

汚職が発覚し、彼は囂々たる非難を浴びた。

Formal

"名を轟かせる"

— To make one's name roar (to become very famous).

彼は世界に名を轟かせた。

Neutral

"轟々たる喝采"

— Thunderous applause that sounds like a roar.

演奏が終わると、轟々たる喝采が沸いた。

Formal

"天下に轟く"

— To resound throughout the whole country/world.

その勇名は天下に轟いている。

Literary

"囂々たる反対の声"

— A roaring storm of opposition voices.

増税案に囂々たる反対の声が上がった。

Neutral

"耳底に轟く"

— To roar in the depths of one's ears (a sound that sticks with you).

あの時の叫びが今も耳底に轟いている。

Literary

"地鳴りが轟く"

— The roaring of the earth (seismic rumbling).

地震の直前、地鳴りが轟いた。

Neutral

"万雷の如く轟く"

— To roar like ten thousand claps of thunder.

拍手が万雷の如く轟いた。

Literary

"囂々たる世論"

— Clamorous public opinion.

囂々たる世論に押されて、政府は方針を変えた。

Formal

"怒号が轟く"

— Angry roars resound.

議場に怒号が轟いた。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

ごうごう vs ザーザー

Both describe water/weather.

Zaa-zaa is for the sound of falling rain (white noise); Gougou is for the deep roar of wind or a massive waterfall.

雨がザーザー降る vs 滝がごうごう流れる。

ごうごう vs ドドー

Both are heavy sounds.

Dodo is percussive and rhythmic (crashing waves); Gougou is a continuous, steady roar (constant wind).

波がドドーと打つ vs 風がごうごう吹く。

ごうごう vs ざわざわ

Both describe crowd noise.

Zawa-zawa is a quiet buzz of many people whispering or talking; Gougou is a loud, overwhelming roar of shouting.

教室がざわざわする vs 会場がごうごうと騒ぐ。

ごうごう vs わんわん

Both describe loud noise.

Wanwan is for a sound that rings or echoes sharply (like a dog or a loud hall); Gougou is a deep rumble.

音がわんわん響く vs エンジンがごうごう鳴る。

ごうごう vs がんがん

Both mean 'loudly'.

Gangan is for a pounding headache or a loud metallic clanging; Gougou is for a broad roar.

頭ががんがんする vs 嵐がごうごう吹く。

Structures de phrases

[Noun] がごうごうと [Verb]。

かぜがごうごうとふく。

[Noun] のおとがごうごうとひびく。

たきのおとがごうごうとひびく。

[Noun] はごうごうとおとをたてて [Verb]。

かわはごうごうとおとをたててながれている。

[Noun] に [Adjective] たる [Noun] が起こる。

計画に囂々たる反対が起こる。

[Noun] たる [Noun] を浴びる。

囂々たる非難を浴びる。

[Noun] に [Noun] が鳴り轟く。

山々に雷鳴が鳴り轟く。

[Noun] という名の [Adjective] たる [Noun]。

近代化という名の轟々たる足音。

[Noun] を [Verb-Causative]。

勇名を天下に轟かせる。

Famille de mots

Noms

轟 (todoroki) - roar/resonance

喧騒 (kensou) - clamor

Verbes

轟く (todoroku) - to roar/resound

騒ぐ (sawagu) - to make noise

Adjectifs

轟々たる (gougou-taru) - roaring

囂々たる (gougou-taru) - clamorous

Apparenté

ドドー

ザーザー

雷鳴

怒号

非難

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in specific contexts (nature, news, literature), rare in everyday small talk.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'gougou' for a high-pitched alarm. → Using 'pi-pi-' or 'ji-ri-ri-'.
Gougou is strictly for low, rumbling sounds.
Writing 'gogo to fuite iru' for wind. → Writing 'gougou to fuite iru'.
Gogo means afternoon; gougou means roaring.
Using 轟々 to describe an angry crowd. → Using 囂々.
轟々 is for mechanical/natural sounds; 囂々 is for voices.
Using 'gougou' for a single loud bang. → Using 'don!' or 'baan!'.
Gougou must be a continuous, prolonged sound.
Using 'gougou-taru' in a casual text to a friend. → Using 'gougou to'.
'Taru' is too formal/literary for casual texting.

Astuces

Water Contexts

When describing water, 'gougou' is best for waterfalls and overflowing rivers. For rain, stick to 'zaa-zaa'.

Kanji Choice

If you want to look smart in a political essay, use 囂々. If you're writing a poem about nature, use 轟々.

Avoid Confusion

Always check your vowel length! 'Gogo' (afternoon) is a very common word, so 'gougou' needs to be distinct.

SFX Recognition

In manga, ゴーゴー is often used for fire. It helps you 'hear' the intensity of the flames.

Pair with Hibiku

The verb 'hibiku' (to echo/resound) is the best partner for 'gougou'. They fit together naturally.

Nature Respect

Using 'gougou' for nature shows you appreciate its power. It's a respectful way to describe a storm.

Taru Nuance

Remember that 'taru' is an old grammar form. It makes your Japanese sound very 'literary' and 'stiff'.

News Cues

When you hear 'gougou' on the news, look for visuals of wind or angry protesters.

Gougou vs. Dodo

Use 'gougou' for the wind's roar and 'dodo' for the sound of a landslide or crashing wave.

Car Kanji

Remember the three cars in 轟. It's the sound of a heavy 'traffic' of water or wind.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine three CARS (車+車+車) crashing in a row—that's a GOUGOU roar! Or imagine four MOUTHS (口x4) shouting at you—that's a GOUGOU clamor!

Association visuelle

Picture a massive waterfall (轰) or a stadium full of angry people (嚣). The sound is so big it fills your whole head.

Word Web

Waterfall Wind Engine Criticism Thunder Applause Roar Vibration

Défi

Try to find three different videos online: one of a waterfall, one of a jet, and one of a protest. Describe all three using 'gougou to' in a sentence.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Chinese phonology. The kanji 轟 (todoroku) consists of three 'car' (車) characters, symbolizing the deafening sound of many wagons. The kanji 囂 (kamabisushii) consists of four 'mouth' (口) characters, symbolizing many people talking/shouting at once.

Sens originel : The sound of a large number of horse-drawn carriages or a crowd of people in a market.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) onomatopoeia.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 囂々 (human noise) as it often implies a negative or chaotic situation. It's not just 'happy noise.'

English speakers often use 'roar' for lions, but 'gougou' is rarely used for animals. It's for elements and crowds.

Used in the lyrics of many Japanese school songs (校歌) to describe nearby rivers. Commonly seen in 'Godzilla' movies to describe the sound of his movement. Appears in Natsume Soseki's 'Botchan' to describe the turbulent sea.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Typhoon/Storm

風がごうごうと吹く
窓がごうごう鳴る
嵐のごうごうという音
ごうごうと吹き荒れる

Waterfall/River

水がごうごうと流れる
滝のごうごうたる響き
ごうごうと音を立てる急流
川がごうごうと溢れる

Political Scandal

囂々たる非難を浴びる
反対の声がごうごうと上がる
囂々たる世論
場内はごうごうたる騒ぎ

Large Machinery

エンジンがごうごうと回る
工場のごうごうたる騒音
ごうごうと火を吹く
ジェット機のごうごうという爆音

Large Events

轟々たる拍手
ごうごうたる喝采
会場がごうごうとどよめく
ごうごうたる反響

Amorces de conversation

"昨日の嵐、風の音がごうごうとすごかったですね。眠れましたか？"

"あの滝、ごうごうと音がして迫力がありましたね。"

"新しい増税のニュース、世間では囂々たる非難が上がっていますが、どう思いますか？"

"飛行機のエンジンのごうごうという音が苦手な人は多いですよね。"

"スタジアムのごうごうたる拍手を聞くと、感動しませんか？"

Sujets d'écriture

嵐の夜、外から聞こえてくるごうごうという音を想像して、その時の気持ちを書いてください。

あなたが最近「囂々たる非難」を浴びていると感じるニュースについて、自分の意見を書きましょう。

自然の中で「ごうごう」という音を聞いた時の思い出を詳しく描写してください。

巨大な機械がごうごうと動いている工場を訪れたとしたら、どんな光景が見えますか？

「轟々たる喝采」を浴びるような成功を収めた自分を想像して、日記を書いてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Usually no. Snoring is typically described as 'guu-guu' or 'gaa-gaa.' 'Gougou' would imply the snoring is as loud as a jet engine, which might be used as a joke, but it's not standard.

Yes, especially in manga or when you want to emphasize the sound as a 'noise' rather than a description. ゴーゴー is very common for sound effects.

轟々 (with the car radical) is for physical sounds like wind, water, and machines. 囂々 (with the mouth radical) is for human sounds like voices, criticism, and shouting.

Use 'to' (adverb) for actions: 'The wind blows gougou-to.' Use 'taru' (adjective) for nouns in formal settings: 'The gougou-taru criticism.' 'Taru' is much more formal.

Yes! 'Gougou-taru kassai' (thunderous applause) is a positive use. It simply means the sound is massive and overwhelming.

It's common when talking about the weather (typhoons) or when discussing news. It's not a word you use every few minutes, but every Japanese person knows it.

Yes, it often carries the nuance that the sound is so loud it makes the surroundings (or the air) vibrate.

Not really. For a TV, you'd use 'urusai' or 'oto ga ookii.' 'Gougou' is for sounds that have more 'mass' than a speaker usually provides.

Yes, the verb is 'todoroku' (轟く). It means 'to roar' or 'to resound.' It's often used for thunder or for someone's fame.

It's a long 'o' sound. In romaji, it's often written as 'gōgō'. Make sure to hold the vowel for two beats.

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