Gutto describes an intense, sudden burst of physical force, emotional reaction, or significant change in state.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses a sudden or powerful physical action.
- Describes a significant increase or decrease in degree.
- Used when suppressing emotions or feelings.
概要:ぐっとは、副詞として非常に幅広い文脈で使われる擬態語です。物理的な力、感情の動き、時間の経過による変化など、何かが「急激に」または「強く」動く様子を直感的に表現します。
- 1使用パターン:主な使い方は3つあります。第一に、物理的な力を込める場合(例:ドアをぐっと押す)。第二に、感情や感覚が強く高まる場合(例:喉をぐっと鳴らす、涙がぐっとこみ上げる)。第三に、状態が大きく変化する場合(例:成績がぐっと上がる、気温がぐっと下がる)。
よくある文脈:日常会話で非常に頻繁に使用されます。特に「こらえる」「押す」「増える・減る」といった動詞と結びつきやすいです。また、感情を抑える場面や、決意を固める場面でもよく耳にします。
- 1類似語との比較:「ずっと」は継続性を表しますが、「ぐっと」は「一点における力強さ」や「急激な変化」に焦点が当たります。「もっと」は程度の増加を意味しますが、「ぐっと」は「勢い」や「一気に」というニュアンスが加わります。
Examples
ドアをぐっと押して開けた。
everydayI pushed the door firmly to open it.
その映画のラストシーンでぐっときた。
informalI was deeply moved by the last scene of the movie.
今年は売上がぐっと伸びた。
neutralSales increased significantly this year.
我慢してぐっとこらえた。
everydayI held back and endured it.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ぐっと我慢する
to hold back firmly
ぐっと引き寄せる
to pull something close with force
ぐっと冷え込む
to get suddenly cold
Often Confused With
Zutto refers to a long duration or distance, whereas Gutto refers to suddenness or intensity.
Motto means 'more' in terms of quantity or degree, while Gutto emphasizes the force or speed of the change.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Gutto is an onomatopoeic word primarily used in spoken Japanese. It is informal and expressive. Avoid using it in highly professional or legal documents.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'zutto' (duration). Remember that 'gutto' is about impact and 'zutto' is about time.
Tips
Focus on the suddenness of change
Use 'gutto' whenever you see a graph jumping up or down quickly. It captures the visual impact of a sudden change perfectly.
Avoid in formal written reports
While expressive, 'gutto' is an onomatopoeic adverb. In academic or formal business writing, use more precise words like 'kyuugeki ni' or 'daiteki ni'.
Emotional depth in Japanese culture
The phrase 'gutto kuru' is very common in Japanese to describe being moved by a story or music. It reflects the value placed on unspoken emotional depth.
Word Origin
Derived from the sound and feeling of physical exertion. It belongs to a group of Japanese mimetic words (giseigo/gitaigo) that describe sensory experiences.
Cultural Context
It is a staple of Japanese emotional vocabulary. It captures the 'stiff upper lip' culture of holding back emotions until they 'gutto' hit you.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'GUT' feeling—when you feel something strongly in your gut, it's 'gutto kuru'. Also, imagine 'GUT-ting' (pushing) a door with all your force.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「ずっと」は長い期間や距離が続くことを表しますが、「ぐっと」は急激な変化や、ある瞬間に力を込める様子を表します。全く異なる意味ですので注意してください。
感動して胸が熱くなる、あるいは心が揺さぶられるという意味です。感情が急激に高まる様子を表現しています。
「売上がぐっと伸びた」のように、変化の大きさを説明する際には使えますが、非常にカジュアルな表現です。フォーマルな文書では「大幅に」などを使うのが無難です。
はい、使えます。「昨夜はぐっと冷え込んだ」のように、変化の勢いを説明する際に過去形と組み合わせて自然に使用可能です。
Test Yourself
寒波が来て、気温が___下がった。
急激な変化を表す「ぐっと」が最も適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Gutto describes an intense, sudden burst of physical force, emotional reaction, or significant change in state.
- Expresses a sudden or powerful physical action.
- Describes a significant increase or decrease in degree.
- Used when suppressing emotions or feelings.
Focus on the suddenness of change
Use 'gutto' whenever you see a graph jumping up or down quickly. It captures the visual impact of a sudden change perfectly.
Avoid in formal written reports
While expressive, 'gutto' is an onomatopoeic adverb. In academic or formal business writing, use more precise words like 'kyuugeki ni' or 'daiteki ni'.
Emotional depth in Japanese culture
The phrase 'gutto kuru' is very common in Japanese to describe being moved by a story or music. It reflects the value placed on unspoken emotional depth.
Examples
4 of 4ドアをぐっと押して開けた。
I pushed the door firmly to open it.
その映画のラストシーンでぐっときた。
I was deeply moved by the last scene of the movie.
今年は売上がぐっと伸びた。
Sales increased significantly this year.
我慢してぐっとこらえた。
I held back and endured it.
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