ぐらぐら em 30 segundos
- ぐらぐら describes a state of being wobbly, shaky, or unstable.
- It can apply to physical objects, body parts, health, and even abstract situations.
- Commonly used for things like loose teeth, dizzy spells, or shaky furniture.
- It's an onomatopoeia, evoking the sensation of instability.
- Core Meaning
- The Japanese onomatopoeia ぐらぐら (guragura) primarily describes a state of wobbling, shaking, or being unstable. It evokes a sense of something not being firm or steady, often due to external forces, internal weakness, or a feeling of unease.
- Physical Instability
- One of the most common uses of ぐらぐら is to describe physical instability. This can range from something as large as a building shaking during an earthquake to something as small as a loose tooth. For instance, if your knees are shaking from fear or exhaustion, you might describe them as ぐらぐら. Similarly, a wobbly table or a chair that feels like it might collapse can be described as ぐらぐら.
地震で建物がぐらぐら揺れた。
- Emotional and Mental States
- Beyond physical shaking, ぐらぐら can also describe a state of emotional or mental instability. If someone is feeling very anxious, their mind might feel 'shaky' or unsettled. It can also refer to a wavering or uncertain decision. For example, if you're undecided about something and your thoughts are all over the place, you might feel your mind is ぐらぐら.
彼の決断はぐらぐらしている。
- Health and Well-being
- In terms of health, ぐらぐら can describe feeling weak or dizzy. If you stand up too quickly and feel your head spin, or if you're recovering from an illness and feel unsteady on your feet, you might use ぐらぐら to describe your physical state. This often implies a temporary lack of balance or strength.
貧血で頭がぐらぐらする。
- Objects and Structures
- When describing objects, ぐらぐら signifies that something is not securely fixed or is prone to tipping over. This could be a poorly assembled piece of furniture, a leaning fence, or even a precarious stack of items. It implies a lack of stability that could lead to it falling or collapsing.
この椅子はぐらぐらするから危ない。
- Figurative Meanings
- Figuratively, ぐらぐら can describe situations that are unstable or uncertain. For example, a relationship that is on the verge of breaking up might be described as ぐらぐら. It can also refer to a shaky economy or a political situation that is unstable. The core idea of something being on the verge of collapse or change remains consistent.
景気がぐらぐらしている。
- Basic Structure: [Noun/Subject] が ぐらぐら する/している
- The most straightforward way to use ぐらぐら is with the particle が (ga) followed by する (suru) or している (shite iru). This indicates that the subject is in a state of wobbling or shaking. For example, a loose tooth might be described as 歯がぐらぐらする (ha ga guragura suru - my tooth is wobbly).
子供の乳歯がぐらぐらしてきた。
- Describing Physical Sensations: [Body Part] が ぐらぐら する
- When referring to physical feelings like dizziness or weakness in the legs, you often use が with the body part. For instance, 膝がぐらぐらする (hiza ga guragura suru) means 'my knees are wobbly,' often implying fear or fatigue. Similarly, 目がぐらぐらする (me ga guragura suru) can mean 'my eyes are swimming' or feeling dizzy.
長時間の立ち仕事で足がぐらぐらする。
- Describing Objects: [Object] が ぐらぐら している
- For objects, ぐらぐら している (guragura shite iru) is common to describe something that is currently in a wobbly state. For example, a poorly assembled shelf might be described as 棚がぐらぐらしている (tana ga guragura shite iru - the shelf is wobbly). This implies a present danger or instability.
ドアの蝶番が壊れて、ドアがぐらぐらだ。
- Describing Situations: [Situation] が ぐらぐら
- In more abstract or figurative senses, ぐらぐら can describe unstable situations. For example, the political climate might be described as 政治がぐらぐらしている (seiji ga guragura shite iru - politics is unstable). It suggests a lack of firm footing or predictability.
関係がぐらぐらしている。
- Using it as an Adverbial Modifier
- While primarily an onomatopoeia describing a state, ぐらぐら can sometimes modify verbs to emphasize the manner of action. For example, ぐらぐらと揺れる (guragura to yureru) means to shake unstably. The particle と (to) often links onomatopoeia to verbs when used adverbially.
船が波でぐらぐらと揺れている。
- Expressing Uncertainty: 心がぐらぐらする
- When referring to internal feelings of uncertainty or wavering resolve, 心がぐらぐらする (kokoro ga guragura suru) is used. This conveys a sense of mental or emotional instability, like having conflicting thoughts or being unable to make up one's mind.
試験の結果がまだなので、気持ちがぐらぐらしている。
- News Reports and Weather
- You will frequently hear ぐらぐら in news reports, especially during and after earthquakes. Phrases like 地震で建物がぐらぐら揺れた (Jishin de tatemono ga guragura yureta - The building shook unstably due to the earthquake) are very common. It's also used to describe the shaking of a vehicle or structure during severe weather like typhoons.
「震度４の地震がありました。震源地では家がぐらぐらしたそうです。」
- Conversations about Health and Well-being
- People often use ぐらぐら in casual conversations when talking about feeling unwell. For example, if someone is feeling dizzy after standing up too quickly or is recovering from a fever, they might say 頭がぐらぐらする (atama ga guragura suru - my head feels dizzy/unsteady) or 体がぐらぐらする (karada ga guragura suru - my body feels unstable).
「昨日は熱があって、起き上がるとぐらぐらしたんだ。」
- Describing Objects in Daily Life
- In everyday life, ぐらぐら is used to describe wobbly furniture, loose fittings, or anything that seems unstable. For instance, if you're at a friend's house and a chair feels shaky, you might mention, 「この椅子、ちょっとぐらぐらするね。」 (Kono isu, chotto guragura suru ne. - This chair is a bit wobbly, isn't it?).
テーブルの足が一本ぐらぐらしている。
- Talking about Uncertainty and Instability
- Figuratively, people use ぐらぐら to discuss uncertain situations. This could be about a job that feels insecure, a relationship that is strained, or even a shaky political climate. For example, a student might say, 「卒業後の進路がぐらぐらしてて不安だ。」 (Sotsugyōgo no shinro ga guragura shite te fuan da. - I'm anxious because my post-graduation career path is uncertain.)
会社の経営がぐらぐらだ。
- Mistake 1: Overusing it for minor wobbles.
- While ぐらぐら describes instability, it's not typically used for very slight or insignificant wobbles that don't pose a risk. For instance, a perfectly balanced object might have a tiny bit of movement, but you wouldn't describe it as ぐらぐら. It implies a noticeable lack of stability.
❌ 鉛筆がぐらぐらしている。
- Correct Usage for Minor Wobbles
- For a pencil, you might say it's just slightly unstable, or perhaps if it's on a very uneven surface, you might use a different descriptive word or no word at all, as it's not usually a cause for concern. The key is that ぐらぐら implies a noticeable and often problematic instability.
✅ テーブルの足がぐらぐらする。
- Mistake 2: Confusing it with steady shaking.
- ぐらぐら specifically refers to unstable shaking or wobbling, not a consistent, rhythmic shaking. For example, a washing machine in its spin cycle might shake vigorously, but if it's well-balanced, you wouldn't use ぐらぐら. It implies a lack of balance or a precarious state.
❌ 洗濯機がぐらぐら回っている。
- Correct Usage for Vigorous but Stable Shaking
- For a washing machine, you might say 洗濯機が激しく振動している (sentakuki ga hageshiku shindō shite iru - the washing machine is vibrating intensely) if it's performing its function, even if it's loud. If it's genuinely unstable and about to tip, then ぐらぐら might apply.
✅ 地震で棚の上の物がぐらぐらと揺れた。
- Mistake 3: Using it for internal states that are not about instability.
- While ぐらぐら can describe mental or emotional instability (e.g., 心がぐらぐらする), it's not a general term for any internal feeling. For example, you wouldn't use it to describe feeling happy, sad, or angry. It specifically relates to a wavering, uncertain, or unstable mental state.
❌ 嬉しいので心がぐらぐらする。
- Correct Usage for Mental Instability
- A correct usage would be if someone is very anxious about a decision: 「どうしようか迷って、心がぐらぐらしている。」 (Dō shiyō ka mayotte, kokoro ga guragura shite iru. - I'm wavering and unsettled because I'm wondering what to do.)
✅ 彼はまだ自分の意見がぐらぐらしている。
- 揺れる (Yureru) - To Shake/Sway
- ぐらぐら vs 揺れる: 揺れる is a general verb for shaking or swaying. It can describe both stable and unstable movements. ぐらぐら is more specific, emphasizing the *unstable* nature of the shaking. While a building can 揺れる during an earthquake, if it's severely damaged and unstable, it's ぐらぐら.
地震で棚が揺れた。
地震で棚がぐらぐら揺れた。
- 不安定 (Fuan'tei) - Unstable
- ぐらぐら vs 不安定: 不安定 is a more formal and general term for 'unstable'. It can describe physical instability, but also social, economic, or political instability. ぐらぐら is more onomatopoeic and often describes a more direct, physical, or visceral sense of wobbling or shaking.
この椅子は不安定だ。
この椅子はぐらぐらする。
- ふらふら (Furafura) - Tottering/Staggering
- ぐらぐら vs ふらふら: ふらふら describes a tottering or staggering gait, often due to weakness, dizziness, or being drunk. It's about imbalance in movement, usually of a person. ぐらぐら is more about the object or situation itself being unstable, or a general feeling of instability rather than a specific way of walking.
酔っ払いがふらふら歩いていた。
貧血で足元がぐらぐらする。
- ぐにゃぐにゃ (Gunyagunya) - Limp/Flabby
- ぐらぐら vs ぐにゃぐにゃ: ぐにゃぐにゃ describes something that is limp, flabby, or bendy, lacking firmness. It's about texture and flexibility, not about shaking or wobbling. For example, overcooked spaghetti might be ぐにゃぐにゃ.
茹ですぎてパスタがぐにゃぐにゃになった。
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
Many Japanese onomatopoeia words come in reduplicated forms like ぐらぐら, ぶらぶら (burabura - dangling/loitering), きらきら (kirakira - sparkling), etc. This reduplication often emphasizes the continuous or repeated nature of the action or sensation, making the word more vivid.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly, like an English 'r'.
- Making the 'u' sound too long.
- Not capturing the short, rhythmic quality of the word.
Nível de dificuldade
ぐらぐら is a common onomatopoeia. While its meaning is intuitive, understanding its nuances in different contexts (physical, emotional, economic) requires exposure to various sentence structures and situations. Recognizing its figurative uses can be challenging for beginners.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Using onomatopoeia with する/している.
ぐらぐらする (to be wobbly), ざわざわする (to rustle/be noisy).
Using onomatopoeia with と to modify verbs.
ぐらぐらと揺れる (to shake unstably), きらきらと光る (to sparkle).
Using な adjectives derived from onomatopoeia.
ぐらぐらな椅子 (a wobbly chair).
Noun forms of onomatopoeia.
ぐらつき (wobbliness) from ぐらぐら.
Using onomatopoeia with だ/です for direct description.
このテーブルはぐらぐらだ。(This table is wobbly.)
Exemplos por nível
椅子がぐらぐらする。
The chair is wobbly.
Subject が ぐらぐら する.
私の歯がぐらぐらする。
My tooth is wobbly.
Subject が ぐらぐら する.
テーブルがぐらぐらだ。
The table is wobbly.
Subject が ぐらぐら だ.
足がぐらぐらする。
My legs are shaky/wobbly.
Subject が ぐらぐら する.
建物がぐらぐら揺れた。
The building shook unstably.
Subject が ぐらぐら 揺れた.
床がぐらぐらする。
The floor is wobbly.
Subject が ぐらぐら する.
この棚はぐらぐらします。
This shelf is wobbly.
Subject は ぐらぐら します.
頭がぐらぐらする。
My head feels dizzy/unsteady.
Subject が ぐらぐら する.
地震で家がぐらぐら揺れた。
The house shook unstably due to the earthquake.
Noun + で + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb.
貧血でめまいがして、ぐらぐらする。
I feel dizzy and unsteady due to anemia.
Noun + で + Noun + がして、 + ぐらぐら + する.
この椅子は座るとぐらぐらする。
This chair wobbles when I sit on it.
Noun + は + Verb + と + ぐらぐら + する.
新しい机の足がぐらぐらしている。
The legs of the new desk are wobbly.
Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + いる.
風が強い日、建物がぐらぐら揺れることがある。
On windy days, buildings sometimes shake unstably.
Noun + が + Adjective + 日、 + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ことがある.
彼は怖くて足がぐらぐらしていた。
His legs were shaky because he was scared.
Noun + は + Adjective + て + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ていた.
その塔は古くて、少しぐらぐらしていた。
That tower was old and a little wobbly.
Noun + は + Adjective + て、 + Adverb + ぐらぐら + Verb + ていた.
電源が不安定で、テレビがぐらぐら映る。
The power supply is unstable, so the TV picture flickers unstably.
Noun + が + Adjective + で、 + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb.
工事中の建物がぐらぐら揺れているのが見えた。
I saw the building under construction shaking unstably.
Noun + 中の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + のが + Verb.
試験の結果がまだなので、気持ちがぐらぐらしている。
My feelings are unsettled/wavering because the test results are not out yet.
Noun + が + Adjective + なので、 + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + いる.
長時間の飛行機移動で、足がむくんでぐらぐらする。
My legs are swollen and feel unsteady from the long flight.
Noun + の + Noun + で、 + Noun + が + Verb + て + ぐらぐら + する.
彼はまだ自分の意見がぐらぐらしているようだ。
He seems to still have a wavering opinion.
Noun + は + まだ + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + ようだ.
その古い橋は、車が通るとぐらぐらと音を立てて揺れる。
That old bridge shakes with a wobbly sound when cars pass over it.
Noun + は、 + Noun + が + Verb + と + Noun + を + Verb + て + Verb.
景気がぐらぐらしているため、投資を控えている。
Due to the unstable economy, I am refraining from investing.
Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + ため、 + Noun + を + Verb + ている.
彼女の健康状態はまだぐらぐらしている。
Her health condition is still unstable.
Noun + の + Noun + は + まだ + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている.
この地域は地盤が弱く、地震の時には建物がぐらぐら揺れやすい。
The ground in this area is weak, and buildings tend to shake unstably during earthquakes.
Noun + は + Noun + が + Adjective + く、 + Noun + の + 時 + は + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + やすい.
長引く不況で、多くの企業の経営がぐらぐらしている。
Due to the prolonged recession, the management of many companies is unstable.
Verb + く + Noun + で、 + Adjective + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている.
突然のめまいに襲われ、立っているのがやっとで、体全体がぐらぐらしていた。
I was struck by sudden dizziness, barely able to stand, and my whole body felt unsteady.
Adjective + Noun + に + Verb + われ、 + Verb + のが + Adverb + で、 + Noun + 全体 + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ていた.
政治的な混乱により、国の将来がぐらぐらしている状況だ。
Due to political turmoil, the country's future is in an unstable state.
Noun + 的な + Noun + により、 + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + 状況だ.
彼の健康状態は、まだ完全に回復したとは言えず、依然としてぐらぐらしている。
His health condition cannot be said to have fully recovered yet and remains unstable.
Noun + の + Noun + は、 + Adverb + に + Verb + した + とは + 言えず、 + Adverb + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている.
この古い木造家屋は、地震の衝撃で構造がぐらぐらになり、いつ倒壊してもおかしくない。
The structure of this old wooden house has become unstable due to the earthquake's impact, and it could collapse at any moment.
Noun + は、 + Noun + の + Noun + で + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + に + なり、 + Noun + 倒壊 + しても + おかしくない.
経済指標が不安定に推移しており、市場全体がぐらぐらしている。
Economic indicators are fluctuating unstably, and the entire market is shaky.
Noun + が + Adverb + に + Verb + しており、 + Noun + 全体 + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + いる.
彼女の決断は、まだ完全に固まっておらず、時々ぐらぐらしているように見える。
Her decision has not yet been completely solidified and sometimes appears to be wavering.
Noun + の + Noun + は、 + Adverb + に + Verb + ておらず、 + Adverb + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + ように + Verb.
この地域では、地盤沈下の影響で建物がぐらぐらしている箇所が点在している。
In this region, there are scattered areas where buildings are wobbly due to land subsidence.
Noun + では、 + Noun + の + Noun + の + Noun + で + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + Noun + が + Verb + している.
長引く財政難により、政府の基盤がぐらぐらしており、国民の不安が増大している。
Due to the prolonged financial difficulties, the government's foundation is shaky, and public anxiety is increasing.
Verb + く + Noun + により、 + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + しており、 + Noun + の + Noun + が + Verb + している.
昨夜の激しい嵐で、家の屋根がぐらぐらと音を立て、今朝になってようやく落ち着いた。
The house roof made a wobbly sound during last night's severe storm, and it finally settled down this morning.
Noun + の + Adjective + Noun + で、 + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + と + Noun + を + Verb + て、 + Noun + に + Adverb + Verb + た.
彼の健康状態は依然として不安定なままで、日によって体調がぐらぐらしている。
His health condition remains unstable, and his physical condition fluctuates daily.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Adverb + Adjective + な + ままで、 + Noun + に + よって + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + いる.
経済の先行きが不透明なため、多くの企業が投資戦略をぐらぐらさせている。
Because the economic outlook is uncertain, many companies are making their investment strategies unstable.
Noun + の + Noun + が + Adjective + な + ため、 + Adjective + Noun + が + Noun + 戦略 + を + ぐらぐら + Verb + させている.
この地域は活断層の近くに位置しており、地震の際には建物の構造がぐらぐらになるリスクが高い。
This region is located near an active fault, and there is a high risk of building structures becoming unstable during earthquakes.
Noun + は + Adjective + の + Adjective + に + Verb + しており、 + Noun + の + 際 + に + は + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + に + なる + Risk + が + 高い.
彼の長年の経験にもかかわらず、重要な局面での判断が時折ぐらぐらしているように見える。
Despite his many years of experience, his judgment in critical situations sometimes appears to be wavering.
Noun + の + Noun + にも + かかわらず、 + Adjective + Noun + での + Noun + が + Adverb + ぐらぐら + Verb + ている + ように + Verb.
地盤沈下による建物の傾斜が顕著になり、住民の間で安全性の懸念からぐらぐらする声が上がっている。
The tilting of buildings due to land subsidence has become noticeable, and voices of concern about safety are rising among residents due to wobbliness.
Noun + に + よる + Noun + の + Noun + が + Adjective + に + なり、 + Noun + の + 間 + で + Noun + の + 懸念 + から + ぐらぐら + する + 声 + が + Verb + ている.
国際情勢の不安定化に伴い、多くの投資家がポートフォリオの安定性をぐらぐらさせている。
With the instability of the international situation, many investors are making their portfolios unstable.
Noun + の + Adjective + に + 伴い、 + Adjective + Noun + が + Noun + の + Noun + を + ぐらぐら + Verb + させている.
長引く内政の不安定さから、国家の基盤そのものがぐらぐらしており、国際社会からの信頼も失われつつある。
Due to the prolonged internal instability, the very foundation of the nation is shaky, and trust from the international community is also being lost.
Verb + く + Noun + の + Adjective + さ + から、 + Noun + の + Noun + そのもの + が + ぐらぐら + Verb + しており、 + Noun + 社会 + から + の + Noun + も + Verb + つつ + ある.
昨夜の暴風雨は凄まじく、古い教会の尖塔がぐらぐらと音を立てていたが、幸いにも倒壊は免れた。
Last night's storm was ferocious, and the old church's spire made a wobbly sound, but fortunately, it avoided collapse.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Adjective + く、 + Adjective + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + と + Noun + を + Verb + ていた + が、 + 幸い + にも + 倒壊 + は + Verb + れた.
彼の精神状態は依然として不安定であり、些細な出来事でも感情がぐらぐらと揺れ動く。
His mental state remains unstable, and his emotions fluctuate unstably even with minor incidents.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Adverb + Adjective + であり、 + Adjective + な + 出来事 + でも + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + と + Verb + 動く.
グローバル経済の不確実性が増す中、多くの企業はリスク管理を徹底し、事業基盤のぐらつきを最小限に抑えようとしている。
As uncertainty in the global economy increases, many companies are thoroughly implementing risk management to minimize the wobbliness of their business foundations.
Noun + の + Adjective + が + Verb + す + 中、 + Adjective + Noun + は + Risk + 管理 + を + Verb + し、 + Noun + 基盤 + の + ぐらつき + を + Adverb + に + Verb + よう + と + Verb + いる.
この地域は地質学的に不安定な地域であり、過去の地震記録からも、建物の構造がぐらぐらになるリスクが極めて高いことが示唆されている。
This region is geologically unstable, and past earthquake records suggest an extremely high risk of building structures becoming wobbly.
Noun + は + Adjective + に + Adjective + な + Noun + であり、 + Past + の + Noun + Record + からも、 + Noun + の + Noun + が + ぐらぐら + に + なる + Risk + が + Extremely + 高い + こと + が + Verb + されている.
彼の煮え切らない態度は、周囲に不確実な印象を与え、プロジェクトの進行にぐらつきを生じさせている。
His indecisive attitude gives those around him an impression of uncertainty, causing wobbliness in the project's progress.
Noun + の + Adjective + な + Noun + は、 + Noun + に + Adjective + な + Noun + を + 与え、 + Noun + の + Noun + に + ぐらつき + を + Verb + させている.
地盤沈下の進行が深刻化し、歴史的建造物の多くが物理的にぐらぐらな状態にあり、その保存が喫緊の課題となっている。
The progression of land subsidence has worsened, and many historical buildings are in a physically wobbly state, making their preservation an urgent issue.
Noun + の + Noun + が + Adjective + し、 + Noun + な + Noun + の + Adjective + が + Physically + ぐらぐら + な + Noun + に + あり、 + その + Noun + が + Urgent + な + Noun + と + なって + いる.
世界的な経済の変動性が増大し、多くの投資家がポートフォリオの安定性を確保するために、その構成要素のぐらつきを最小限に抑える戦略を模索している。
As global economic volatility increases, many investors are exploring strategies to minimize the wobbliness of their portfolio components to ensure stability.
Noun + な + Noun + の + Adjective + 性 + が + Verb + し、 + Adjective + Noun + が + Noun + の + Noun + を + Secure + する + ために、 + その + Noun + 要素 + の + ぐらつき + を + Adverb + に + Verb + える + Strategy + を + Verb + している.
Sinônimos
Antônimos
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— My legs feel shaky or wobbly.
長時間の立ち仕事で足がぐらぐらする。(My legs feel wobbly from standing for a long time at work.)
— My head feels dizzy or unsteady.
貧血で頭がぐらぐらする。(I feel dizzy due to anemia.)
— My tooth is loose/wobbly.
子供の乳歯がぐらぐらしてきた。(My child's baby tooth has started to get wobbly.)
— The building shakes unstably.
地震で建物がぐらぐら揺れた。(The building shook unstably due to the earthquake.)
— My mind feels unsettled or wavering; I'm uncertain.
将来のことで心がぐらぐらする。(I feel unsettled about the future.)
— The economy is unstable/shaky.
景気がぐらぐらしていて、会社経営も大変だ。(The economy is shaky, and managing the company is difficult.)
— The chair is wobbly.
この椅子は座るといつもぐらぐらする。(This chair always wobbles when I sit on it.)
— The ground is unstable.
この地域は地盤がぐらぐらだから、家を建てるのは難しい。(It's difficult to build a house here because the ground is unstable.)
— A decision is wavering or uncertain.
彼の決断はまだぐらぐらしている。(His decision is still wavering.)
— To make a wobbly or rattling sound.
古いドアが風でぐらぐらと音を立てていた。(The old door rattled unstably in the wind.)
Frequentemente confundido com
揺れる is a general term for shaking or swaying. ぐらぐら specifically implies instability or wobbliness within that shaking motion. A steady, balanced shake is 揺れる, but an unstable, potentially collapsing shake is ぐらぐら.
不安定 is a more formal and broader term for 'unstable.' It can apply to abstract concepts like political situations or societal structures. ぐらぐら is more sensory and often describes a direct, physical feeling or observation of wobbling.
ふらふら describes unsteady walking or movement, often due to personal weakness or intoxication. ぐらぐら can describe a person's internal feeling of instability or dizziness, but it also applies to inanimate objects and broader situations.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To feel unsteady, dizzy, or physically unstable, often due to illness, fatigue, or sudden movement.
急に立ち上がったら、頭がぐらぐらした。(When I stood up suddenly, my head felt dizzy/unsteady.)
Common— To feel mentally or emotionally unsettled, wavering, or uncertain. It implies a lack of firm resolve or clarity.
将来の進路について、まだ心がぐらぐらしている。(I'm still feeling uncertain and unsettled about my future career path.)
Common— A state of instability or precariousness, referring to a situation that is not firm and could easily change or collapse.
経済がぐらぐらな状態なので、投資は慎重に行うべきだ。(Since the economy is in an unstable state, one should invest cautiously.)
Slightly Formal— To make something unstable or shaky. This can be literal (e.g., shaking a table) or figurative (e.g., making someone's resolve waver).
彼の言葉が私の決意をぐらぐらさせた。(His words made my resolve waver.)
Common— An unstable or precarious relationship that is on the verge of breaking or is characterized by uncertainty.
二人の関係は最近ぐらぐらだ。(Their relationship has been unstable lately.)
Informal— A literally wobbly chair that is not stable and might tip over.
このカフェの椅子はどれもぐらぐらだ。(All the chairs in this cafe are wobbly.)
Common— Unstable ground, often due to geological issues like land subsidence or being waterlogged.
この地域はぐらぐらな地面なので、工事が難しい。(Construction is difficult in this area because the ground is unstable.)
Informal/Descriptive— Unstable politics or a shaky political situation.
国内の政治がぐらぐらで、国民は不安を感じている。(The domestic politics are unstable, and the citizens feel anxious.)
Informal/Descriptive— An unstable or volatile economy.
世界経済は今、ぐらぐらな状態だ。(The global economy is currently in an unstable state.)
Informal/Descriptive— Unstable or precarious health, where one's condition is not firm and may fluctuate significantly.
病気の後、健康がぐらぐらな状態が続いた。(After the illness, my health remained in an unstable state.)
Informal/DescriptiveFácil de confundir
Both words describe movement that is not static.
揺れる is a general term for shaking or swaying, which can be stable or unstable. ぐらぐら specifically denotes unstable, wobbly, or precarious shaking, often implying a risk of falling or collapsing. For example, a well-balanced washing machine might 揺れる during its cycle, but if it's about to tip over, it's ぐらぐら.
The tree shook in the wind (木が風で揺れた). The wobbly table shook (ぐらぐらなテーブルが揺れた).
Both words relate to a lack of stability.
不安定 is a more formal and abstract term for 'unstable,' applicable to systems, economies, political situations, or even personalities. ぐらぐら is more concrete and sensory, often describing a physical wobbling or a visceral feeling of dizziness or mental wavering. While an unstable economy (不安定な経済) might be described as ぐらぐら, ぐらぐら is more fitting for a wobbly chair (ぐらぐらする椅子).
The political situation is unstable (政治状況は不安定だ). His opinion is wavering (彼の意見はぐらぐらしている).
Both can describe a lack of balance.
ふらふら primarily describes a person's unsteady gait or movement, like staggering due to weakness, dizziness, or drunkenness. ぐらぐら can describe a person's internal feeling of dizziness or shakiness (e.g., 'my head feels guragura'), but it also applies to inanimate objects and broader situations of instability. If you're walking unsteadily, you are ふらふら; if your knees feel shaky, they are ぐらぐら.
He walked unsteadily because he was drunk (彼は酔ってふらふら歩いていた). My legs felt shaky after the race (レースの後、足がぐらぐらした).
Both are onomatopoeic words describing a physical state.
ぐにゃぐにゃ describes something that is limp, flabby, or bendy, lacking firmness and structure. It's about texture and flexibility. ぐらぐら describes instability, wobbling, or shaking, implying a lack of firm support or balance. For example, overcooked spaghetti is ぐにゃぐにゃ, while a wobbly table is ぐらぐら.
The overcooked pasta was limp (茹ですぎてパスタがぐにゃぐにゃだった). The wobbly chair is dangerous (ぐらぐらする椅子は危ない).
Both describe unsteady movement.
よろよろ specifically describes a person's unsteady, weak, or hesitant walk, often associated with old age or extreme fatigue. It emphasizes a lack of strength and balance in locomotion. ぐらぐら can describe a general feeling of shakiness or dizziness in the body, or apply to objects. While someone walking よろよろ might also feel ぐらぐら, the terms focus on different aspects of instability.
The elderly person walked unsteadily (お年寄りがよろよろと歩いていた). My knees felt shaky (膝がぐらぐらする).
Padrões de frases
[Noun] が ぐらぐら する。
椅子がぐらぐらする。
[Noun] は ぐらぐら だ。
テーブルはぐらぐらだ。
[Noun] が ぐらぐら している。
建物がぐらぐらしている。
[Body Part] が ぐらぐら する。
足がぐらぐらする。
[Noun] が ぐらぐら と [Verb]。
船がぐらぐらと揺れている。
心が ぐらぐら する。
将来のことで心がぐらぐらする。
[Noun] が ぐらぐら に なる。
地震で地盤がぐらぐらになった。
[Noun] は ぐらぐら な [Noun] だ。
これはぐらぐらな椅子だ。
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Como usar
Very High
-
Using ぐらぐら for any kind of shaking.
→
Use ぐらぐら specifically for unstable, wobbly shaking.
While 揺れる (yureru) means to shake, ぐらぐら implies a lack of stability that might lead to falling or collapsing. For example, a washing machine that shakes steadily is 揺れる, but if it's about to tip over, it's ぐらぐら.
-
Confusing ぐらぐら with ふらふら (furafura).
→
Use ふらふら for unsteady walking/staggering, and ぐらぐら for general wobbliness or dizziness.
ふらふら describes a person's unsteady gait (like being drunk or weak). ぐらぐら can describe a feeling of dizziness or shakiness within the body, or apply to objects. If you're walking unsteadily, you are ふらふら; if your knees feel shaky, they are ぐらぐら.
-
Overusing ぐらぐら for very minor movements.
→
Use ぐらぐら for noticeable instability.
ぐらぐら implies a significant lack of firmness or steadiness. Very slight movements that don't pose a risk are usually not described with ぐらぐら. For example, a pencil rolling slightly is not ぐらぐら.
-
Using ぐらぐら for abstract concepts without proper context.
→
Ensure the context clearly implies uncertainty or instability when using ぐらぐら figuratively.
While ぐらぐら can describe economic or political instability, it's more common in informal contexts. For formal writing, 不安定 (fuan'tei) might be preferred. The figurative use should still evoke the core sense of 'not being firm'.
-
Using ぐらぐら as a verb directly without する or している.
→
Use ぐらぐら する or ぐらぐら している to describe the state of being wobbly.
ぐらぐら itself is an onomatopoeia. To express that something *is* wobbly, you typically need to add する (suru) or している (shite iru) to form the verb phrase, e.g., '椅子がぐらぐらする' (The chair is wobbly).
Dicas
Embrace the Sound
ぐらぐら is a perfect example of Japanese onomatopoeia. Try to mimic the sound and the feeling it evokes. Imagine the 'gur-gur' sound as something wobbling back and forth. This sensory connection will help you remember and use it correctly.
Understand the Situation
The meaning of ぐらぐら can shift slightly depending on the context. Pay attention to whether it's describing a physical object, a person's physical or mental state, or a broader situation. This will help you grasp the precise nuance.
Feeling Unsteady?
If you ever feel dizzy, weak-kneed, or generally unsteady, ぐらぐら is a great word to describe that feeling. '足がぐらぐらする' (My legs are shaky) or '頭がぐらぐらする' (My head feels dizzy) are very common expressions.
Is it Wobbly?
When you see furniture that's not quite stable, a loose tooth, or a structure that seems precarious, use ぐらぐら. It's the go-to word for anything that lacks firmness and might tip or move unexpectedly.
Beyond the Physical
Don't forget that ぐらぐら can be used metaphorically. An unstable economy (景気がぐらぐら) or a wavering decision (決断がぐらぐら) can also be described with this word, showing its versatility.
ぐらぐら vs. Others
Remember the distinctions: 揺れる (general shake), 不安定 (formal unstable), ふらふら (staggering walk), ぐにゃぐにゃ (limp/flabby). ぐらぐら is specifically about wobbling and precarious instability.
Use it Actively
The best way to learn is to use it! Try describing things around you that are ぐらぐら, or write sentences about situations where you might feel ぐらぐら. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Native Speaker Examples
Pay attention when you hear ぐらぐら in Japanese dramas, news, or conversations. Notice the context and how it's used. This will give you a better feel for its natural application.
Related Terms
Be aware of related words like ぐらつき (guratsuki - noun form for wobbliness) and ぐらつく (guratsuku - verb for to be wobbly). Understanding these can deepen your comprehension.
Rhythm is Key
ぐらぐら has a distinct rhythmic quality due to its reduplication. Try to pronounce it with an even emphasis on each syllable to capture its onomatopoeic feel.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a glass of water on a table that's just been hit by a small tremor. The water's surface is 'guragura' (wobbly), and the table itself might feel 'guragura' underfoot. The 'gur' sound can remind you of the 'stirring' motion of the water.
Associação visual
Picture a jelly dessert that has been left out too long and is starting to wobble precariously. Its entire structure seems to be in a state of 'guragura'. Alternatively, visualize wobbly knees after a long hike, struggling to stay upright.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to describe five different things you see around you that are currently 'guragura'. This could be furniture, a plant, or even how you feel. Use the word in a sentence for each.
Origem da palavra
ぐらぐら is an onomatopoeia, a word that imitates a sound or sensation. Its origin is in the direct representation of the feeling or sound of something wobbling or shaking unstably. Such words are foundational in language for conveying sensory experiences.
Significado original: The direct imitation of the sensation of wobbling or unstable shaking.
Japonic languages (Japanese)Contexto cultural
The term ぐらぐら itself is generally neutral. However, its application to sensitive topics like a person's health or mental state should be done with care and empathy, just as in any language.
While English has words like 'wobbly,' 'shaky,' and 'unstable,' ぐらぐら often carries a more immediate, onomatopoeic feel that directly evokes the sensation. It's a word that's felt as much as understood.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Describing wobbly furniture or objects.
- 椅子がぐらぐらする。
- テーブルの足がぐらぐらだ。
- 棚がぐらぐらしている。
Talking about physical sensations like dizziness or weakness.
- 足がぐらぐらする。
- 頭がぐらぐらする。
- 貧血でぐらぐらする。
Discussing unstable situations (earthquakes, economy, politics).
- 建物がぐらぐら揺れた。
- 景気がぐらぐらだ。
- 政治がぐらぐらしている。
Describing a person's wavering feelings or decisions.
- 心がぐらぐらする。
- 決断がぐらぐらしている。
- 意見がぐらぐらしている。
Describing loose body parts (like teeth).
- 歯がぐらぐらする。
- 乳歯がぐらぐらしてきた。
Iniciadores de conversa
"Have you ever experienced something being really wobbly or unstable?"
"What's the most unstable thing you've seen recently?"
"How do you feel when your legs feel shaky or wobbly?"
"Can you think of a time when your decision felt uncertain or 'guragura'?"
"When do you think it's okay for something to be a little 'guragura'?"
Temas para diário
Describe a time you felt physically unsteady or dizzy. Use ぐらぐら in your description.
Think about a situation in your life that felt unstable or uncertain. How would you describe it using ぐらぐら?
Imagine you are building something. What are the parts that absolutely must not be ぐらぐら?
Write a short story where a wobbly object plays a key role in the plot. Use ぐらぐら.
Reflect on a time you had to make a difficult decision. Did your thoughts feel 'guragura'?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, while ぐらぐら is very commonly used for physical instability (like a wobbly chair or shaky knees), it can also be used metaphorically to describe mental or emotional states (like feeling unsettled or uncertain) or abstract situations (like an unstable economy or political climate). The core idea of 'not being firm or steady' carries over.
It's more common to use words like ふらふら (furafura) or よろよろ (yoroyoro) to describe a person's unsteady gait or movement. ぐらぐら is more likely to be used for a feeling of dizziness or shakiness within the body (e.g., 'my legs feel guragura') rather than the way they walk.
揺れる is a general term for shaking or swaying. It can describe stable or unstable movements. ぐらぐら specifically emphasizes the unstable, wobbly, or precarious nature of the shaking, suggesting it might tip over or collapse. Think of 揺れる as 'to shake' and ぐらぐら as 'to shake unstably/wobbily'.
ぐらぐら is generally considered an informal to neutral word. It's very common in everyday conversation and descriptive writing. While it can be used in news reports (especially about earthquakes), more formal contexts might prefer terms like 不安定 (fuan'tei) for abstract instability.
You can use ぐらぐら as a verb with する (suru) or している (shite iru), like 椅子がぐらぐらする (the chair is wobbly). You can also use it adverbially with と, like ぐらぐらと揺れる (to shake unstably), to describe the manner of the action.
Yes, it can. When someone's mind is unsettled, wavering, or uncertain, you might say 心がぐらぐらする (kokoro ga guragura suru). This describes a lack of mental stability or firm resolve.
Not necessarily. While ぐらぐら implies a lack of stability that *could* lead to breaking or falling, it's also used for less severe wobbling, like a loose tooth or slightly unsteady legs. The key is the absence of firmness and steadiness.
Common nouns include: 椅子 (isu - chair), テーブル (tēburu - table), 棚 (tana - shelf), 建物 (tatemono - building), 歯 (ha - tooth), 足 (ashi - leg/foot), 頭 (atama - head), 地盤 (jiban - ground), 景気 (keiki - economy), and 心 (kokoro - heart/mind).
ぐらぐら describes wobbling or shaking due to instability. ぐにゃぐにゃ describes something that is limp, flabby, or bendy, lacking firmness. They describe different types of physical states.
If the vibration is unstable and causing wobbling or a sense of precariousness, then yes. However, if it's a steady, controlled vibration (like a massage device), other words might be more appropriate. ぐらぐら emphasizes the lack of stability associated with the vibration.
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Summary
ぐらぐら is your go-to word for anything that isn't stable, from a wobbly chair to a shaky feeling in your knees. It captures the essence of something not being firmly fixed or steady.
- ぐらぐら describes a state of being wobbly, shaky, or unstable.
- It can apply to physical objects, body parts, health, and even abstract situations.
- Commonly used for things like loose teeth, dizzy spells, or shaky furniture.
- It's an onomatopoeia, evoking the sensation of instability.
Embrace the Sound
ぐらぐら is a perfect example of Japanese onomatopoeia. Try to mimic the sound and the feeling it evokes. Imagine the 'gur-gur' sound as something wobbling back and forth. This sensory connection will help you remember and use it correctly.
Understand the Situation
The meaning of ぐらぐら can shift slightly depending on the context. Pay attention to whether it's describing a physical object, a person's physical or mental state, or a broader situation. This will help you grasp the precise nuance.
Feeling Unsteady?
If you ever feel dizzy, weak-kneed, or generally unsteady, ぐらぐら is a great word to describe that feeling. '足がぐらぐらする' (My legs are shaky) or '頭がぐらぐらする' (My head feels dizzy) are very common expressions.
Is it Wobbly?
When you see furniture that's not quite stable, a loose tooth, or a structure that seems precarious, use ぐらぐら. It's the go-to word for anything that lacks firmness and might tip or move unexpectedly.
Exemplo
地震で家がぐらぐら揺れた。
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de health
しばらく
B1Por um tempo, por algum tempo.
異変がある
B1Há uma mudança incomum ou anormalidade. Algo está errado. (Há uma anormalidade.)
異常な
B1Anormal; incomum. Descreve algo que se desvia da norma de forma preocupante.
擦り傷
B1Um arranhão ou esfoliação na pele. Geralmente causado por fricção contra uma superfície áspera após uma queda.
吸収する
B1A esponja absorve a água.
禁酒
B1Abstinência de álcool. 'Ele está em kinshu para melhorar o desempenho nos treinos.'
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1A acupuntura e a moxabustão são técnicas fundamentais da medicina oriental.
急性的
B1Significa 'agudo'. Usado para descrever uma doença ou crise que surge de repente e de forma intensa.
急性な
B1Acute
