Entry
ガー
gaa
The loud, continuous noise of a machine such as a hairdryer or drill.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ガー is an onomatopoeia that mimics the loud, rough sound of a running machine. It is most commonly associated with the whirring of a hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, or shredder. Additionally, the form "ガーッと" (gaatto) is used to describe an action done quickly and vigorously using a machine.
- Loud machine noise
- Vigorous action using a machine
Sense Map
Mechanical Noise
The loud sound of a machine running.
掃除機がガーと鳴る
Vigorous Action
Doing something quickly and forcefully with a machine.
ドライヤーでガーッと乾かす
Usage Note
How to Use
ガーッと + verb
Describes an action done quickly and vigorously, often with a machine.
ガーと + verb
Expresses that a machine is making this loud, whirring noise.
ガーと + 音がする
A common phrase meaning "a loud whirring sound is heard".
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドライヤーでガーッと乾かす
dry vigorously with a hairdryer
ガーと音がする
makes a loud whirring sound
ガーッと一気にやる
do it all at once forcefully
シュレッダーでガーッと細断する
shred quickly with a shredder
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drying hair | Rough / Casual | Implies drying hair quickly without much care for careful styling. |
| Operating machinery | Loud / Disruptive | Focuses on the loud, slightly disruptive volume of a running motor. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うぃーん うぃーん / contrast | For smoother, higher-pitched, and quieter electric motor sounds (like automatic doors). | ガー is much rougher, louder, and more disruptive. | ドアがウィーンと開く |
ぶーん ぶーん / contrast | For constant humming or buzzing, like a fan or a bee. | ガー sounds like a harsh motor, whereas ブーン is a steady hum. | 蜂がブーンと飛ぶ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ガー for quiet machines like a laptop fan.
This sound is too harsh. Use フォー or ブーン for smooth fans.
Using it to describe the sound of an animal roaring.
Animals usually roar with ガオー or the verb 吠える.
Examples
Examples
ドライヤーで髪をガーッと乾かした。
ドライヤーで かみを ガーッと かわかした。
I dried my hair quickly and vigorously with a hairdryer.
LiteralDrying hair roughly and quickly.
掃除機がガーと鳴って動かなくなった。
そうじきが ガーと なって うごかなくなった。
The vacuum cleaner made a loud whirring sound and stopped working.
LiteralThe loud motor sound before breaking down.
ミキサーで野菜をガーッと混ぜる。
ミキサーで やさいを ガーッと まぜる。
Blend the vegetables vigorously in the mixer.
LiteralThe action of using a machine at full power.
シュレッダーに書類を入れてガーッとやった。
シュレッダーに しょるいを いれて ガーッと やった。
I put the documents in the shredder and ran them through quickly.
FigurativeThe word 'yatta' (did) here means finishing the shredding process.
工事現場からガーという大きな音が聞こえる。
こうじげんばから ガーという おおきな おとが きこえる。
A loud machinery noise can be heard from the construction site.
LiteralThe sound of heavy machinery like drills or cutters.
Similar Words
ウィーン
wiin
For smoother, higher-pitched, and quieter electric motor sounds.
パサパサ
pasapasa
Describes the state of lacking moisture or natural oils, resulting in an unpleasantly dry or coarse texture.
ボサボサ
bosabosa
The state of hair or bristles being tangled and messy, or the act of idling away time doing nothing.
さらさら
sarasara
Describes a smooth, light texture without stickiness, or a gentle, unobstructed flow.
ブーン
buun
A continuous low-pitched buzzing, humming, or whirring sound, typical of flying insects, running engines, or fast-moving objects. For constant humming or buzzing, like a fan or a bee.
Questions
Does ガー only refer to hairdryers?
No. While heavily associated with hairdryers, it applies to many loud motor-driven appliances like vacuum cleaners, blenders, and drills.
What is the difference between ガー and ゴー (goo)?
ガー is for mechanical or machine noises, while ゴー is typically for roaring natural sounds like strong winds or heavy waves.
When should I use the form ガーッと (gaatto)?
Use this form when you want to emphasize an action done forcefully and quickly, such as "blending vegetables vigorously" (ガーッと混ぜる).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2864627
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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