Entry
ガーガー
gaagaa
A harsh, loud, and repetitive sound, such as ducks quacking, heavy snoring, angry complaining, or broken speakers.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics a loud, unrefined, and often irritating noise. It is primarily used to describe the quacking of ducks or croaking of frogs. Applied to humans, it vividly captures the sound of someone snoring heavily or complaining loudly and endlessly. It is also used for the grating, crackling, or buzzing sounds produced by malfunctioning audio equipment.
- animal cries (ducks, frogs)
- human noises (snoring, complaining)
- mechanical noises (buzzing, crackling)
Sense Map
Animal Sounds
Mimics the harsh cries of certain animals, especially ducks, geese, and frogs.
アヒルがガーガー鳴く
Snoring
Describes very loud, heavy, and disruptive snoring.
ガーガーいびきをかく
Complaining
Describes speaking loudly, harshly, and incessantly in a complaining manner.
ガーガー文句を言う
Broken Machinery
The harsh buzzing, static, or crackling noise of a broken speaker or radio.
ラジオがガーガー鳴る
Usage Note
How to Use
ガーガーと + verb
ガーガー + verb
ガーガーいう
How to Use
Common Phrases
ガーガー鳴く
to quack loudly
ガーガーいびきをかく
to snore loudly
ガーガー文句を言う
to complain loudly and incessantly
ガーガー音がする
to make a harsh crackling sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Animals | Neutral to negative | Standard representation for ducks and frogs, similar to 'quack' or 'ribbit' but emphasizing loudness. |
| Humans | Negative | Shows clear annoyance at someone's loud snoring or relentless nagging. |
| Machines | Negative | Indicates malfunction, such as static interference or blown speakers. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がやがや がやがや / similar | Used to describe the noisy hum of many people talking in a crowd. | Does not describe a single harsh sound like snoring or quacking. | がやがやと話す |
がんがん がんがん / similar | Used for loud banging sounds or a severely throbbing headache. | Not used for vocal noises or static; indicates pounding impact or pain. | 頭がガンガンする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to describe a loud but beautiful singing voice.
This word only applies to harsh, grating, and unpleasant sounds.
Using it for the sound of a strong wind.
Wind sounds are typically represented by byuu-byuu or gooo. This word is for vocal or mechanical harshness.
Examples
Examples
池でアヒルがガーガーと鳴いている。
池(いけ)でアヒルがガーガーと鳴(な)いている。
The ducks are quacking in the pond.
LiteralThe most basic usage for bird calls.
父は毎晩ガーガーいびきをかく。
父(ちち)は毎晩(まいばん)ガーガーいびきをかく。
My father snores loudly every night.
LiteralDescribes very loud snoring noises.
ささいなことでガーガー文句を言わないでください。
ささいなことでガーガー文句(もんく)を言(い)わないでください。
Please don't complain loudly about trivial things.
FigurativeFigurative nuance describing someone complaining endlessly.
壊れたスピーカーからガーガーと変な音がする。
壊(こわ)れたスピーカーからガーガーと変(へん)な音(おと)がする。
A strange crackling sound is coming from the broken speaker.
LiteralUsed for mechanical noise and static.
カエルが田んぼでガーガー鳴いている。
カエルが田(た)んぼでガーガー鳴(な)いている。
The frogs are croaking loudly in the rice field.
LiteralAlso often used for frogs with loud, hoarse sounds.
Similar Words
ガンガン
gangan
Gangan describes a loud, repetitive clanging sound, a severe throbbing headache, or performing an action with intense energy. For loud banging or a severe headache.
ケラケラ
kerakera
Kerakera describes the sound of bright, high-pitched, and continuous laughter, which can sometimes sound careless or frivolous.
がやがや
gayagaya
Describes the noisy, overlapping sound of many people talking at the same time. For the noisy chatter of a crowd.
Questions
Is this word only for ducks?
No, while it is the standard sound for ducks, it is frequently used for loud snoring, complaining, and broken speakers.
Can I use this for a loud car engine?
Not usually. It is better for crackling static or vocal noises rather than the heavy revving of an engine.
Is it rude to say someone is talking like this?
Yes, saying someone is 'gaagaa complaining' means you find them extremely annoying and loud.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2039550
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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