Entry
ガバガバ
gabagaba
Describes something excessively loose or oversized, money rolling in abundantly, or liquids gushing and sloshing vigorously.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has three primary applications. First, it describes clothes, shoes, or lids that are too big and leave a lot of empty space. Second, it is used colloquially to describe money or profits rolling in effortlessly and in large amounts. Third, it depicts the vigorous movement, gushing, or sloshing of a large volume of liquid.
- oversized or loose fitting
- rolling in (money)
- gushing or sloshing (liquid)
Sense Map
Loose Fit
Used when clothing, shoes, or covers are far too large, leaving a significant amount of excess empty space.
サイズがガバガバの服
Great Profits
Describes a situation where money is being made very easily and in massive, overflowing quantities.
お金がガバガバ入る
Gushing Liquid
Describes large amounts of water or liquid violently sloshing around or pouring out.
水がガバガバと漏れる
Usage Note
How to Use
ガバガバの + noun
Used to modify a noun, typically to describe an item that is oversized or too loose.
ガバガバに + verb
Used to describe a change in state, such as clothing becoming loose after losing weight.
ガバガバと + verb
Functions as an adverb to describe the vigorous action of liquids gushing or money flowing in.
ガバガバだ
Used at the end of a sentence to state that something is extremely loose or oversized.
How to Use
Common Phrases
サイズがガバガバ
the size is way too loose
ガバガバ儲かる
to profit greatly and easily
靴がガバガバ
shoes are too loose
お金がガバガバ
money is rolling in abundantly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Shoes | neutral to negative | Indicates that the item doesn't fit properly because there is too much empty space inside. |
| Money | casual / humorous | Emphasizes the surprisingly large volume and ease with which profits are made. |
| Rules & Security | critical | Used as slang to criticize a system or plot that is sloppy and full of obvious flaws. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
だぼだぼ だぼだぼ / similar | Use for clothing that is extremely wide, long, and baggy overall (often used for baggy street fashion). | While both mean baggy, ガバガバ emphasizes the empty gap and poor fit, whereas ダボダボ describes the overall silhouette of oversized clothing. | ダボダボのズボン |
じゃぶじゃぶ じゃぶじゃぶ / similar | Use for splashing water, or colloquially when spending money recklessly like water. | Regarding money, ガバガバ is used for massive income (earning), while じゃぶじゃぶ is used for massive expenditure (spending). | お金をじゃぶじゃぶ使う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a relaxed or easygoing personality.
This word describes physical looseness, lax rules, or money. It is never used to describe a person's character (use おおらか instead).
Confusing it with a steady, modest income.
When applied to money, it implies an exaggerated, almost excessive amount of cash rolling in quickly.
Examples
Examples
兄のお下がりなので、このズボンはまだガバガバだ。
あにのおさがりなので、このズボンはまだガバガバだ。
Because they are hand-me-downs from my older brother, these pants are still way too loose.
VisualShows that the pants do not fit because they are far too large.
新しいビジネスが当たって、お金がガバガバ入ってくる。
あたらしいビジネスがあたって、おかねがガバガバはいってくる。
The new business was a hit, and money is rolling in abundantly.
FigurativeA colloquial usage showing massive, easily earned profits.
ダイエットに成功して、スカートのウエストがガバガバになった。
ダイエットにせいこうして、スカートのウエストがガバガバになった。
I succeeded in my diet, and the waist of my skirt became very loose.
VisualDescribes a change in state where clothing becomes too big.
穴の開いたバケツから水がガバガバと漏れている。
あなのあいたバケツからみずがガバガバともれている。
Water is gushing out of the bucket with a hole in it.
LiteralIndicates an uncontrolled, large volume flow of water.
靴がガバガバで歩きにくい。
くつがガバガバであるきにくい。
My shoes are too loose, making it hard to walk.
VisualEmphasizes the discomfort caused by excess space inside the shoe.
Similar Words
ダボダボ
dabodabo
Describes clothing that is excessively baggy and loose-fitting, or the heavy sloshing of liquids. Dabodabo focuses on clothes being visually wide and long overall.
じゃぶじゃぶ
jabujabu
Represents the loud sound of splashing water vigorously, or the reckless and generous use of liquids or money. Used for spending money recklessly, as opposed to gabagaba (earning).
Questions
Can I use it for shoes that are too big?
Yes, it is very common to use this word to describe shoes that slip off because they are too large.
Is this considered slang?
When used for clothing, it is standard language. When used to mean 'money rolling in' or 'lax security', it is considered highly casual slang.
Can this be used for spending money?
No, it focuses on money coming in (income). For recklessly spending money, a different expression is used.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2101920
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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