Entry
ガビーン
gabiin
A comical exclamation meaning 'oh no!', expressing sudden shock or disappointment.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An interjection frequently used in manga and anime to depict sudden shock, dismay, or disappointment. It conveys a dramatic yet humorous reaction to bad news or a sudden realization of a mistake.
- Shock
- Disappointment
Sense Map
Shock / Surprise
Used as an exclamation when suddenly shocked by bad or unexpected news.
財布を忘れた！ガビーン！
Disappointment / Dismay
Used when feeling let down or dismayed by an unfortunate event.
ケーキが売り切れだ。ガビーン。
Usage Note
How to Use
ガビーン！
Stands alone as an exclamation at the beginning or end of a thought.
「ガビーン」という + noun
Used as a quote to describe a noun, typically a face or expression of shock.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ガビーン！
Oh no! / Yikes!
うそ、ガビーン
No way, oh no...
「ガビーン」という顔
A shocked 'oh no' expression
思わず「ガビーン」
Unintentionally saying 'oh no'
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reacting to bad news | comical | It dramatizes small misfortunes in a lighthearted, funny way. |
| Manga and Anime tropes | neutral | Often visually represented with vertical lines drawn over a character's face to show dismay. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がーん がーん / similar | When deeply shocked or struck by a harsh reality. | ガーン is more common and represents a heavy mental blow, whereas ガビーン is older slang that sounds inherently comical and exaggerated. | テストの点数を見てガーンとショックを受けた。 |
ちぇっ ちぇっ / similar | When clicking your tongue in mild frustration or disappointment. | チェッ expresses irritation or annoyance, whereas ガビーン focuses on shock and sudden dismay. | チェッ、また雨か。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it in serious or formal situations.
This is purely for comical or casual situations. Using it during a serious apology or business meeting will make you sound like you are joking.
Thinking it is modern trending slang.
It is classic, slightly retro manga slang. Younger people might use it ironically, but it is not part of modern trendy speech.
Examples
Examples
財布を忘れた！ガビーン！
さいふをわすれた！ガビーン！
I forgot my wallet! Oh no!
LiteralDescribes a comical reaction to a sudden mistake.
テストで0点を取って、「ガビーン」という顔をした。
テストでれいてんをとって、「ガビーン」というかおをした。
I got a zero on the test and made a shocked 'gabiin' face.
FigurativeUsing it as a quote to describe a facial expression.
えっ、今日休みじゃないの？ガビーン。
えっ、きょうやすみじゃないの？ガビーン。
Wait, today isn't a day off? Oh no.
LiteralReacting to disappointing news.
楽しみにしていたケーキが売り切れだ。ガビーン。
たのしみにしていたケーキがうりきれだ。ガビーン。
The cake I was looking forward to is sold out. Oh no.
LiteralExpressing dismay over a minor letdown.
まさか私の勘違いだったなんて。ガビーン！
まさかわたしのかんちがいだったなんて。ガビーン！
I can't believe it was my misunderstanding. Oh no!
LiteralShock at realizing one's own misunderstanding.
Similar Words
ガーン
gaan
ガーン describes a heavy, reverberating loud noise or a sudden feeling of deep shock and disappointment. Both express shock, but ガーン is more common and feels like a heavier blow.
チェッ
chie
An interjection used to express frustration, annoyance, disappointment, or the chirping of small birds. Expresses disappointment, but is a tongue click showing mild frustration.
Questions
Is 'gabiin' used in real-life daily conversation?
Mostly as a joke or by older speakers referencing retro manga. It is not commonly used seriously.
Where does 'gabiin' come from?
It originated as a sound effect in classic Japanese manga to represent the mental impact of bad news.
Can I use it when I am angry?
No, it is strictly for shock, realization, or disappointment, rather than genuine anger.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2202410
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- プチッ (puchi)
- Next entry
- ピカッと (pikatto)