Entry
がさごそ
gasagoso
A dry rustling sound made when objects like paper, leaves, or cloth rub together, especially when rummaging through a bag or bushes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Gasagoso represents the dull, dry sound of things rubbing against each other. It is most commonly used to describe the sound of someone rummaging through a bag, pocket, or pile of leaves, or an animal moving through bushes.
- rustling of dry objects
- sound of rummaging
Sense Map
Rummaging in a bag
The sound of moving items around inside a container like a bag or pocket to find something.
かばんの中をがさごそ探す
Movement in bushes or leaves
The dry rustling sound of an animal or person moving through dry leaves, grass, or bushes.
茂みでがさごそ音がする
Usage Note
How to Use
がさごそ（と）+ verb
Used to describe the manner of an action producing this sound, like searching or moving.
がさごそする
Used as a verb to state that a rustling or rummaging sound is happening.
がさごそ + noun
Used to modify a noun, typically 'sound' (音), to specify the type of noise.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がさごそ探す
to search while making a rustling sound
がさごそ音がする
a rustling sound is heard
がさごそ動く
to move with a rustling sound
かばんをがさごそする
to rummage through a bag
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rummaging through a bag | neutral | Perfectly describes the sound of looking for keys or a wallet at the bottom of a purse. |
| An animal moving in the bushes | neutral | Evokes the rustling sound of a small creature moving out of sight. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごそごそ ごそごそ / similar | Used similarly for rummaging sounds, but gosogoso feels slightly heavier, deeper, or more focused on unseen movement. | Gosogoso is less 'dry' and can sound slightly more ominous or heavy compared to gasagoso. | 布団の中でごそごそする |
がさがさ がさがさ / similar | Used for a lighter, drier rustling sound, or to describe a rough, dry texture (like dry skin). | Gasagoso strictly describes an active, ongoing sound (like rummaging), while gasagasa often describes a static state of being dry or rough to the touch. | 肌ががさがさする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe the sound of water or wet things.
Gasagoso only applies to dry, solid items like paper, cloth, or leaves. For wet sounds, use words like 'guchagucha'.
Using it for clear, ringing noises.
It represents a dull, muffled friction sound, not a sharp or clear one.
Examples
Examples
かばんの中をがさごそ探したが、鍵は見つからなかった。
かばんのなかをがさごそさがしたが、かぎはみつからなかった。
I rummaged through my bag, but I couldn't find the keys.
LiteralShows the sound of rummaging inside a bag.
暗闇の茂みから、何か動物ががさごそ動く音が聞こえた。
くらやみのしげみから、なにかどうぶつががさごそうごくおとがきこえた。
From the dark bushes, I heard the rustling sound of some animal moving.
LiteralDescribes the sound of dry leaves and twigs rubbing together due to an animal's movement.
彼はポケットをがさごそさせて、小銭を取り出した。
かれはぽけっとをがさごそさせて、こぜにをとりだした。
He dug around in his pocket with a rustle and took out some loose change.
LiteralUses 'sasete' to show an intentional action that produces the sound.
落ち葉の上を歩くと、足元でがさごそと音がする。
おちばのうえをあるくと、あしもとでがさごそとおとがする。
When you walk on dry leaves, there is a rustling sound at your feet.
LiteralThe distinct sound of stepping on dry leaves.
隣の部屋で誰かが荷物をまとめていて、がさごそ音がしている。
となりのへやでだれかがにもつをまとめていて、がさごそおとがしている。
Someone is packing their bags in the next room, making a rustling noise.
LiteralDescribes the sound of paper, plastic, or clothes being packed away.
Similar Words
ごそごそ
gosogoso
Gosogoso is an onomatopoeia for a dry, continuous rustling sound, typically made when someone is rummaging through a pocket, bag, or dry leaves. Very similar, but implies a heavier sound or movement in an unseen place.
がさがさ
gasagasa
Describes a harsh rustling sound or a dry, rough texture that feels unpleasantly coarse to the touch. Also means rustling, but is frequently used to describe a dry, rough surface texture.
Questions
Can I use gasagoso for the sound of wind?
Not usually. It implies physical contact and friction between objects. For wind, words like 'byuubyuu' or 'soyosoyo' are better.
What is the difference between gasagoso and gosogoso?
They are very similar, but gosogoso can sound slightly heavier or deeper, often implying unseen movement like something crawling in the dark.
Is gasagoso a positive or negative word?
It is generally neutral, simply describing a physical sound. However, doing it loudly in a quiet place (like a movie theater) can be considered rude.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2101830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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