Entry
がさり
gasari
Gasari represents a single, distinct rustling or rummaging sound, and is also used as slang for a police search.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures a slightly heavy or coarse rustling sound, typically made when rummaging through paper, bags, or dry leaves. Because of its association with the sound of forcefully turning things over, it is also widely used as slang by law enforcement or in crime contexts to mean a search of a premises.
- Single coarse rustling sound
- Slang for a police search
Sense Map
Coarse Rustle
A single, distinct, and somewhat heavy rustling sound made by moving paper, plastic, or dry leaves.
茂みががさりと動く。
Police Search (Slang)
A slang term referring to a police raid or search of a premises.
警察ががさりに来る。
Usage Note
How to Use
がさりと + verb
Describes an action accompanied by a single, coarse rustling sound.
がさりと音がする
A set phrase meaning 'a coarse rustling sound is heard'.
がさり (as a noun)
How to Use
Common Phrases
がさりと音がする
a rustling sound is heard
がさりと動く
moves with a rustle
がさりと手を入れる
puts a hand in with a rustle
がさりに来る
comes for a police search
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature and object sounds | neutral | Describes a single, distinct, coarse rustling noise, like a branch moving or a heavy paper bag being opened. |
| Crime and police contexts | negative | Very common in detective shows or crime slang to mean a police raid. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かさり かさり / opposite | When describing a very light and delicate rustling or touching sound. | Gasari is coarser and heavier; kasari is quieter and unintimidating. | かさりと紙が落ちる。 |
がさごそ がさごそ / similar | When the rustling or rummaging sound is continuous rather than a single event. | Gasari is usually a single, short sound, whereas gasagoso implies a longer rummaging process. | カバンの中をがさごそ探す。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'gasari' for soft, light rustling sounds.
Use 'kasari' for a lighter, more delicate rustling noise.
Treating 'gasari' as standard formal Japanese for a police search.
It is criminal and police slang; use '家宅捜索' (katakusousaku) in formal writing.
Examples
Examples
袋の中にがさりと手を入れた。
ふくろのなかにがさりとてをいれた。
I put my hand into the bag with a coarse rustle.
LiteralDescribes the single sound of rummaging once.
暗闇の茂みでがさりと音がした。
くらやみのしげみでがさりとおとがした。
There was a coarse rustling sound from the bushes in the dark.
LiteralRepresents a single, heavy rustling noise in nature.
枯れ葉ががさりと動いて、足が止まった。
かれはががさりとうごいて、あしがとまった。
The dry leaves moved with a rustle, and my feet stopped.
VisualCombined with the visual image of leaves visibly shifting.
証拠を探すために、警察ががさりに来た。
しょうこをさがすために、けいさつががさりにきた。
The police came for a search to look for evidence.
FigurativeUses the slang meaning of a police search.
犯人の部屋にがさりが入った。
はんにんのへやにがさりがはいった。
The suspect's room was raided by the police.
Figurative'gasari ga hairu' is a common phrase meaning a raid takes place.
Similar Words
かさり
kasari
The lighter, softer version of the rustling sound compared to 'gasari'.
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. Describes a continuous rummaging sound, rather than a single occurrence.
ごそり
gosori
A momentary rustling or rummaging sound, like reaching into a bag or a sudden movement in bushes.
Questions
What is the difference between gasari and kasari?
Gasari has a heavier, coarser nuance, while kasari is used for very light and soft rustling sounds.
Why does gasari mean a police search?
The term originates from the noisy rummaging sound (gasagoso or gasari) made when police turn things upside down to look for evidence. It's often referred to as gasa-ire.
Does gasari imply a continuous noise?
No, gasari typically describes a single, short occurrence of the sound. For a continuous rummaging noise, use gasagoso.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2647620
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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