Entry
がったり
gattari
Describes collapsing heavily or a sudden, dramatic drop in level or quantity.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a heavy, physical collapse—often due to exhaustion—or a situation where numerical values like sales, prices, or temperature drop suddenly and significantly.
- heavy physical collapse
- sudden drop in values
Sense Map
Physical Collapse
Shows a person or object falling or collapsing heavily, typically from extreme exhaustion or a sudden loss of energy.
疲れ果ててがったりと倒れる。
Dramatic Drop
Indicates a sudden and significant decrease in an amount, level, temperature, or price.
売り上げががったりと落ちる。
Usage Note
How to Use
がったりと + verb
Uses the 'to' particle to describe the heavy or dramatic manner in which an action (like falling or dropping) takes place.
がったり + verb
The 'to' particle is often omitted in casual speech, allowing the mimetic word to directly modify the verb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がったりと倒れる
to collapse heavily
がったりと落ちる
to drop dramatically (e.g., sales, values)
がったり下がる
to fall sharply
がったりと座り込む
to sit down heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical collapse | neutral | Emphasizes the heavy, uncontrolled nature of a fall due to a complete loss of energy. |
| Numerical or level drops | negative | Highlights the suddenness and large scale of a decrease in statistics or levels, often contrary to expectations. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がくり がくり / similar | When something suddenly loses tension (like knees giving way) or drops abruptly. | "Gakuri" focuses on a sudden jerk or loss of support, whereas "gattari" emphasizes the heavy, complete weight of the collapse. | 膝ががくりと折れる。 |
ばったり ばったり / similar | When something unexpectedly falls flat or completely stops. | "Battari" highlights a sudden flat fall or an unexpected encounter, whereas "gattari" emphasizes physical weight or a dramatic numerical drop. | 道でばったり倒れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "gattari" for small, light objects falling.
"Gattari" carries a strong sense of weight. Use other words like "potari" for small drops.
Confusing "gattari" with "gakkuri" for emotional disappointment.
While "gakkuri" focuses on emotional discouragement, "gattari" focuses on physical collapse or dramatic numerical drops.
Examples
Examples
疲れ果てて、ベッドにがったりと倒れ込んだ。
つかれはてて、ベッドにがったりとたおれこんだ。
Completely exhausted, I collapsed heavily onto the bed.
LiteralShows a heavy physical fall due to loss of strength.
今月は客足が減り、売り上げががったり落ちた。
こんげつはきゃくあしがへり、うりあげががったりおちた。
Customer traffic decreased this month, and sales dropped dramatically.
FigurativeUsed to describe a sudden, large decrease in abstract values like sales.
薬を飲んだら、熱ががったりと下がった。
くすりをのんだら、ねつががったりとさがった。
After taking the medicine, the fever dropped dramatically.
FigurativeShows a dramatic and sudden drop in temperature.
重い荷物を下ろして、がったりと座り込んだ。
おもいにもつをおろして、がったりとすわりこんだ。
I put down the heavy luggage and sat down heavily.
LiteralCaptures the physical weight and loss of energy when sitting down.
チームの成績が悪化し、観客動員数ががったり減った。
チームのせいせきがあっかし、かんきゃくどういんすうががったりへった。
The team's performance worsened, and attendance dropped sharply.
FigurativeIndicates a sudden and significant decrease in numbers.
Similar Words
がくり
gakuri
This word describes a sudden, sharp downward movement caused by an abrupt loss of physical strength or tension. Focuses on a sudden loss of support or tension.
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt. Focuses on falling flat suddenly.
どたり
dotari
Describes the heavy, dull impact or sound of a massive object or a person collapsing helplessly to the ground.
Questions
What is the difference between "gattari" and "gakkuri"?
"Gakkuri" often describes extreme emotional disappointment or losing heart, while "gattari" focuses on the physical weight of collapsing or a dramatic drop in numbers.
Can "gattari" be used for something breaking into pieces?
No, "gattari" focuses on a heavy falling motion or a plunging level, not the physical act of breaking or shattering.
Is "gattari" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, it is fairly common when describing extreme physical exhaustion or sudden drops in things like prices or temperature.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2834349
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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