Entry
ゲコゲコ
gekogeko
ゲコゲコ is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a deep, throaty frog croak.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures the natural sound of a frog croaking. Compared to "kerokero," which sounds lighter and cuter, "gekogeko" conveys a deeper, throatier, or more realistic frog noise often heard in ponds or rice fields.
- Natural frog croak
- Throaty imitation of a frog
Sense Map
Frog Croak (Natural)
Used to describe the actual croaking sound of frogs in nature, particularly medium to large ones.
カエルがゲコゲコ鳴いている。
Imitated Frog Sound
Used when a toy, a person, or a device makes a deep croaking frog sound.
おもちゃのカエルがゲコゲコと音を立てる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゲコゲコ鳴く
Functions as an adverb placed directly before the verb 'naku' (to cry/make an animal sound).
ゲコゲコと鳴く
ゲコゲコという声
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゲコゲコ鳴く
to croak (of a frog)
ゲコゲコと鳴く
to croak deeply
カエルがゲコゲコ
frogs croaking
ゲコゲコという声
a croaking voice/sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Frogs in the wild | Neutral | Commonly evokes imagery of ponds or rice paddies during the rainy season. |
| Voice quality | Neutral | Focuses on the low-pitched, vibrating sound from the throat. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
けろけろ けろけろ / contrast | For the high-pitched, light, or cute sound of a small frog or anime character. | Gekogeko is for a deeper, thicker, and more realistic frog croak. | 小さなカエルがケロケロ鳴く。 |
げろげろ げろげろ / similar | For an even deeper, uglier, or hoarser croak of a toad. | Gerogero sounds coarser and can have negative (gross) connotations like vomiting, while gekogeko is strictly neutral. | ヒキガエルがげろげろ鳴く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゲコゲコ for a cute, tiny frog mascot.
Use ケロケロ (kerokero) for cute frogs. Gekogeko is too realistic and throaty.
Using this word for a raven or a bird with a raspy call.
Gekogeko is exclusively for frogs. For ravens or crows, use ガーガー (gāgā) or カーカー (kākā).
Examples
Examples
雨の日、田んぼからカエルがゲコゲコと鳴く声が聞こえる。
あめのひ、たんぼからカエルがゲコゲコとなくこえがきこえる。
On a rainy day, I can hear frogs croaking "ribbit ribbit" from the rice paddies.
LiteralA typical example of frog sounds from rice paddies during the rainy season.
池のそばを通ると、大きなカエルがゲコゲコ鳴いていた。
いけのそばをとおると、おおきなカエルがゲコゲコないていた。
When passing by the pond, a large frog was croaking.
LiteralDescribes a large frog that naturally has a deeper croak.
夜になると、外でゲコゲコという合唱が始まる。
よるになると、そとでゲコゲコというがっしょうがはじまる。
When night falls, a chorus of croaking starts outside.
LiteralUses the 'to iu' pattern to describe a 'chorus' of frog croaks.
庭で何かがゲコゲコと音を立てていると思ったら、ヒキガエルだった。
にわでなにかがゲコゲコとおとをたてているとおもったら、ヒキガエルだった。
I wondered what was making a croaking sound in the garden, and it turned out to be a toad.
LiteralToads (hikigaeru) have a naturally deep voice that matches this onomatopoeia well.
田植えの季節は、ゲコゲコ鳴くカエルのおかげでにぎやかだ。
たうえのきせつは、ゲコゲコなくカエルのおかげでにぎやかだ。
The rice-planting season is lively thanks to the croaking frogs.
LiteralThe 'gekogeko' sound is strongly associated with the rice planting (taue) season in Japan.
Similar Words
げろげろ
gerogero
For an even coarser toad croak, or the sound of vomiting.
Questions
What is the difference between ゲコゲコ and ケロケロ?
Gekogeko is a deeper, more realistic croak (ribbit), while kerokero is a lighter, higher-pitched sound often used for small or cute frogs.
Does ゲコゲコ only apply to frogs?
Yes, it is strictly used for the croaking of frogs or things imitating frogs.
Is ゲコゲコ considered polite or slang?
It is a standard, neutral onomatopoeia. It is neither particularly polite nor slang, just a natural descriptor for a sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2868111
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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