Entry
ゲップ
geppu
Geppu is a word that mimics the sound or act of air escaping from the stomach through the mouth.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Geppu is the standard Japanese term for a burp or belch. It is used to describe the sound of gas escaping the digestive system in both casual conversation and medical contexts.
- The natural sound of gas escaping the stomach.
- The act of burping a baby after feeding.
Sense Map
Natural Physiology
The involuntary or voluntary release of gas from the stomach after eating or drinking.
炭酸を飲んでゲップが出る。
Infant Care
Helping a baby release air swallowed during feeding.
赤ちゃんにゲップをさせる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゲップが出る
Used when a burp comes out naturally or involuntarily.
ゲップをする
Used when someone actively or intentionally performs the act of burping.
ゲップをさせる
The causative form used when helping someone else (like a baby) to burp.
How to Use
Common Phrases
大きなゲップ
a loud burp
ゲップを我慢する
to hold back a burp
何度もゲップが出る
to burp repeatedly
食事の後にゲップをする
to burp after a meal
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| After eating | neutral | Commonly occurs after drinking carbonated beverages or eating too fast. |
| Figurative (Fed up) | negative | Used to describe being sick and tired of something that has been repeated too much. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うっぷ うっぷ / nearby | Used for a small, suppressed burp or the sound of nausea. | Geppu is a full, clear burp sound, while uppu is more about feeling sick or air being caught. | うっぷと吐き気がする。 |
しゃっくり しゃっくり / nearby | Used for hiccups, which are involuntary diaphragm contractions. | Geppu is the release of gas, while shakkuri is the repetitive 'hic' sound. | しゃっくりが止まらない。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using Geppu for passing gas (farting).
For gas released from the other end, use the word onara (おなら).
Thinking Geppu is always rude.
In medical contexts or when talking about babies, it is a necessary and neutral term.
Examples
Examples
冷たいコーラを飲んだら、大きなゲップが出た。
つめたいコーラをのんだら、おおきなゲップがでた。
I let out a big burp after drinking cold cola.
LiteralStandard usage for natural gas release.
ミルクの後は、赤ちゃんにゲップをさせてあげてください。
ミルクのあとは、赤ちゃんにゲップをさせてあげてください。
Please burp the baby after they have their milk.
VisualCommon context in baby care.
人前でゲップをするのは失礼ですよ。
ひとまえでゲップをするのはしつれいですよ。
It is rude to burp in front of people.
LiteralRefers to social etiquette.
毎日同じ文句を聞かされて、もうゲップが出るよ。
まいにちおなじもんくをきかされて、もうゲップがでるよ。
I'm sick and tired of hearing the same complaints every day.
FigurativeFigurative for being extremely fed up.
会議中にゲップが出そうになって、慌てて我慢した。
かいぎちゅうにゲップがでそうになって、あわててがまんした。
I almost burped during the meeting and hurriedly held it back.
LiteralDescribes a situation of trying to control body functions.
Similar Words
しゃっくり
shakkuri
Repetitive hiccup sound.
Questions
Is Geppu a rude word?
The word itself is neutral, but the act of burping in public is considered rude in Japan.
When should I use Katakana for Geppu?
Use Katakana when you want to emphasize the actual sound effect of the burp.
Can Geppu be used for things other than humans?
Yes, it can be used for animals or figuratively for machines, though it primarily refers to human sounds.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004260
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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