Entry
ギザギザ
gizagiza
Describes an edge or surface that is jagged or has a series of sharp notches.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used for objects with uneven edges characterized by repeating teeth or sharp points, such as saws, the milled edges of coins, or certain types of leaves.
- Jagged or serrated edges of physical objects.
- Stepped artifacts in digital images (jaggies).
Sense Map
Physical Shape
An edge or surface with a series of repeating sharp points or notches.
ギザギザの葉っぱ (a jagged leaf)
Digital Graphics
Pixelated or stair-stepped lines in computer images due to low resolution.
画像の線がギザギザだ (the lines in the image are jagged)
Usage Note
How to Use
ギザギザの + noun
Used as an adjective to describe a noun with a jagged edge.
ギザギザしている
Describes the current state of an object being jagged.
ギザギザに + verb
Describes performing an action in a way that creates a jagged pattern, like cutting.
ギザギザと + verb
Describes an action or movement that interacts with a jagged surface.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ギザギザの刃
serrated blade
ギザギザのふち
jagged edge
ギザギザに切る
to cut in a zig-zag pattern
表面がギザギザする
the surface feels jagged
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | neutral | Describes functional sharp edges. |
| Visuals | neutral | Describes patterns or digital artifacts. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
とげとげ とげとげ / similar | Use for things with sharp points like thorns or needles sticking out. | Gizagiza is about the pattern of the edge, while togetoge is about prickly points. | サボテンがトゲトゲしている。 |
ぼこぼこ ぼこぼこ / similar | Use for surfaces that are bumpy, dented, or have holes. | Gizagiza is a sharp, regular pattern; bokoboko refers to irregular bumps or dents. | 道がボコボコだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gizagiza for a generally rough surface like sandpaper.
Use zarazara for sandpaper-like roughness. Gizagiza requires distinct points or teeth.
Thinking it only applies to metal tools.
It can apply to nature (leaves, mountains) and digital images as well.
Examples
Examples
10円玉のふちはギザギザしている。
じゅうえんだまのふちはギザギザしている。
The edge of the 10-yen coin is serrated.
LiteralRefers to the milled pattern on the coin's edge.
この葉っぱは、ふちがギザギザだ。
このはっぱは、ふちがギザギザだ。
This leaf has a jagged edge.
VisualDescribes the sharp natural shape of the leaf.
のこぎりのギザギザした部分で木を切る。
のこぎりのギザギザしたぶぶんでをきる。
Cut the wood with the serrated part of the saw.
LiteralExplains the sharp function of the saw teeth.
拡大した写真の線がギザギザに見える。
かくだいしたしゃしんのせんがギザギザにみえる。
The lines in the enlarged photo look jagged.
VisualRefers to digital jaggies or aliasing.
折り紙をハサミでギザギザに切った。
おりがみをハサミでギザギザにきった。
Cut the origami paper into a jagged pattern with scissors.
VisualDescribes the resulting patterned cut.
Similar Words
トゲトゲ
togetoge
Both are sharp, but togetoge refers to protruding thorns.
Questions
Can it be used for food?
Yes, it describes ridged potato chips or the wavy edges of crackers.
What is giza-ju?
It refers to 10-yen coins minted between 1951-1958 that have serrated edges.
Does it have any emotional meaning?
Rarely. It is almost exclusively used for physical or visual descriptions.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003560
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- キラキラ (kirakira)
- Next entry
- ギスギス (gisugisu)