Entry
ごぼっ
gobo
ごぼっ is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes a sudden, single gurgling sound, or the abrupt caving in of a surface leaving a large hole.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used to describe two main situations: first, a single, abrupt sound of a large air bubble escaping or something being swallowed heavily by water. Second, a physical condition where a solid surface (such as the ground) suddenly collapses, caves in, or is hollowed out.
- A sudden, single gurgling or gulping sound in liquid.
- The sudden collapse or caving in of the ground or a surface.
Sense Map
Water Sound
Describes a loud, sudden gurgling sound, liquid being swallowed abruptly, or something sinking into water with a strong, single splash.
石が水にごぼっと沈む。
Caving In
Describes a physical condition where a portion of the ground or an object suddenly collapses, gets sucked inward, and forms a large hole.
地面がごぼっと陥没した。
Usage Note
How to Use
ごぼっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like sinking or caving in) occurs. It is usually followed by the particle と.
ごぼっと沈む
A common phrase used to describe something suddenly sinking into liquid with a gurgling sound.
ごぼっと凹む
A phrase to describe a part of a surface suddenly denting inward or caving in.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ごぼっと沈む
sink suddenly with a gurgle
ごぼっと凹む
suddenly cave in
地面がごぼっと陥没する
the ground suddenly collapses
水がごぼっと湧く
water suddenly gushes out
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing water or liquid | Neutral | Indicates a single, large gurgling sound occurring during a significant movement of liquid volume. |
| Describing roads or surfaces | Negative (due to damage) | Highly effective for explaining road damage or ground collapsing inward due to underground erosion. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごぼごぼ ごぼごぼ / similar | Use when the gurgling or burbling of water or liquid is continuous and ongoing. | Unlike ごぼっ which happens quickly and only once, ごぼごぼ focuses on duration and repeated actions. | 水がごぼごぼと流れる。 |
ずぼっと ずぼっと / similar | Use when describing something penetrating, sinking deeply into, or falling into a narrow space or hole abruptly. | ズボッと emphasizes an object forcibly entering a cavity, whereas ごぼっ emphasizes the surface itself caving in or the resulting water sound. | 足が泥にズボッと埋まる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ごぼっ for a gentle stream.
ごぼっ implies a large, abrupt sound, not a normal water flow. Use さらさら for a gentle stream.
Assuming it is only used for water sounds.
Aside from water sounds, ごぼっ is also very commonly used to describe solid ground or surfaces suddenly caving in and creating a hole.
Examples
Examples
大きな石を池に投げ入れると、ごぼっと沈んでいった。
おおきないしをいけになげいれると、ごぼっとしずんでいった。
When I threw a large stone into the pond, it sank with a sudden gurgle.
LiteralShows the sound of water when a heavy object sinks instantly.
大雨の影響で、道路の一部がごぼっと陥没した。
おおあめのえいきょうで、どうろのいちぶがごぼっとかんぼつした。
Due to the heavy rain, a part of the road suddenly caved in.
VisualDescribes the surface of a road suddenly hollowing out and collapsing.
パイプから水が一瞬ごぼっと溢れ出した。
パイプからみずがいっしゅんごぼっとあふれだした。
Water instantly gushed out of the pipe with a gurgle.
LiteralIndicates a single burst of a large volume of water happening suddenly.
クッションを強く押すと、中心がごぼっと凹んだ。
クッションをつよくおすと、ちゅうしんがごぼっとへこんだ。
When I pressed the cushion hard, the center suddenly caved in.
VisualUsed for a significant, sudden physical deformation.
川に落ちた荷物は、ごぼっという音とともに消えてしまった。
かわにおちたにもつは、ごぼっというおととともにきえてしまった。
The luggage that fell into the river disappeared with a sudden gurgling sound.
LiteralFocuses on the specific sound just before something sinks.
Similar Words
ズボッと
zubotto
Indicates something forcibly plunging or sinking into a cavity, different from a surface caving in on its own.
Questions
Is ごぼっ the same as ごぼごぼ?
They share the same root, but ごぼっ emphasizes a sudden, single action, while ごぼごぼ describes a continuous, repeating action.
Can I use ごぼっ for solid objects?
Yes, it is very common to use this word to describe solid objects like the ground or a road suddenly caving in and forming a large hole.
Which particle usually follows ごぼっ?
This word is most often followed by the particle と (to) to describe the accompanying verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2423340
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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