Entry
ごくっ
goku
The sound or action of gulping a drink or swallowing heavily.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that represents the audible sound or physical movement of swallowing a large amount of liquid at once, or swallowing saliva due to tension, fear, or nervousness.
- Taking a large gulp of a drink
- Swallowing saliva out of nervousness
Sense Map
Drinking
The sound or movement of taking a large, solid gulp of a liquid.
冷たい水をごくっと飲む。
Nervousness
The act of audibly swallowing saliva when feeling tense, frightened, or anticipatory.
緊張して生唾をごくっと飲み込む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ごくっと + verb (e.g., 飲む, 飲み込む)
Used as an adverbial modifier with verbs related to drinking (飲む) or swallowing (飲み込む) to emphasize the sound or single action of the gulp.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ごくっと飲む
drink with a gulp
つばをごくっと飲み込む
swallow saliva (nervously)
喉をごくっと鳴らす
make a gulping sound in the throat
水をごくっと飲む
take a single gulp of water
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking a refreshing beverage. | Positive | Conveys a sense of relief and satisfaction when quenching one's thirst with a solid gulp. |
| Feeling nervous or intimidated. | Neutral/Negative | Indicates physical anxiety, expressing the involuntary action of swallowing saliva before doing something difficult. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごっくん ごっくん / similar | Focuses on the solid completion of swallowing; often used by or toward children when coaxing them to swallow food or medicine. | Goku' emphasizes the sharp sound of a single gulp or the momentary tension, rather than the complete act of sending something down the throat. | 牛乳をごっくんと飲む。 |
がぶがぶ がぶがぶ / similar | Used when someone is continuously chugging or drinking a large amount of liquid rapidly. | Goku' represents just a single gulp, whereas gabugabu implies continuous, repeated drinking. | 水をがぶがぶ飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'goku'' for sipping a drink slowly.
Goku' implies a solid, heavy gulp. For sipping, you should use ちびちび (chibichibi).
Using 'goku'' to describe chewing food.
Goku' is exclusively for liquids or swallowing. For chewing, use もぐもぐ (mogumogu).
Examples
Examples
彼はグラスのビールをごくっと飲んだ。
かれは グラスの ビールを ごくっと のんだ。
He took a large gulp of the beer in his glass.
LiteralDescribes the actual sound and action of gulping a refreshing drink.
緊張のあまり、思わず生唾をごくっと飲み込んだ。
きんちょうの あまり、 おもわず なまつばを ごくっと のみこんだ。
I was so nervous that I instinctively swallowed my saliva with a gulp.
LiteralFocuses on the physical bodily reaction to extreme nervousness.
喉が渇いていたので、冷たい水をごくっと飲んだ。
のどが かわいていた ので、 つめたい みずを ごくっと のんだ。
Because I was thirsty, I gulped down the cold water.
LiteralA common casual use to show the act of relieving thirst with a single big gulp.
面接の前に、彼女はごくっと喉を鳴らした。
めんせつの まえに、 かのじょは ごくっと のどを ならした。
Before the interview, she made a gulping sound in her throat.
LiteralFocuses on the audible sound of swallowing caused by tension.
薬を水と一緒にごくっと飲み込む。
くすりを みずと いっしょに ごくっと のみこむ。
Swallow the medicine down with water in one gulp.
LiteralDescribes the action of taking medicine all at once so it goes down quickly.
Similar Words
ごっくん
gokkun
Describes the distinct sound or action of swallowing liquid or food down the throat. Focuses on the solid completion of swallowing.
がぶがぶ
gabugabu
Describes the sound or action of drinking large amounts of liquid vigorously and repeatedly. Used for continuously chugging a large amount of liquid.
ぐっと
gutto
Describes a sudden, forceful exertion or a significant jump in degree or emotional impact.
Questions
Can I use 'goku'' for animals drinking water?
Yes, but it usually implies a single, noticeably large gulp or human-like audible swallowing.
What is the difference between 'goku'' and 'gokugoku'?
Goku' is a single gulp, while gokugoku indicates a series of continuous gulps.
Is it polite to say 'goku'' in formal settings?
Goku' is an onomatopoeia and is generally considered casual. It should be avoided in very formal speeches or business writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2777860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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