Entry
ゴクン
gokun
The audible sound of a single, heavy swallow.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the sound made when swallowing liquid eagerly, swallowing a pill, or audibly swallowing saliva due to nervousness or anticipation.
- Audible gulp when drinking
- Swallowing nervously
Sense Map
Gulping Liquid
Describes the sound of drinking liquid eagerly or in large swallows.
水をゴクンと飲む
Nervous Swallowing
Describes the sound of swallowing one's saliva due to tension, fear, or surprise.
唾をゴクンと飲み込む
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴクンと + verb (飲む/飲み込む)
Used as an adverb to describe how an action of swallowing is performed.
ゴクンと鳴る
Used to describe the throat making a gulping sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴクンと飲む
to drink with a gulp
唾をゴクンと飲み込む
to gulp nervously (swallow saliva)
薬をゴクンと飲む
to swallow medicine with a gulp
喉がゴクンと鳴る
one's throat makes a gulping sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking when very thirsty | positive/neutral | Indicates refreshing and enthusiastic drinking. |
| Tense situations | neutral | Highlights the audible swallow of saliva indicating nervousness. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごっくん ごっくん / similar | Used to describe a more exaggerated gulp or often used when speaking to babies and young children. | Gokun is more neutral and standard for general adult usage. | ミルクをごっくんと飲む |
ごくり ごくり / similar | Often used for an audible swallow in tense anticipation, or when looking at something mouth-watering. | Gokuri has a stronger focus on the psychological state of anticipation or desire compared to the purely physical sound of gokun. | ゴクリと喉を鳴らす |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gokun to describe chewing food.
Gokun only describes the act of swallowing, not chewing.
Using gokun when taking small sips of hot tea.
Gokun implies a large, distinct gulp. For sipping, a word like susuru is more appropriate.
Examples
Examples
冷たい水をゴクンと飲んだ。
つめたい みず を ゴクン と のんだ。
I drank the cold water with a gulp.
LiteralDescribes the literal sound of swallowing a liquid.
緊張して、思わず唾をゴクンと飲み込んだ。
きんちょう して、 おもわず つば を ゴクン と のみこんだ。
I was so nervous that I unintentionally gulped down my saliva.
FigurativeShows psychological tension through the physical sound of swallowing.
大きな錠剤をゴクンと飲み込むのは苦手だ。
おおきな じょうざい を ゴクン と のみこむ のは にがてだ。
I am bad at swallowing large pills with a gulp.
LiteralUsed when gulping down a solid object (medicine) with water.
彼はビールを一口でゴクンと飲み干した。
かれ は ビール を ひとくち で ゴクン と のみほした。
He gulped down the beer in one mouthful.
LiteralDescribes drinking with enthusiasm.
ホラー映画を見ながら、観客は息を飲んでゴクンと喉を鳴らした。
ホラーえいが を みながら、 かんきゃく は いき を のんで ゴクン と のど を ならした。
While watching the horror movie, the audience caught their breath and gulped audibly.
FigurativeDescribes a scary atmosphere through a bodily reaction.
Similar Words
ごっくん
gokkun
Describes the distinct sound or action of swallowing liquid or food down the throat. Used more for babies or sounds more childish.
ゴクリ
gokuri
The sound or action of swallowing liquid or saliva in a single gulp. Focuses on the anticipation or tension preceding the gulp.
Questions
Can I use gokun for eating solid food?
It specifically describes the swallowing part. If you are swallowing a chunk of food whole or audibly, it works, but it is most commonly used for liquids or saliva.
What is the difference between gokun and gokkun?
They are functionally the same, but gokkun sounds slightly cuter, more exaggerated, or childish.
Is it polite to use gokun?
It is an informal sound word. It is perfectly fine in daily conversation, but you would not use it in highly formal business language to describe your own actions.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2780010
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- シュッと (shutto)
- Next entry
- ぶわぶわ (buwabuwa)