Entry
ゴクリ
gokuri
The sound or action of swallowing liquid or saliva in a single gulp.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word that represents the audible sound heard when someone swallows liquid or saliva in one distinct gulp. It is widely used both literally for drinking and figuratively to express nervousness, anticipation, or tension by swallowing hard.
- swallowing liquid in one gulp
- swallowing saliva out of tension or nervousness
Sense Map
Drinking in a Gulp
Describes the sound and action of swallowing a beverage or liquid in one clear, distinct gulp.
水をゴクリと飲む。
Swallowing Hard (Nervousness)
Describes the reflex action of swallowing saliva heavily due to feeling nervous, anxious, or highly expectant.
唾をゴクリと飲む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴクリと + verb
The standard pattern for describing a swallowing action. It is frequently followed by verbs like drink (飲む) or swallow (飲み込む).
ゴクリ + verb
Similar to the previous pattern, but with the particle と omitted. This feels slightly more casual.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴクリと飲む
drink with a gulp
ゴクリと飲み込む
swallow down
唾をゴクリと飲む
swallow saliva
ゴクリと喉を鳴らす
make a gulping sound in the throat
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking Liquids | neutral | Indicates swallowing water or medicine in a firm, single gulp. |
| Nervousness and Anxiety | negative | Used when someone feels pressured or anxious, causing them to reflexively swallow their saliva. |
| Anticipation (Food) | positive | Used when someone's mouth waters and they swallow upon seeing delicious food. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごっくん ごっくん / similar | When focusing on the throat sound with a slightly more childish, cute, or heavy nuance. | Rarely used figuratively to express nervousness or tension. | ジュースをごっくんと飲む。 |
ぐいっと ぐいっと / contrast | When drinking a large amount of liquid forcefully and in one go. | Focuses on the vigorous movement and force of drinking, rather than the throat sound or nervousness. | ビールをぐいっと飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to describe eating or chewing solid food.
This word is strictly for liquids or saliva. For solid food, use gaburi or pakuri.
Using this word to mean drinking slowly or sipping.
It implies a single, distinct, and audible gulp, not a slow drinking action.
Examples
Examples
喉が渇いていたので、水をゴクリと飲んだ。
のどがかわいていたので、みずをごくりとのんだ。
Because I was thirsty, I drank the water in a single gulp.
LiteralUsed literally to show drinking due to thirst.
緊張のあまり、思わず生唾をごくりと飲み込んだ。
きんちょうのあまり、おもわずなまつばをごくりとのみこんだ。
I was so nervous that I involuntarily swallowed hard.
FigurativeShows the reflex action of swallowing hard out of nervousness.
美味しそうな料理を見て、ゴクリと喉を鳴らした。
おいしそうなりょうりをみて、ごくりとのどをならした。
Looking at the delicious-looking food, I gulped audibly.
VisualShows positive anticipation toward food.
面接の順番が近づき、彼はごくりと唾を飲んだ。
めんせつのじゅんばんがちかづき、かれはごくりとつばをのんだ。
As his turn for the interview approached, he swallowed hard.
FigurativeSwallowing hard as a sign of situational anxiety or pressure.
大きな錠剤を水と一緒にゴクリと飲み込んだ。
おおきなじょうざいをみずといっしょにごくりとのみこんだ。
I swallowed the large pill in one gulp with water.
LiteralUsed for swallowing a specific item, like medicine, along with liquid.
Similar Words
ごっくん
gokkun
Describes the distinct sound or action of swallowing liquid or food down the throat. Focuses on the sound itself, sounds a bit childish.
ぐいっと
guitto
Doing something in a single, uninterrupted, forceful motion, such as downing a drink or yanking an object. Shows the force and vigor of drinking a lot of liquid, rather than the throat sound.
Questions
Can I use this word to describe someone eating a meal?
No, it is exclusively used for swallowing liquids or saliva.
Does this word always mean someone is nervous?
Not always. When used with water or medicine, it just means swallowing. When used with saliva, it usually indicates nervousness.
Is it better to use hiragana or katakana?
Both are common. Katakana is seen more frequently in manga or novels to emphasize the sound effect.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2178880
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- きゅん (kyun)
- Next entry
- ごくごく (gokugoku)