Entry
ごみごみ
gomigomi
Describes a space or area that is visually cluttered, squalid, and messy due to having too many objects or people.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to describe the physical condition of a place that is untidy, cramped, or densely packed (such as a room, desk, or city street). It often conveys an uncomfortable lack of space and order.
- cluttered spaces
- cramped environments
Sense Map
Cluttered Rooms
Used when an indoor space like a room or desk is filled with too many things, leaving no space.
部屋がごみごみしている。
Cramped Urban Areas
Used when streets or towns are overly dense with buildings or people, feeling squalid.
ごみごみした町。
Usage Note
How to Use
ごみごみする
ごみごみしている
Used to describe the current state of a place being cluttered or cramped.
ごみごみした + noun
Used to modify a noun, such as 'a cluttered room' (ごみごみした部屋).
ごみごみと + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
ごみごみした部屋
cluttered room
ごみごみした町
cramped/squalid town
机の上がごみごみしている
the desk is cluttered
ごみごみした通り
cramped/cluttered street
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor spaces | negative | Highlights the uncomfortable feeling of not having enough empty space due to too many objects. |
| Urban environments | negative | Describes an area with too many buildings, signs, or people, making it feel chaotic, dirty, and lacking open space. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごちゃごちゃ ごちゃごちゃ / similar | When things are mixed up without order (like mixed cables, mixed thoughts). | ごみごみ implies things are crammed, cluttered, and often dirty/squalid, lacking physical space. | ケーブルがごちゃごちゃに絡まる。 |
すっきり すっきり / opposite | When a space is neat, tidy, and free of clutter. | The exact opposite of ごみごみ. A room without unnecessary things is すっきり. | すっきりした部屋。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe confused thoughts or a chaotic situation.
Use ごちゃごちゃ (gochagocha) for abstract confusion or mixed-up situations. ごみごみ is strictly for physical spaces.
Using it to simply mean a stain or dirt.
It specifically means 'cluttered' or 'squalid' due to excessive items, not just having a dirty surface.
Examples
Examples
彼の部屋はいつもごみごみしている。
かれのへやはいつもごみごみしている。
His room is always cluttered.
VisualDescribes a room full of things with no empty space.
ごみごみした町には住みたくない。
ごみごみしたまちにはすみたくない。
I don't want to live in a squalid, cramped town.
VisualRefers to a densely packed, unorganized urban environment.
机の上がごみごみしていて、仕事ができない。
つくえのうえがごみごみしていて、しごとができない。
My desk is so cluttered that I can't work.
VisualHighlights the inconvenience of lacking clean workspace.
その路地は狭くてごみごみしていた。
そのろじはせまくてごみごみしていた。
That alley was narrow and cramped.
VisualFocuses on a small, densely packed street.
荷物が多くて、家の中がごみごみする。
にもつがおおくて、いえのなかがごみごみする。
With so much luggage, the inside of the house gets cramped.
VisualExplains the process of a room becoming cramped due to an influx of items.
Similar Words
ごちゃごちゃ
gochagocha
A state of being messy, chaotic, or mixed up. Used for mixed-up objects or thoughts.
ごしゃごしゃ
goshagosha
A state where objects, cables, or thoughts are highly jumbled or messy.
がしゃがしゃ
gashagasha
Describes the harsh clattering sound of hard objects hitting together, or a highly messy and disorganized state.
すっきり
sukkiri
Feeling refreshed, relieved, or appearing neat and clean without any lingering clutter. Neat, clean state without unnecessary items.
Questions
Does 'gomigomi' come from the word 'gomi' (trash)?
Yes, the association is very strong. It describes a place that is so full of unorganized things or people that it feels squalid or like a dump.
Can I use 'gomigomi' for a packed schedule?
No. For a tight schedule, use 'ぎっしり' (gisshiri). 'gomigomi' is exclusively for physical spaces that are cramped and messy.
Is this always a negative word?
Yes, it almost always carries a negative nuance of being uncomfortably cluttered or squalid.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2008240
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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