Entry
ゴロゴロ
gorogoro
A word representing a heavy rumbling sound, a large object rolling, lounging around idly, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This highly versatile word describes low, heavy rumbling sounds (like thunder or a stomach), the movement of large, heavy objects rolling, the physical state of lying around lazily doing nothing, or an uncomfortable gritty physical sensation (like sand in the eye).
- Low rumbling sound
- Heavy object rolling
- Lounging idly
- Gritty foreign body sensation
Sense Map
Rumbling Sound
Describes a low, heavy sound, such as thunder rolling in the sky or a stomach growling.
雷がゴロゴロ鳴る
Heavy Object Rolling
Describes the motion of large, heavy things like boulders tumbling or turning over.
岩がゴロゴロ転がる
Lounging (Idling)
Describes lying around or relaxing at home without engaging in productive activities.
家でゴロゴロする
Gritty Sensation
Expresses physical discomfort from a foreign object, typically feeling 'gritty' or 'scratchy' in the eye.
目がゴロゴロする
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴロゴロ（と）鳴る
Used when something emits a continuous rumbling noise, such as thunder or a hungry stomach.
ゴロゴロする
Functions as a verb to mean 'to lounge around', or to express a gritty, uncomfortable physical sensation.
ゴロゴロ（と）転がる
Used with motion verbs to vividly describe a heavy object rolling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
お腹がゴロゴロ鳴る
stomach is rumbling
雷がゴロゴロ鳴る
thunder is rumbling
家でゴロゴロする
lounge around at home
喉をゴロゴロ鳴らす
to purr (of a cat)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather (Thunder) | Neutral | Indicates rolling, continuous thunder rather than a single sharp crack. |
| Behavior (Weekends) | Positive/Neutral | A very natural way to say 'I just chilled at home' when asked about weekend plans. |
| Physical (Eyes) | Negative | Specifically describes the uncomfortable feeling of a foreign body, like an eyelash or sand. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ころころ ころころ / contrast | Used when a small or light object is rolling, or for a higher-pitched, pleasant rolling sound. | Unlike gorogoro, which is strictly for large, heavy objects or deep, low rumbling sounds. | ボールがコロコロ転がる。 |
だらだら だらだら / contrast | Used when performing an action sluggishly, without focus, or endlessly (like working lazily). | Unlike gorogoro, which specifically implies physically lying down and doing no work at all. | だらだらと仕事をする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gorogoro to describe a pencil or small ball rolling off a desk.
Use korokoro for small items. Gorogoro implies significant weight and mass.
Assuming gorogoro is always an insult meaning 'lazy'.
It can be used positively to describe a well-deserved, relaxing day off at home.
Examples
Examples
遠くで雷がゴロゴロ鳴っている。
とおく で かみなり が ゴロゴロ なって いる。
Thunder is rumbling in the distance.
LiteralShows the low, heavy rumbling sound of thunder.
休日は家でゴロゴロしている。
きゅうじつ は いえ で ゴロゴロ して いる。
On my days off, I just lounge around at home.
FigurativeShows the state of lying down and relaxing without doing any activities.
山から大きな岩がゴロゴロと転がってきた。
やま から おおきな いわ が ゴロゴロ と ころがって きた。
A large boulder came rolling down from the mountain.
VisualShows a heavy, large object turning or rolling over.
お腹がすいて、ゴロゴロ鳴っている。
おなか が すいて、 ゴロゴロ なって いる。
I'm hungry, and my stomach is growling.
LiteralShows the rumbling sound inside the stomach due to hunger.
目にゴミが入って、ゴロゴロする。
め に ゴミ が はいって、 ゴロゴロ する。
I got dust in my eye and it feels gritty.
LiteralShows the uncomfortable physical sensation caused by a foreign object.
Similar Words
だらだら
daradara
だらだら describes something continuing endlessly without tension, such as chilling lazily at home, a meeting dragging on, or sweat dripping continuously. Doing something sluggishly or without focus.
ころころ
korokoro
The light rolling movement of small, round objects, or things that change easily and frequently. Small or light objects rolling.
Questions
Does 'gorogoro' mean lazy?
It can mean lazy, but it's often just a casual way to say 'lounging around' or 'relaxing' on a day off without negative judgment.
What is the difference between 'gorogoro' and 'korokoro'?
'Gorogoro' is for large, heavy things rolling (like a boulder). 'Korokoro' is for small, light things rolling (like a pebble or coin).
Can I use 'gorogoro' for an earthquake?
Not usually for the shaking itself, but you might hear a 'gorogoro' rumbling sound from the ground just before or during it.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005020
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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