Entry
ゴシゴシ
goshigoshi
The sound and action of vigorously scrubbing or rubbing something hard.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that describes the rhythmic, harsh sound or the forceful physical action of scrubbing, washing, or rubbing something vigorously. It is most commonly used when cleaning stubborn dirt off surfaces or body parts, implying strong friction and significant physical effort.
- cleaning and washing
- forceful rubbing
Sense Map
Vigorous cleaning
Used to describe scrubbing pots, floors, or washing hands with a lot of force to remove dirt.
床をゴシゴシ磨く
Forceful rubbing
Describes rubbing a surface or body part (like eyes) back and forth with strong friction.
目をゴシゴシこする
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴシゴシ + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action like washing (洗う) or rubbing (こする) is performed.
ゴシゴシと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action like washing (洗う) or rubbing (こする) is performed.
ゴシゴシする
Used as a verb to mean 'to scrub' or 'to rub vigorously'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴシゴシ洗う
to wash vigorously
ゴシゴシこする
to rub hard
ゴシゴシ磨く
to scrub/polish hard
ゴシゴシ拭く
to wipe vigorously
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning stubborn dirt | positive | Shows thoroughness, effort, and determination to get something clean. |
| Rubbing the body (e.g., eyes, skin) | negative | Often used in warnings not to rub too hard, as it might cause damage or irritation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごりごり ごりごり / nearby | When the friction is rougher, harder, and produces a scraping or grinding sound rather than just scrubbing. | Gorigori feels more destructive or involves harder materials. | 氷をゴリゴリ削る |
ぐりぐり ぐりぐり / nearby | When pressing into something and turning or grinding, like giving a deep massage. | Guriguri is about circular, pressing motions, whereas goshigoshi is a back-and-forth scrubbing motion. | 肩をぐりぐり押す |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using goshigoshi for wiping down a table lightly.
Goshigoshi implies strong force. For a light wipe, use サッと (satto) or just the verb 拭く (fuku).
Using it to describe the state of being clean.
It describes the action of cleaning. For the result (sparkling clean), use ピカピカ (pikapika).
Examples
Examples
床の汚れをゴシゴシとこすって落とした。
ゆかのよごれをゴシゴシとこすっておとした。
I scrubbed the dirt on the floor vigorously to remove it.
LiteralShows the effort of cleaning the floor.
外から帰ったら、石鹸で手をゴシゴシ洗います。
そとからかえったら、せっけんでてをゴシゴシあらいます。
When I return from outside, I wash my hands vigorously with soap.
LiteralEmphasizes thorough hand cleaning.
眠い目をゴシゴシこすった。
ねむいめをゴシゴシこすった。
I rubbed my sleepy eyes hard.
LiteralOften used in the context of warning someone not to rub their eyes too hard.
焦げた鍋をスポンジでゴシゴシ磨く。
こげたなべをすぽんじでゴシゴシみがく。
Scrubbing the burnt pot vigorously with a sponge.
LiteralShows cleaning stubborn burnt food.
間違えた文字を消しゴムでゴシゴシ消した。
まちがえたもじをけしごむでゴシゴシけした。
I forcefully erased the wrong letters with an eraser.
LiteralDescribes a strong rubbing action without water.
Similar Words
ゴリゴリ
gorigori
Gorigori describes a scraping sound, a very hard texture, severe muscle stiffness, or an uncompromising, hardcore attitude. A rougher, more destructive scraping against hard things.
ぐりぐり
guriguri
Guriguri describes a firm circular rubbing motion or a hard, palpable lump found under the skin. Pressing and turning in a circular motion, not back-and-forth.
Questions
Can I use goshigoshi for brushing teeth?
Yes, you can say '歯をゴシゴシ磨く' (brush teeth vigorously), though it implies you are brushing quite hard, perhaps too hard.
Is goshigoshi only for wet cleaning?
No, it can be used for dry actions as well, like forcefully erasing something with an eraser (消しゴムでゴシゴシ消す) or rubbing your eyes.
Can goshigoshi be used when washing hair?
Yes, you can say '髪をゴシゴシ洗う' (wash hair vigorously), but it implies strong scrubbing that might damage the hair or scalp.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2008230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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