Entry
ごそり
gosori
A momentary rustling or rummaging sound, like reaching into a bag or a sudden movement in bushes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Gosori is a giongo (sound-mimicking word) used to describe a single, distinct rustling sound. It often depicts someone rummaging through a bag or pocket for a brief moment, or something suddenly shifting in dry leaves or bushes.
- Brief rummaging
- Sudden movement
Sense Map
Rummaging
The sound of quickly reaching into or searching inside a container like a bag or pocket.
鞄をごそりと探る
Rustling Movement
A sudden, single sound made by something moving through leaves, bushes, or paper.
茂みがごそりと揺れる
Usage Note
How to Use
ごそりと + verb
Used to describe how an action is performed with a single rustling or friction sound.
ごそりと音がする
Literally means to make a gosori sound, used when the sound itself is the focus.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ポケットをごそりと探る
search one's pocket with a rustle
ごそりと音がする
make a rustling sound
鞄の中からごそりと出す
take out from a bag with a rustle
茂みがごそりと動く
the bush moves with a rustle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Searching in a bag | Neutral | Implies finding something quickly or a single reach inside. |
| Movement in bushes | Suspenseful | Often used when noticing an unexpected or sudden sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごそごそ ごそごそ / similar | When the rummaging or rustling action is continuous or repetitive. | Not for a single, brief sound. | ごそごそ探す |
がさり がさり / similar | When the rustling sound is louder, rougher, or involves heavier materials. | Not for soft or muffled sounds. | がさりと音がする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for continuous searching.
Use gosogoso for an ongoing search. Gosori is just one quick movement.
Using it for crisp, light paper.
It sounds a bit muffled. Use kasari or shakashaka for light, crisp materials.
Examples
Examples
鞄の中からごそりと音を立ててノートを取り出した。
かばんのなかからごそりとおとをたててのーとをとりだした。
I took a notebook out of my bag with a rustling sound.
LiteralShows reaching into the bag once with a rustling noise.
茂みがごそりと揺れたので、思わず立ち止まった。
しげみがごそりとゆれたので、おもわずたちどまった。
The bush shook with a rustle, so I instinctively stopped.
LiteralDescribes an unexpected source of rustling sound from the bushes.
ポケットの中をごそりと探ったが、財布はなかった。
ぽけっとのなかをごそりとさぐったが、さいふはなかった。
I rummaged through my pocket with a rustle, but my wallet wasn't there.
LiteralFocuses on a single motion of reaching into a pocket.
後ろで何かがごそりと動く気配がした。
うしろでなにかがごそりとうごくけはいがした。
I felt the presence of something moving with a rustle behind me.
LiteralUsed to describe a suspicious or startling rustling noise.
机の引き出しをごそりと引いて、ペンを探した。
つくえのひきだしをごそりとひいて、ぺんをさがした。
I pulled the desk drawer open with a rustling sound and looked for a pen.
LiteralThe friction sound of pulling open a drawer.
Similar Words
ごそごそ
gosogoso
Gosogoso is an onomatopoeia for a dry, continuous rustling sound, typically made when someone is rummaging through a pocket, bag, or dry leaves. The repetitive or continuous version.
がさり
gasari
Gasari represents a single, distinct rustling or rummaging sound, and is also used as slang for a police search. A louder or rougher sound.
Questions
What is the difference between gosori and gosogoso?
Gosori is a single, brief sound, while gosogoso describes a continuous action.
Can I use gosori for wind in the trees?
No, it is more for a distinct, physical shifting rather than continuous wind. Zawazawa is better for wind.
Is gosori loud?
It is a moderate, somewhat muffled sound, not extremely loud. For a louder rustle, gasari is used.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2647540
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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