Entry
ゴトゴト
gotogoto
ゴトゴト describes a heavy rumbling or rattling sound from heavy objects moving, or the sound of a thick liquid boiling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ゴトゴト is an onomatopoeia describing a heavy, low, and continuous sound. It is typically used for large machines, moving trains, or rattling carriages. In cooking contexts, it vividly captures the vigorous boiling sound of thick liquids like curry or stew.
- heavy rattling
- thick boiling
Sense Map
Heavy Rumbling Sound
Used to describe the heavy, continuous sound of large objects or machines moving, such as trains or carriages.
列車がゴトゴト揺れる。
Vigorous Thick Boiling
Describes the sound of a thick liquid, such as stew or curry, boiling vigorously.
鍋でシチューをゴトゴト煮る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴトゴト鳴る
Used when a heavy object like a machine or a train makes a rumbling sound.
ゴトゴト揺れる
Used for a heavy object shaking or vibrating with a low, rumbling noise.
ゴトゴト煮る
Used when simmering a thick stew or curry for a long time until it boils vigorously.
ゴトゴトと + verb
A general pattern to describe an action that produces a continuous rumbling or heavy rattling sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴトゴト鳴る
to make a rumbling sound
ゴトゴト揺れる
to shake with a rumble
ゴトゴト煮る
to boil a thick liquid
ゴトゴト音がする
to hear a heavy rattling noise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles and Machines | Neutral | Suggests steady, heavy, and continuous mechanical movement or rattling. |
| Cooking | Positive / Neutral | Conveys that a rich, thick dish like curry or stew is cooking well and vigorously. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ことこと ことこと / contrast | For gentle boiling of clear soups or light objects rattling. | コトコト is softer and quieter, whereas ゴトゴト implies a heavier, louder noise. | スープをコトコト煮る。 |
ごぼごぼ ごぼごぼ / contrast | For a large amount of liquid bubbling or gushing strongly. | ごぼごぼ focuses on the fluid dynamics of gushing liquid, while ゴトゴト focuses on the thickness of a stew or heavy solid objects. | 水がごぼごぼと湧き出る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gotogoto for earthquakes.
Use guragura or gatagata for tectonic shaking. Gotogoto implies moving objects or machines.
Using gotogoto for boiling a light, clear broth.
Use kotokoto for light boiling. Gotogoto implies a heavy, thick stew boiling vigorously.
Examples
Examples
古い電車がゴトゴトと音を立てて走る。
ふるいでんしゃがゴトゴトとおとをたててはしる。
The old train runs making a heavy rumbling noise.
LiteralDescribes a heavy mechanical sound.
カレーを弱火でゴトゴト煮込む。
カレーをよわびでゴトゴトにこむ。
Simmer the curry over low heat until it boils vigorously.
LiteralShows a thick sauce being cooked.
荷馬車が道をゴトゴト進んでいく。
にばしゃがみちをゴトゴトすすんでいく。
The wagon moves rumbling down the road.
VisualA heavy movement producing a vibrating sound.
洗濯機がゴトゴトと不気味な音を立てている。
せんたくきがゴトゴトとぶきみなおとをたてている。
The washing machine is making an eerie heavy rattling sound.
LiteralUsed for a heavy machine shaking.
鍋の中でシチューがゴトゴトと煮立っている。
なべのなかでシチューがゴトゴトとにたっている。
The stew is boiling vigorously in the pot.
VisualEmphasizes large bubbles in a thick liquid.
Similar Words
コトコト
kotokoto
コトコト describes the sound of something simmering gently over low heat, or a light rattling and tapping noise. For light rattling sounds or gently boiling thinner soups.
ごぼごぼ
gobogobo
The heavy, wet sound of a large amount of liquid bubbling, gurgling, or mixing with air. Focuses on large amounts of gushing liquid, rather than the thickness of the dish.
Questions
Can I use gotogoto for heavy footsteps?
Generally no. For heavy footsteps, dosudosu is more appropriate. Gotogoto is used for machines, vehicles, or boiling pots.
What is the difference between gotogoto and kotokoto in cooking?
Kotokoto is a gentle simmer, usually for clear soups, while gotogoto is a heavier, louder boil, often used for thick stews like curry.
Is gotogoto only used for cooking?
No, it is also very commonly used to describe the sound of a washing machine, a train, or a carriage rattling loudly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2268090
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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