Entry
ごとり
gotori
This word describes a heavy, dull, or metallic sound made by a solid object falling, shifting, or hitting a surface.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, ごとり (gotori) is an onomatopoeic term used to express the heavy, clanking, or thumping sound that occurs when a substantial, solid object—such as a large rock or metal piece—falls, is placed down forcefully, or shifts position. The voiced 'go' (ご) sound inherently indicates a heavier or more substantial impact compared to its unvoiced counterpart 'ko' (こ).
- Heavy object dropping
- Metallic or mechanical shifting
Sense Map
Dropping a Heavy Object
Describes the thumping sound of something heavy landing on the floor or being set down.
重い箱がごとりと落ちた。
Mechanical or Metallic Shifting
Represents a heavy clanking noise when a machine part or solid metal object moves.
機械がごとりと動いた。
Usage Note
How to Use
ごとりと + verb
Functions as an adverbial phrase to describe the thumping or clanking sound accompanying an action.
ごとりと + 落ちる
A common pairing used to describe a heavy object falling down with a thump.
ごとりと + 置く
Describes the act of placing down a heavy item with an audible clank or thump.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ごとりと落ちる
to fall with a thump
ごとりと置く
to set down with a clank
ごとりと動く
to shift with a heavy sound
ごとりと鳴る
to make a thumping noise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hard objects falling | neutral | Emphasizes the object's substantial weight and rigidity. |
| Machine levers shifting | neutral | Gives the impression of heavy, older, or industrial machinery. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごとん ごとん / similar | Used when the heavy thumping sound has a slight echoing or resounding finish. | ごとん places more emphasis on the dull resonance of the impact (due to the 'n' ending), whereas ごとり focuses purely on the blunt action of the drop or shift. | 重い荷物がごとんと落ちた。 |
ごつん ごつん / similar | Used specifically for a hard, localized bump or collision, such as bumping one's head. | ゴツン is very commonly used for a person bumping a body part against a hard surface, while ごとり is for inanimate solid objects falling or shifting. | 壁に頭をゴツンとぶつけた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'gotori' for dropping a small, lightweight item like a pen.
For light objects, use 'ことり' (kotori) instead.
Using it for objects that break upon impact.
ごとり is meant for sturdy items that remain intact. For breaking glass or plates, use words like ガシャン.
Examples
Examples
重い金庫がごとりと床に落ちた。
おもいきんこがごとりとゆかにおちた。
The heavy safe fell to the floor with a thump.
LiteralA classic example showing a very solid, heavy object falling.
彼は古い機械のレバーをごとりと動かした。
かれはふるいきかいのればーをごとりとうごかした。
He moved the lever of the old machine with a heavy clank.
LiteralDescribes the mechanical movement of an old or large machine.
テーブルの上に、大きな石をごとりと置いた。
てーぶるのうえに、おおきないしをごとりとおいた。
They placed a large stone on the table with a heavy thud.
LiteralIndicates the action of placing an item that has substantial weight.
ロッカーの中から、何かがごとりと崩れ落ちる音がした。
ろっかーのなかから、なにかがごとりとくずれおちるおとがした。
From inside the locker, there was a sound of something heavy crashing down with a thud.
VisualDescribes the atmosphere of a solid item falling without seeing the exact source.
歯車がごとりと噛み合い、扉が開き始めた。
はぐるまがごとりとかみあい、とびらがあきはじめた。
The gears engaged with a heavy clank, and the door began to open.
LiteralShows the mechanism of heavy metal objects fitting together.
Similar Words
ごとん
goton
For heavy thumping sounds that end with a slight reverberation.
ゴツン
gotsun
ゴツン describes the solid, dull thud of two hard objects striking each other, like bumping one's head. Specifically for a hard physical impact or bump, like hitting one's head against a wall.
ごろんと
goronto
Describes a heavy object tumbling over once or a person effortlessly flopping down to rest.
Questions
Can I use ごとり when someone falls out of bed?
Not usually. For a human body falling with a thud, words like どすん (dosun) or どん (don) are much more natural. ごとり implies a solid, often metallic or hard-wood object.
What is the difference between the 'go' in gotori and the 'ko' in kotori?
In Japanese sound symbolism, the voiced consonant 'g' indicates something larger, heavier, or more profound compared to its unvoiced counterpart 'k', which sounds lighter and smaller.
Is it always used with the particle 'to'?
Yes, when functioning as an adverb modifying a verb (like falling or moving), it is almost always followed by the particle と (to).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2568750
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- とろり (torori)
- Next entry
- そぼそぼ (sobosobo)