Entry
ゴツゴツ
gotsugotsu
Describes a hard, rough, and uneven texture or appearance with protruding parts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes something that is hard and uneven due to having many bumps or angular protrusions. It is most commonly used to describe rocky terrain, tree bark, or gnarled, bony hands from hard labor.
- Rugged surfaces
- Rough textures
- Gnarled hands
Sense Map
Rocks and Surfaces
A surface that is hard, uneven, and covered in angular bumps or protrusions.
ゴツゴツした岩
Hands and Bones
Hands or body parts that feel hard, rough, or bony, often due to age or manual labor.
ゴツゴツした手
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴツゴツする
Used as a verb to state that something feels hard and bumpy.
ゴツゴツした + noun
The most common pattern for modifying a noun to describe its rugged or uneven surface.
ゴツゴツと + verb
Used as an adverb, often to describe the manner in which hard objects strike against each other.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴツゴツした岩
rugged rock
ゴツゴツした手
gnarled hands
ゴツゴツした道
rough, bumpy road
ゴツゴツした感触
rough and hard texture
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing nature (rocks, terrain) | neutral | Indicates harsh, natural, untouched terrain. |
| Describing human bodies (hands, face) | neutral | Often associated with maturity, masculinity, or the result of hard physical labor. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ざらざら ざらざら / similar | Use zarazara for fine-grained rough surfaces like sand or sandpaper. | Gotsugotsu implies larger, harder bumps (like rocks). | ザラザラした砂 |
ぼこぼこ ぼこぼこ / similar | Use bokoboko when emphasizing dents, holes, or unevenness in a surface. | Gotsugotsu focuses specifically on hard, angular protrusions. | ボコボコした道 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gotsugotsu to describe someone's rough behavior or language.
Gotsugotsu is strictly for physical, hard shapes and textures. Use other words like arai for rough behavior.
Confusing gotsugotsu with zarazara.
Zarazara feels like fine sand, whereas gotsugotsu feels like large rocks or pebbles.
Examples
Examples
山道はゴツゴツしていて歩きにくい。
やまみちはごつごつしていてあるきにくい。
The mountain path is rugged and hard to walk on.
LiteralFocuses on the hard, uneven surface of the path.
父のゴツゴツした手が好きだ。
ちちのごつごつしたてがすきだ。
I like my father's gnarled hands.
VisualShows appreciation for hands shaped by hard work.
海辺には大きくてゴツゴツした岩がある。
うみべにはおおきくてごつごつしたいわがある。
There are large, rugged rocks by the seaside.
VisualDescribes the angular, rough shape of the rocks.
靴の中にゴツゴツした石が入っている。
くつのなかにごつごつしたいしがはいっている。
There is a hard, rough stone inside my shoe.
LiteralFocuses on the physical sensation of a hard, uncomfortable object.
彼はゴツゴツとしたデザインの時計を買った。
かれはごつごつとしたでざいんのとけいをかった。
He bought a watch with a rugged design.
VisualGotsugotsu can describe a tough, angular product design.
Similar Words
ザラザラ
zarazara
Describes a surface that feels rough to the touch, is covered in gritty particles like sand, or a voice that sounds raspy. Zarazara is a fine-grained rough texture like sand.
ボコボコ
bokoboko
Describes something full of dents or bumps, a heavy bubbling sound, or the act of beating someone up severely. Bokoboko focuses on dents or holes, not hard protrusions.
Questions
Can gotsugotsu be used for the texture of food?
It's uncommon. This word usually refers to the physical texture of objects you touch or see, not the mouthfeel when eating.
What is the difference between gotsugotsu and zarazara?
Zarazara is used for surfaces that feel like sand or sandpaper, while gotsugotsu is used for larger, hard lumps or rocks.
Is there a negative meaning when describing someone's hands as gotsugotsu?
Not necessarily. It is often seen as a sign of hard work and can have a nuance of appreciation or respect.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631900
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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