Entry
ゴツン
gotsun
ゴツン describes the solid, dull thud of two hard objects striking each other, like bumping one's head.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the sound of a heavy, solid impact, such as a fist or a rock striking a hard surface, or accidentally bumping your head against a wall. It conveys a firm thud that is heavier than a light tap.
- solid physical impact
- bumping one's head
Sense Map
Hard Physical Impact
Used when a hard body part (like the head) strongly bumps into something.
頭をゴツンと打つ。
Dull Thud
The sound of a heavy, solid, non-metallic object striking a surface.
石がゴツンと当たる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴツンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an impact occurs (e.g., bumping, hitting).
ゴツンという + noun
Used to describe the sound itself, such as a thudding sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
頭をゴツンと打つ
Hit one's head with a thud
ゴツンとぶつかる
Bump into with a solid thud
ゴツンと当たる
Strike with a thud
壁にゴツンとぶつける
Hit against the wall with a thud
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bumping one's head | neutral/negative | Very common when accidentally bumping your head against a low ceiling or a pillar. |
| Hard objects colliding | neutral | Used when stones or hard wood hit each other, producing a dull, non-metallic sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こつん こつん / similar | For a light, sharp tap or dropping a small object. | It lacks the weight, mass, and solid force of ゴツン. | ドアをコツンと叩く。 |
がつん がつん / similar | For a harsher, more violent physical impact, or a strong figurative blow (like a severe scolding). | It is rougher and carries a stronger sense of severity or shock than the simple thud of ゴツン. | ガツンと一発殴る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for the sound of a soft object (like a pillow) falling.
Only use it for hard, solid objects that produce a dull thud.
Using it for a massive, destructive crash like a car accident.
This word is for localized impacts like a head or a rock, not large-scale destruction (use ガシャン or ドカン).
Examples
Examples
柱に頭をゴツンとぶつけてしまった。
柱(はしら)に頭(あたま)をゴツンとぶつけてしまった。
I accidentally bumped my head hard against the pillar.
LiteralVery commonly used to describe bumping one's head on something.
暗闇で誰かとゴツンとぶつかった。
暗闇(くらやみ)で誰(だれ)かとゴツンとぶつかった。
I bumped into someone with a solid thud in the dark.
LiteralIndicates a fairly hard physical collision between bodies.
石と石がゴツンと当たる音がした。
石(いし)と石(いし)がゴツンと当(あ)たる音(おと)がした。
There was a thud of stones striking each other.
LiteralDescribes the sound of hard, solid objects (like stones) colliding.
落ちたリンゴが地面にゴツンと当たった。
落(お)ちたリンゴが地面(じめん)にゴツンと当(あ)たった。
The fallen apple hit the ground with a dull thud.
LiteralUsed for a somewhat heavy object falling and hitting a surface without immediately shattering.
壁にゴツンと頭を打って、とても痛かった。
壁(かべ)にゴツンと頭(あたま)を打(う)って、とても痛(いた)かった。
I hit my head on the wall with a thud and it really hurt.
LiteralThe word often implies an impact that causes some physical pain.
Similar Words
コツン
kotsun
The lighter version of ゴツン.
ガツン
gatsun
ガツン (gatsun) represents the sound or feeling of a hard, forceful impact, and is commonly used figuratively for giving a stern reprimand or describing a strong, punchy flavor. A harsher, more violent version.
ドシン
doshin
ドシン (doshin) represents the deep, heavy thud made when a massive object falls, lands, or collides with something.
Questions
What is the difference between ゴツン and コツン?
コツン is a light, sharp sound (like a light tap), while ゴツン is a heavy, strong sound (like hitting your head).
Can ゴツン be used for metallic sounds?
Rarely. For metal, ガチン or ガチャン is more natural. ゴツン is better for the dull thud of stone, wood, or bone.
Can it be used to describe an emotional shock?
Usually not. For a strong mental shock or severe scolding, people generally use ガツン (gatsun) instead.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1054520
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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