Entry
ごっつんこ
gottsunko
It describes the sound or action of two objects, usually heads, lightly bumping into each other.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, 'gottsunko' is a playful term used when people, particularly children, lightly bump heads or collide. The '-ko' suffix softens the root word 'gottsun', giving it a cute, childish, or endearing tone rather than implying a painful impact.
- Light bonk
- Playful collision
Sense Map
Light Bonk
A gentle or playful bumping of heads.
頭をごっつんこする。
Accidental Collision
Bumping into someone accidentally but without serious injury.
曲がり角でごっつんこした。
Usage Note
How to Use
ごっつんこする
Used as a verb meaning 'to playfully bump into each other'.
〜とごっつんこする
Used to specify who or what someone bumped into lightly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
頭をごっつんこする
to bump heads together
ごっつんこしちゃった
accidentally bumped into (someone)
おでこをごっつんこ
bonking foreheads together
ごっつんこして泣く
to cry after a light bump
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Playing with children | positive | Often said to comfort or tease a child who bumped their head lightly. |
| Bumping into a friend | neutral | Can be used playfully when you physically bump into a friend walking together. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごっつん ごっつん / similar | For a slightly harder or more painful bump. | It lacks the cute '-ko' suffix, making it sound more like a solid, audible thud. | 柱にごっつんと当たる。 |
当たる あたる / similar | The standard verb for 'to collide' or 'to bump into'. | It is a neutral verb without any inherent playful or childish nuance. | 自転車と当たる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for serious accidents.
'Gottsunko' is only for light, harmless bumps. Use 'shoutotsu' (衝突) for real accidents.
Using it in formal business settings.
It is a childish, playful word and is completely inappropriate for formal or professional contexts.
Examples
Examples
暗い部屋で二人が頭をごっつんこしてしまった。
くらいへやでふたりがあたまをごっつんこしてしまった。
The two of them accidentally bumped heads in the dark room.
LiteralShows an accidental bumping of heads.
曲がり角で友達とごっつんこした。
まがりかどでともだちとごっつんこした。
I accidentally bumped into my friend at the corner.
LiteralExample of a light, harmless physical collision.
赤ちゃんがテーブルに頭をごっつんこして泣いている。
あかちゃんがてーぶるにあたまをごっつんこしてないている。
The baby is crying after bonking their head on the table.
VisualOften used when small children bump their heads.
犬と猫がお互いの鼻をごっつんこさせて挨拶した。
いぬとねこがおたがいのはなをごっつんこさせてあいさつした。
The dog and cat bumped their noses together to greet each other.
VisualUsed playfully to describe cute physical contact between pets.
慌てて走っていたら、他の人とゴッツンコしてしまった。
あわててはしっていたら、ほかのひととゴッツンコしてしまった。
While running in a hurry, I bumped into someone else.
LiteralShows the katakana variation for an accidental collision.
Similar Words
ごっつん
gottsun
The root word of gottsunko, referring to a slightly harder bump.
Questions
Is a 'gottsunko' painful?
Usually not. It refers to a light, almost comical bump rather than a painful injury.
Can I use it for a car crash?
No, absolutely not. It would sound very strange. Use standard words for accidents.
What does the '-ko' at the end mean?
It acts as a diminutive suffix, making the word sound cute and childish.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869243
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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