Entry
グビグビ
gubigubi
グビグビ (gubigubi) describes the sound or action of vigorously gulping down a liquid, often associated with chugging beer or water when extremely thirsty.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This phonomime (giongo) captures the satisfying, rhythmic sound made in the throat when drinking enthusiastically and quickly. It conveys a strong sense of refreshment, making it the perfect word to describe chugging a cold beer after work or gulping down water after a workout.
- gulping down quickly
- drinking loudly with relish
Sense Map
Gulping Down
Describes the physical action of rapidly and enthusiastically chugging a liquid.
ビールをグビグビ飲む。
Throat Sound
Focuses on the loud, rhythmic swallowing noise produced when drinking continuously.
水をグビグビと飲み干す。
Usage Note
How to Use
グビグビ飲む
The most standard usage, modifying the verb to drink (nomu) to mean drinking in loud gulps.
グビグビと飲む
Adding the quotation particle to emphasizes the sound or the specific manner of chugging.
グビグビやる
A casual, slightly masculine phrasing meaning to knock back drinks, usually used when drinking alcohol.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ビールをグビグビ飲む
to gulp down beer
水をグビグビと飲む
to chug water loudly
牛乳をグビグビ飲む
to gulp down milk
麦茶をグビグビやる
to heartily chug barley tea
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking a beer after a long day | positive | Evokes a sense of deep satisfaction, relief, and relaxation. |
| Chugging water after intense exercise | positive | Shows intense thirst being quenched rapidly and pleasantly. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごくごく ごくごく / similar | Used for the continuous sound of liquid passing through the throat in large swallows. It is neutral and applies to anyone. | グビグビ emphasizes the hearty enthusiasm and relish of the drinker, often tied to adult beverages like beer, whereas ごくごく is just the objective physical sound of swallowing. | 水をごくごく飲む。 |
ぐうっと ぐうっと / nearby | Used for downing a drink in one long, continuous gulp or breath without stopping. | Lacks the rhythmic, repeated gulping sound and the specific focus on hearty enjoyment found in グビグビ. | ビールをぐうっと飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using グビグビ to describe sipping hot coffee or soup.
This word is strictly for rapid, continuous drinking of cold or room-temperature liquids. You would not use it for hot drinks that require careful sipping.
Using it to describe a newborn baby drinking milk.
For babies, ごくごく (gokugoku) is much more natural. グビグビ sounds a bit too robust and adult-like.
Examples
Examples
喉が渇いていたので、冷たい水をグビグビ飲んだ。
のどがかわいていたので、つめたいみずをグビグビのんだ。
I was so thirsty that I gulped down the cold water.
LiteralShows the rapid quenching of thirst.
仕事の後のビールをグビグビと飲み干す。
しごとのあとのビールをグビグビとのみほす。
Chugging down a beer after work.
LiteralFocuses on the enjoyment and gulping sound after being tired.
彼は牛乳をぐびぐび飲んで、大きく息を吐いた。
かれはぎゅうにゅうをぐびぐびのんで、おおきくいきをはいた。
He gulped down the milk and let out a big breath.
LiteralUses hiragana. Portrays the relief after drinking.
暑い日に麦茶をグビグビやるのは最高だ。
あついひにむぎちゃをグビグビやるのはさいこうだ。
There's nothing better than chugging barley tea on a hot day.
LiteralUses the casual verb 'yaru' (to do) meaning to drink.
縁側でお酒をぐびりぐびりと飲んでいる。
えんがわでおさけをぐびりぐびりとのんでいる。
He is drinking sake on the porch in slow, hearty gulps.
LiteralUses the variant ぐびりぐびり which implies a slower, more relishing pace.
Similar Words
ぐうっと
guutto
Describes the action of drinking a liquid continuously and forcefully in one long, unbroken gulp. Used for downing a drink all at once in a single continuous breath.
ごくごく
gokugoku
The sound of drinking liquid continuously in large, vigorous gulps. A more common and neutral word for the sound of swallowing without the adult or enthusiastic nuance.
Questions
What is the difference between グビグビ and ごくごく?
Both mean gulping, but グビグビ feels more enthusiastic, rugged, and satisfying like an adult deeply enjoying a cold beer. ごくごく is the neutral sound of swallowing and works for anyone, including children.
Can I use グビグビ with non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, absolutely. While it is heavily associated with beer, it is perfectly natural to use it for water, milk, or barley tea when you are extremely thirsty and drink rapidly.
Is this an appropriate word for formal writing?
No, it is a casual, conversational word used to vividly describe an action. It should be avoided in formal or business writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2512150
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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