Entry
ぐいぐい
guigui
Describes an action performed with strong, steady physical force or vigorous momentum.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used to depict a person applying continuous physical pressure, such as pushing or pulling something heavy. It also describes drinking in large, successive gulps or approaching a task or social situation with great energy and assertiveness.
- Continuous physical force
- Vigorous drinking in gulps
- Driving momentum in progress or leadership
Sense Map
Physical Force
Applying strong and steady pressure when pushing or pulling an object.
重い荷物をぐいぐい押す。
Drinking
Drinking a beverage in large, rhythmic gulps without pausing.
冷たい水をぐいぐい飲む。
Assertiveness
Leading others or advancing a cause with strong energy and persistence.
リーダーがみんなをぐいぐい引っ張る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐいぐい（と）＋ verb
Functions as an adverb to describe the manner in which an action is performed forcefully.
ぐいぐいする
Can be used to describe an assertive personality or the state of being forceful.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐいぐい押す
to push forcefully
ぐいぐい飲む
to guzzle down
ぐいぐい引っ張る
to pull strongly or lead assertively
ぐいぐい進む
to advance steadily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking alcohol | neutral | Describes someone who can hold their liquor well or is drinking with gusto. |
| Leadership | positive | Refers to a leader who actively drives the team forward. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐんぐん ぐんぐん / similar | Use when focusing on the speed of growth or rapid improvement. | Gungun focuses on rapid visible change, while guigui focuses on the physical effort or momentum behind the action. | 身長がぐんぐん伸びる。 |
ごくごく ごくごく / similar | Use specifically for the sound or act of swallowing while drinking. | Gokugoku is an onomatopoeia for the sound of drinking, whereas guigui emphasizes the vigorous pace and energy of the drinking. | 牛乳をごくごく飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using guigui for slow or gentle movements.
Guigui requires force; use 'yukkuri' or 'sorori' for gentle actions.
Confusing it with 'gungun' for growth.
Height or plants grow 'gungun', but a person pulls a rope 'guigui'.
Examples
Examples
荷物をぐいぐい押して、部屋の隅に動かした。
にもつをぐいぐいおして、へやのすみにうごかした。
I pushed the luggage forcefully and moved it to the corner of the room.
LiteralShows the use of actual physical strength.
彼は冷たいビールをぐいぐい飲んだ。
かれはつめたいびーるをぐいぐいんだ。
He guzzled down the cold beer.
LiteralDescribes a vigorous and fast way of drinking.
彼女はぐいぐい周りを引っ張っていくリーダーだ。
かのじょはぐいぐいまわりをひっぱっていくりーだーだ。
She is a leader who assertively pulls everyone along.
FigurativeDescribes strong leadership influence.
船が波をぐいぐいかき分けて進んでいく。
ふねがなみをぐいぐいかきわけてすすんでいく。
The boat advances steadily, pushing through the waves.
VisualDescribes strong movement through a difficult medium.
腕をぐいぐい引っ張られて、店の中に連れて行かれた。
うでをぐいぐいひっぱられて、みせのなかにつれていかれた。
My arm was pulled forcefully, and I was taken into the store.
LiteralShows repeated and strong physical pulling.
Similar Words
ごくごく
gokugoku
The sound of drinking liquid continuously in large, vigorous gulps. Focuses on the sound of swallowing while drinking.
どしどし
doshidoshi
どしどし (doshidoshi) describes doing something actively without hesitation, things happening in rapid succession, or walking with heavy, stomping footsteps.
ぐんぐん
gungun
Describes a process of growth, progress, or recovery that happens very quickly and with great momentum. Focuses on the speed of growth or progress.
Questions
Can I use guigui for eating food?
It is rarely used for eating. It is specifically used for drinking liquids in large gulps.
What is the difference between guigui and dondon?
Dondon implies 'one after another' or 'steadily increasing,' while guigui focuses on the forceful energy of the action itself.
Is being 'guigui' a bad thing in personality?
It depends. It usually means proactive and energetic, but if someone is too 'guigui' without reading the room, it might be seen as pushy.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004010
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- くるくる (kurukuru)
- Next entry
- ぐうぐう (guuguu)