Entry
ぐいっと
guitto
Doing something in a single, uninterrupted, forceful motion, such as downing a drink or yanking an object.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ぐいっと illustrates an action performed with concentrated, unhesitating physical force in a single continuous movement. It is predominantly used to describe drinking a beverage down to the bottom without taking a breath, or physical manipulations like pulling an arm, pushing open a heavy door, or forcefully yanking something.
- Downing a beverage in one gulp
- Applying sudden physical force, like a jerk, pull, or shove
Sense Map
In One Gulp
Drinking a liquid quickly and continuously without stopping.
ビールをぐいっと飲む。
Forceful Jerk
Pulling, pushing, or manipulating something with sudden physical force.
腕をぐいっと引っ張る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐいっと + 飲む
Used for downing a drink (like a cold glass of water or beer) completely without stopping to breathe.
ぐいっと + 引っ張る
Describes a sudden, forceful jerk or yank on an object or someone's arm towards oneself.
ぐいっと + 押す
Expresses applying a strong, sudden force to push something open, like a heavy door.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐいっと飲む
to drink in one gulp
ぐいっと引っ張る
to pull forcefully
ぐいっと押す
to shove or push with force
ぐいっと引き寄せる
to pull something closely toward oneself
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking | neutral | Indicates downing a drink in one steady, continuous motion without stopping. |
| Physical manipulation | neutral | Highlights the use of strong, sudden physical force, as seen when shoving, yanking, or dragging something. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐっと ぐっと / similar | Can also mean downing a drink or pulling, but is distinctively used for holding something back internally (emotions, breath, tears, pain). | ぐいっと strictly focuses on larger, external physical manipulation and is never used for emotional suppression. | 涙をぐっとこらえる。 |
一気に いっきに / similar | A general adverb meaning 'in one go' or 'all at once' for tasks, running, or completing an activity. | It is a standard adverb, lacking the vivid mimetic feeling of physical muscle force or momentum. | 本を一気に読む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぐいっと for slow, gradual movements or gentle touches.
It strictly implies a sudden, single forceful action.
Confusing ぐいっと with ぐっと for suppressing emotions or enduring pain.
While ぐっと can mean holding back tears, ぐいっと is reserved purely for outward physical actions or drinking.
Examples
Examples
仕事の後にビールをぐいっと飲んだ。
しごとのあとにビールをぐいっとのんだ。
I downed a beer in one gulp after work.
LiteralEmphasizes drinking without pausing.
彼女は私の腕をぐいっと引っ張った。
かのじょはわたしのうでをぐいっとひっぱった。
She yanked my arm suddenly and forcefully.
VisualHighlights a forceful and sudden pull.
重いドアをぐいっと押し開けた。
おもいドアをぐいっとおしあけた。
I shoved the heavy door open with a strong push.
VisualHighlights a strong push required for a heavy object.
彼はいすをぐいっと自分の方へ引き寄せた。
かれはいすをぐいっとじぶんのほうへひきよせた。
He forcefully pulled the chair toward himself.
VisualBringing an object closer forcefully in one go.
苦い薬を水と一緒にぐいっと飲み込んだ。
にがいくすりをみずといっしょにぐいっとのみこんだ。
I swallowed the bitter medicine in one gulp with water.
LiteralGulping down something quickly to avoid the taste.
Similar Words
Questions
Is ぐいっと only used for drinking?
No, it's equally common for describing physical actions like yanking an arm or shoving something heavy.
Can I use ぐいっと for holding back emotions?
No. For holding back emotions, tears, or enduring pain, you must use 'ぐっと' instead.
What verbs pair best with ぐいっと?
Action verbs that take physical force, such as 飲む (to drink), 引っ張る (to pull), 押す (to push), and 引き寄せる (to draw towards oneself).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2007900
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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