Entry
ぐんと
gunto
ぐんと (gunto) means a sudden, conspicuous leap or a large difference.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a state that changes, grows, or increases by a very large margin compared to before. It is frequently used for sudden temperature drops, leaps in ability, or stark comparisons in quality.
- A drastic leap in growth, degree, or quantity.
- A wide margin of difference when comparing two things.
Sense Map
Sharp Growth & Change
A sudden and dramatic increase in amount, ability, size, or temperature.
成績がぐんと伸びる。
Comparison (By Far...)
Indicates a massive difference in quality or state when comparing things.
こっちの方がぐんと美味しい。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐんと + Verb (Change)
Used with verbs indicating a change of state (e.g., increase, decrease, grow, become).
ぐんと + Adjective (Comparison)
Used in comparisons to state that one thing possesses a trait 'by far' more than another.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐんと伸びる
grow/improve remarkably
ぐんと冷え込む
suddenly become much colder
ぐんと良くなる
become significantly better
ぐんと増える
increase noticeably
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Comparisons (Price/Quality) | Neutral | Very common when trying to convince someone that one option is 'far superior'. |
| Weather Changes | Neutral | Frequently heard in weather forecasts when temperatures plummet in autumn/winter. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
めきめき めきめき / similar | Use メキメキ for visible, steady progress and growth over a period of time. | ぐんと focuses more on the sudden margin or leap between two points rather than continuous progress. | メキメキ上達する。 |
ぐーん ぐーん / similar | Use グーン for a nuance of a smoother, more extended stretching action. | ぐんと has a sharper, more abrupt "leap" feel, whereas グーン feels like a continuous pull. | グーンと背が伸びた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for slow, gradual changes.
Use ぐんと only for sharp leaps or wide differences. For gradual changes, use だんだん (dandan).
Using it to modify a noun directly with 'no'.
It is an adverb and must connect to verbs or adjectives, not directly to nouns.
Examples
Examples
昨日に比べて、今日は気温がぐんと下がりました。
きのうに くらべて、きょうは きおんが ぐんと さがりました。
Compared to yesterday, the temperature dropped remarkably today.
LiteralShows a very noticeable drop in temperature.
毎日練習したおかげで、英語の成績がグンと伸びた。
まいにち れんしゅうした おかげで、えいごの せいせきが グンと のびた。
Thanks to practicing every day, my English grades improved significantly.
FigurativeUsed for a figurative leap in ability or results.
新しい機械を導入したら、作業の効率がぐんと良くなった。
あたらしい きかいを どうにゅうしたら、さぎょうの こうりつが ぐんと よくなった。
After introducing the new machine, work efficiency became vastly better.
FigurativeHighlights the stark contrast between the before and after conditions.
週末になると、この公園を訪れる人の数がぐんと増えます。
しゅうまつに なると、この こうえんを おとずれる ひとの かずが ぐんと ふえます。
When the weekend arrives, the number of people visiting this park increases remarkably.
LiteralDescribes a clearly visible increase in numbers.
古いスマートフォンより、新しいモデルの方が画面がぐんと綺麗だ。
ふるい スマートフォンより、あたらしい モデルの ほうが がめんが ぐんと きれいだ。
Compared to the old smartphone, the screen on the new model is far more beautiful.
VisualUsed for visual comparison, emphasizing a huge gap in quality.
Similar Words
グーン
guun
A variation of the same word, giving a longer or smoother impression of stretching.
Questions
Is ぐんと (gunto) the same as ずっと (zutto)?
When making comparisons (e.g., 'much better'), they can be similar. However, ぐんと focuses on the large margin of the leap, while ずっと can also mean 'continuously/all the time', which ぐんと cannot replace.
Can I use ぐんと for negative things?
Yes. It can be used for drastic decreases, such as a sudden drop in temperature (ぐんと下がる) or significantly reduced numbers.
Is this casual language?
It is acceptable in both everyday conversation and light writing, but it is not considered street slang. It's a standard mimetic adverb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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