Entry
グラッと
guratto
Describes a sudden, violent jolt or shaking movement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word expresses a single, strong, and sudden jolt, such as the initial shock of an earthquake. It is also frequently used to describe a heavy object suddenly losing its balance and tilting, or a person experiencing a sudden bout of dizziness and almost falling.
- sudden jolt
- dizziness
- losing balance
Sense Map
Earthquake and Ground Shaking
A sudden, strong jolt or violent shaking of the ground or a building.
家がグラッと揺れる。
Dizziness and Loss of Balance
Suddenly feeling faint, dizzy, and losing physical stability.
めまいでグラッとくる。
Sudden Tilting
A heavy, previously stable object suddenly leaning to one side.
本棚がグラッと傾く。
Usage Note
How to Use
グラッと + verb
Used to modify a verb of motion or posture, indicating that the action happened with a sudden, violent jolt.
グラッとくる
A common expression meaning to be struck by a sudden sensation, most typically a wave of dizziness or the first jolt of an earthquake.
グラッとする
Used to express the state of experiencing a sudden shake, either physically feeling the ground move or one's body losing balance momentarily.
How to Use
Common Phrases
グラッと揺れる
shake suddenly and violently
グラッとくる
feel a sudden jolt or wave of dizziness
グラッと傾く
tilt suddenly
グラッとする
experience a sudden jolt
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquakes | negative | Used to describe the scary, sudden initial shock of a quake. |
| Health and Body | negative | Used when describing sudden dizziness, vertigo, or almost fainting. |
| Duration | neutral | Emphasizes a singular, momentary action rather than something that lasts. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐらぐら ぐらぐら / similar | When describing continuous, unstable wobbling or shaking over time. | グラッと focuses on a single, sudden jolt, whereas グラグラ implies ongoing, repeated instability. | 地震で家がグラグラ揺れる。 |
ぐらり ぐらり / similar | When a large or heavy object sways or tilts in a slightly slower, heavier manner. | ぐらり feels slightly slower and heavier, while グラッと feels sharper and more instantaneous. | 大きな木がぐらりと傾いた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using グラッと for continuous shaking, like a washing machine.
グラッと is only for a sudden, momentary jolt. For continuous shaking, use グラグラ.
Using グラッと to mean shivering from cold or fear.
グラッと is for structural jolts or loss of balance. For shivering, use ぶるぶる.
Examples
Examples
地震で家がグラッと揺れた。
じしんでいえがグラッとゆれた。
The house jolted suddenly due to the earthquake.
LiteralDescribes the sudden, violent initial jolt of an earthquake.
立ち上がった瞬間、めまいでグラッと倒れそうになった。
たちあがったしゅんかん、めまいでグラッとたおれそうになった。
The moment I stood up, I felt dizzy and almost fell over.
VisualDescribes the sudden loss of physical balance due to dizziness.
足場の悪い所で、体がグラッと傾いた。
あしばのわるいところで、からだがグラッとかたむいた。
My body suddenly tilted on the unstable footing.
VisualUsed when the body physically tilts quickly due to losing one's footing.
大きな波が来て、船がグラッと揺れた。
おおきななみがきて、ふねがグラッとゆれた。
A large wave came, and the ship jolted violently.
LiteralFocuses on the sudden physical jolt of a large object.
彼の優しい言葉に、心がグラッと揺らいだ。
かれのやさしいことばに、こころがグラッとゆらいだ。
My heart suddenly swayed at his kind words.
FigurativeA figurative use indicating that one's feelings or resolve suddenly wavered.
Similar Words
ぐらり
gurari
ぐらり feels slightly slower and heavier when something sways or tilts.
Questions
What is the difference between グラッと and グラグラ?
グラッと is a sudden, one-time jolt. グラグラ is a continuous, unstable wobbling.
What does the phrase グラッとくる mean?
It often means experiencing a sudden spell of dizziness or feeling the sudden onset of an earthquake jolt.
Can I use グラッと for small vibrations, like a phone buzzing?
No, it is used for larger, more violent jolts or movements. For a phone vibrating, use ぶーぶー or ぶるぶる.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631850
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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