Entry
ぐるっと
gurutto
A firm, single motion of turning completely around or encircling something.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates the action of turning the body fully, taking in the entire 360-degree surroundings with one's eyes, or completely enclosing a space without gaps. It conveys a larger, heavier, or more pronounced movement compared to similar turning expressions.
- Turning all the way around
- Scanning the surroundings
- Surrounding or wrapping around entirely
Sense Map
Turning Around
Used when someone or something rotates a full circle or turns completely to face the opposite direction.
後ろをぐるっと振り向く
Encircling
Used when traveling around a perimeter, wrapping an object, or placing a boundary entirely around an area.
池の周りをぐるっと歩く
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐるっと + Verb of motion/vision (e.g., 回る, 見渡す)
Placed before verbs to indicate that the action, such as turning or looking, covers a full 360-degree arc.
ぐるっと + Verb of enclosure (e.g., 囲む)
Used with enclosing verbs to specify that the subject is completely surrounded without any openings.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐるっと回る
Turn completely around
ぐるっと見渡す
Look all around
ぐるっと囲む
Encircle completely
ぐるっと一周する
Make one full circle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical movement | neutral | Emphasizes a decisive, complete turn of the body or head. |
| Looking around | neutral | Implies taking in the entire surrounding environment comprehensively. |
| Surrounding | neutral | Describes enclosing an area fully, making sure no part of the perimeter is left open. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くるっと くるっと / similar | Used for lighter, smaller, or more nimble turning movements. | This word implies a quick and light turn, whereas ぐるっと is for larger, heavier, or wider turns. | くるっと向きを変える |
ぐるぐる ぐるぐる / similar | Used for continuous, repeated turning, spinning, or wrapping. | This indicates an ongoing repetitive motion, while ぐるっと is just one completed turn. | 包帯をぐるぐる巻く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe something spinning continuously like a fan.
Use ぐるぐる for continuous spinning. This word is only used when the turning action happens once and finishes.
Using it for a delicate or subtle rotation.
Use くるっと for nimble, light turns. This word requires a motion that feels larger or more pronounced.
Examples
Examples
池の周りをぐるっと歩いた。
いけのまわりをぐるっとあるいた。
I walked completely around the pond.
LiteralShows the action of walking a full circle around an object.
彼女は後ろをぐるっと振り向いた。
かのじょはうしろをぐるっとふりむいた。
She turned completely around to look behind her.
VisualDescribes a single, dynamic turning motion of the body.
部屋の中をぐるっと見渡す。
へやのなかをぐるっとみわたす。
Looking all around the room.
VisualThe action of scanning the entire surrounding area.
家の周りをぐるっとフェンスで囲む。
いえのまわりをぐるっとふぇんすでかこむ。
Enclosing the house completely with a fence.
LiteralCompletely enclosing or surrounding a space.
ロープを木にぐるっと巻きつける。
ろーぷをきにぐるっとまきつける。
Wrapping the rope completely around the tree once.
LiteralWrapping something entirely around once.
Similar Words
くるっと
kurutto
Used for smaller, lighter, or more nimble turning movements.
ぐるぐる
guruguru
Describes a continuous rotating motion or the act of winding something around repeatedly. Used for continuous, repeated turning or wrapping.
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly.
くるり
kururi
Describes a swift, single turning motion, a sudden complete change, or perfectly round eyes.
Questions
What is the difference between ぐるっと and くるっと?
Both mean to turn, but ぐるっと feels larger, heavier, or more forceful, while くるっと is used for smaller, lighter, or quicker turns.
Can I use it for an action that repeats over and over?
No, it emphasizes a single completed turn or circle. For repeated spinning or wrapping, use ぐるぐる instead.
What verbs are most naturally paired with this word?
It is most frequently paired with 回る (to turn), 見渡す (to look around), 囲む (to encircle), and 一周する (to do one lap/circle).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2007960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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