Entry
グサリ
gusari
Piercing deeply physically or words that cut to the heart emotionally.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
グサリ describes something sharp penetrating deeply and forcefully into something soft. Figuratively, it is often used for harsh, piercing words or criticism that emotionally wound someone.
- physical stabbing
- emotionally piercing words
Sense Map
Physical Piercing
A sharp object thrusting deeply into something.
ナイフがグサリと刺さる
Emotional Piercing
Harsh words or criticism that deeply hurt someone's feelings.
痛いところを突かれてグサリときた
Usage Note
How to Use
グサリと + verb (e.g., 刺さる)
Describes the action of piercing deeply.
胸にグサリとくる
An idiom meaning words or events hit home and hurt emotionally.
グサリと + 突き刺さる
How to Use
Common Phrases
グサリと刺さる
to pierce deeply
胸にグサリとくる
to cut to the heart / strike a chord
グサリと言われる
to be told something harsh and piercing
心にグサリと突き刺さる
to pierce deeply into one's mind/heart
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Being stabbed by a sharp object | neutral | Objectively describes the physical action and the deepness of the stab. |
| Receiving harsh criticism | negative | Shows that the words were painfully accurate and deeply hurt the receiver. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐさっと ぐさっと / similar | Almost identical to グサリ, but sounds slightly more abrupt, casual, or momentary. | Use グサリ for a slightly more lingering or heavy sense of the stab, while グサッと emphasizes the instantaneous moment. | 痛いところをグサッと言われた |
ぶすり ぶすり / similar | Used for a thick, dull object plunging into something soft, often with a heavier, more muffled sound. | グサリ implies sharpness and a clean cut, while ブスリ implies a thicker or blunter penetration. | 注射針がブスリと刺さる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a light scratch or prick.
グサリ implies deep penetration. For a light prick like a needle, use チクリ (chikuri).
Using it for a blunt physical impact, like being punched.
It must be a piercing or stabbing motion, or figurative emotional piercing, not a blunt strike.
Examples
Examples
鋭いナイフが肉にグサリと刺さった。
するどい ないふ が にく に ぐさり と ささった。
The sharp knife stabbed deeply into the meat.
LiteralDescribes the sharp and deep physical penetration action.
彼の冷たい言葉が、私の胸にグサリと突き刺さった。
かれ の つめたい ことば が、 わたし の むね に ぐさり と つきささった。
His cold words pierced my chest deeply.
FigurativeShows the emotional pain caused by someone else's words.
図星を指されて、思わずグサリときた。
ずぼし を さされて、 おもわず ぐさり と きた。
I was struck to the core when they pointed out the truth.
FigurativeDescribes the shock and pain of being criticized right on the mark.
釘が足にグサリと刺さって大怪我をした。
くぎ が あし に ぐさり と ささって おおけが を した。
A nail pierced my foot deeply, causing a serious injury.
LiteralStandard usage for injuries where something enters deeply into the body.
先生の厳しい指摘が、心にグサリと響いた。
せんせい の きびしい してき が、 こころ に ぐさり と ひびいた。
The teacher's harsh pointing out resonated deeply in my heart.
FigurativeThis word is used not only for mean criticism but also for harsh advice that hits home.
Similar Words
グサッと
gusatto
Variant form emphasizing the suddenness of the impact.
ブスリ
busuri
Piercing deeply, but typically for thicker or blunter objects than a sharp knife.
Questions
Can I use グサリ for a stomach ache?
No, グサリ is not typically used for internal bodily pain. It is used for external objects stabbing you, or emotionally painful words. For a sharp stomach pain, use キリキリ (kirikiri).
What is the difference between グサリ and グサッと?
They are very similar. グサッと emphasizes the suddenness and impact of the moment, while グサリ focuses a bit more on the depth and heaviness of the penetration.
Is it natural to use this word in daily conversation?
Yes, especially in the figurative sense. Saying '胸にグサリときた' (it really hit me hard) when someone points out a flaw is very common.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2007920
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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