Entry
グサッと
gusatto
Stabbing deeply and forcefully, or piercing the heart emotionally.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes the forceful and deep penetration of a sharp object into something. It is frequently used figuratively to express the sudden, deep emotional impact of harsh words or a painful realization striking one's heart.
- Stabbed by sharp objects
- Harsh criticism
- Emotional pain from words
- Painful truth
Sense Map
Physical Stabbing
Describes a sharp object piercing deeply and forcefully into something.
ナイフを肉にグサッと突き刺す。
Emotional Impact
Describes harsh words or a painful realization suddenly and deeply striking one's heart.
言葉が胸にグサッと刺さった。
Usage Note
How to Use
グサッと + verb
Used before verbs like 刺さる (pierce) or 突き刺す (thrust) to emphasize a deep penetration.
グサッとくる
An idiomatic phrase (often past tense: グサッときた) meaning a remark hit you hard emotionally.
How to Use
Common Phrases
グサッと刺さる
pierce deeply
グサッとくる
hit hard emotionally
胸にグサッと
pierce the chest / heart
グサッと突き刺す
thrust deeply
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical actions | Neutral to negative | Describes a sharp object thrusting deeply and forcefully. |
| Emotional reactions | Negative | Highly common to describe the emotional pain when someone points out a painful truth or gives harsh criticism. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶすっと ぶすっと / similar | When something pierces something soft, or when someone is sulking. | グサッと implies a sharper, more forceful thrust, and is far more common for emotional "stabbing." | 針をぶすっと刺す。 |
ぐさり ぐさり / similar | Meaning is almost identical, emphasizing the resulting state of a deep stab. | グサッと emphasizes the sudden action and shock, making it very common for emotional blows. | 急所にグサリと刺さる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a punch or a blunt force impact.
グサッと is only for sharp things (like knives or cutting words) piercing deeply. For blunt hits, use ドン (don) or ガツン (gatsun).
Using it to describe a small, superficial scratch or prick.
It implies a deep, forceful penetration. A tiny prick is better described with チクッ (chiku).
Examples
Examples
相手の言葉が、胸にグサッと刺さった。
あいてのことばが、むねにグサッとささった。
The other person's words pierced my chest deeply.
FigurativeUsed to describe words that cause deep emotional pain.
彼の鋭い指摘がグサッときた。
かれのするどいしてきがグサッときた。
His sharp criticism hit me hard emotionally.
FigurativeUses 'gusatto kita' to show that the criticism hit home and caused a sudden shock.
ナイフを肉にグサッと突き刺す。
ナイフをにくにグサッとつきさす。
Thrusting the knife deeply into the meat.
LiteralAn example of a physical stab, showing the depth and force of penetration.
図星を指されて、グサッときた。
ずぼしをさされて、グサッときた。
Having my weak point pointed out hit me right in the heart.
Figurative'Zuboshi' means someone hit the bullseye regarding your secret or weakness, naturally triggering a 'gusatto' feeling.
矢が的の中心にグサッと刺さった。
やがまとのちゅうしんにグサッとささった。
The arrow pierced deeply into the center of the target.
LiteralFocuses on the speed and sharpness of the object penetrating the target.
Similar Words
グサリ
gusari
Piercing deeply physically or words that cut to the heart emotionally. Very similar, but emphasizes the resulting state of the stab.
ぶすっと
busutto
Plunging a sharp object into something soft, or wearing a sullen, sulky expression. Used for plunging into soft things, not as sharp as gusatto.
ジーンと
jiinto
Describes a profound emotional resonance that touches the heart deeply, or a physical sensation of lingering numbness and stinging pain.
Questions
Can I use "gusatto" for physical objects?
Yes, it originally describes a sharp blade, needle, or arrow piercing deeply into something.
What does "gusatto kuru" mean?
It means a remark or realization hit you hard emotionally, often because it is a harsh truth.
Is "gusatto" used in formal situations?
It is relatively casual and mostly used in conversational contexts or narrative descriptions rather than formal business writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2733390
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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