Entry
ぐしゃっと
gushatto
A word describing something being suddenly crushed, squashed, or a face crinkling into a broad smile.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Gushatto describes the sudden action or result of something being forcefully crushed, crumpled, or squashed, like a can, paper, or bug. Figuratively, it is also used to describe a person's face crinkling deeply into an unrestrained, broad smile or when crying.
- Crushed/squashed
- Crinkled face
Sense Map
Crush / Squash
When a strong force causes an object to completely lose its original shape and become squashed.
空き缶がぐしゃっと潰れる。
Crinkled Face (Emotion)
When a face crinkles deeply due to intense, unrestrained emotion like a broad smile.
顔をぐしゃっとさせて笑う。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐしゃっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how something is crushed or how someone smiles broadly.
ぐしゃっとした + noun
Used to describe the state of an object that is already crushed or crumpled.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐしゃっと潰れる
to be crushed flat
ぐしゃっと潰す
to crush/squash
ぐしゃっと笑う
to smile broadly (crinkling face)
ぐしゃっと丸める
to crumple up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Objects | neutral/negative | Focuses on the sudden loss of original shape due to strong force. |
| Facial Expressions | positive/neutral | Conveys genuine, uninhibited emotion, like a heartwarming, unrestrained smile. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がしゃん がしゃん / contrast | Used for the loud crashing sound of hard objects like metal or glass hitting or breaking. | Gushatto focuses on the physical state of being crushed, dented, or squashed, not just a loud sound. | 車がガシャンとぶつかる。 |
ぐしぐし ぐしぐし / similar | Used for a repeated action of crumpling or rubbing (like rubbing eyes when crying). | Gushatto is a single, sudden impact, whereas gushigushi is a continuous, repeated action. | 目をぐしぐしこする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking it only applies to violent physical destruction.
It is very commonly used for a heartwarming, broad, crinkly smile (gushatto warau).
Using it for shattering glass.
For brittle things like glass, use 'parin' or 'gashan'. 'Gushatto' is for things that bend, dent, or squash (like cans or paper).
Examples
Examples
虫を間違えて踏んでしまい、ぐしゃっと潰れた。
むしをまちがえてふんでしまい、ぐしゃっとつぶれた。
I accidentally stepped on a bug and squished it.
LiteralFocuses on the bug being instantly squashed.
事故で車がぐしゃっと壊れた。
じこでくるまがぐしゃっとこわれた。
The car was completely smashed in the accident.
LiteralDescribes hard metal losing its original shape due to impact.
彼女は紙をぐしゃっと丸めて捨てた。
かのじょはかみをぐしゃっとまるめてすてた。
She crumpled up the paper and threw it away.
VisualForcefully crumpling something thin like paper.
彼は顔をぐしゃっとさせて笑った。
かれはかおをぐしゃっとさせてわらった。
He smiled so broadly that his face crinkled up.
FigurativeFigurative use for a face completely crinkling due to unrestrained emotion.
荷物の下敷きになり、箱がぐしゃっと潰れていた。
にもつのしたじきになり、はこがぐしゃっとつぶれていた。
Crushed under the luggage, the box was completely squashed.
VisualDescribes a three-dimensional object being pressed flat.
Similar Words
ぐしぐし
gushigushi
Related. A repeated action of crumpling or rubbing (like eyes), unlike the sudden, single impact of gushatto.
Questions
What is the difference between ぐしゃっと and ぐしゃぐしゃ?
Gushatto describes a sudden, single action (being instantly crushed), while gushagusha describes a continuous messy or heavily crumpled state.
Can I use it for a broken window?
Not really. For shattered glass, you would use 'parin' or 'gashan'. 'Gushatto' is for things that dent or squash.
Is 'gushatto warau' an insult?
No, it is usually positive. It means you are smiling so genuinely and broadly that your face crinkles up affectionately.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2169450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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