Entry
ぐっしょり
gusshori
Describes a state of being thoroughly and heavily soaked, usually describing clothes or hair saturated with liquid.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An adverb (mimetic word) used when something is completely saturated with liquid, such as heavy sweat or pouring rain, conveying a feeling of heavy, deep wetness.
- drenched in sweat
- soaked by rain or water
Sense Map
Soaked with Sweat
Used to describe clothes or the body being completely drenched in sweat from heat, exercise, or tension.
汗でぐっしょり
Drenched by Rain/Water
Describes a state where the whole body or fabric has absorbed a massive amount of water.
ぐっしょり濡れる
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐっしょり + verb (濡れる, 汗をかく)
Most commonly used directly before verbs like 'nureru' (to get wet) or 'ase o kaku' (to sweat).
ぐっしょりと + verb
The particle 'to' can be added to emphasize it as an adverb of manner.
noun + で + ぐっしょりだ
Used at the end of a sentence to state that something is soaking wet because of the noun (e.g., rain, sweat).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐっしょり濡れる
to get soaking wet
汗でぐっしょり
drenched in sweat
ぐっしょり汗をかく
to sweat profusely
ぐっしょりだ
to be completely drenched
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sweaty clothes | neutral to negative | Implies an uncomfortable amount of sweat that makes clothes feel heavy and stick to the skin. |
| Getting caught in rain | neutral | Describes fabrics or hair that have absorbed as much rain as possible. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっしょり びっしょり / similar | A general term for being drenched or wet all over, often focused on the surface. | While both mean drenched, びっしょり focuses on being 'completely covered in liquid', whereas ぐっしょり implies being 'deeply saturated and heavy'. | びっしょり濡れる |
びしょびしょ びしょびしょ / similar | Used when something is soaking wet and dripping, or for messy, watery environments. | びしょびしょ is more casual and can be used for wet floors or puddles, while ぐっしょり is primarily for fabrics or things that absorb liquid. | 服がびしょびしょだ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for slightly damp things.
It implies being completely soaked. For mild dampness, use しっとり (shittori).
Using it to describe a wet floor or ground.
ぐっしょり is for absorbent things like clothes, hair, or towels. Use びしょびしょ for messy wet floors.
Examples
Examples
暑さでシャツがぐっしょり濡れた。
あつさ で シャツ が ぐっしょり ぬれた。
My shirt got soaking wet from the heat.
LiteralShows a shirt that has absorbed a lot of sweat.
突然の大雨で、全身ぐっしょりだ。
とつぜん の おおあめ で、 ぜんしん ぐっしょり だ。
I'm completely drenched all over from the sudden heavy rain.
LiteralUsed with 'whole body' to show being completely wet from rain.
走った後は、髪の毛まで汗でぐっしょりしている。
はしった あと は、 かみのけ まで あせ で ぐっしょり している。
After running, even my hair is dripping with sweat.
LiteralHair can also absorb liquid, making this word appropriate.
彼はぐっしょり濡れたタオルを絞った。
かれ は ぐっしょり ぬれた タオル を しぼった。
He wrung out the soaking wet towel.
LiteralThis word is perfect for fabric items like towels that have absorbed maximum water.
緊張で、手のひらにぐっしょりと汗をかいた。
きんちょう で、 てのひら に ぐっしょり と あせ を かいた。
Due to nervousness, my palms sweat profusely.
LiteralPaired with 'to sweat' to describe an unusually large amount of sweat due to emotion.
Similar Words
びっしょり
bisshori
Completely drenched or soaked through, usually by sweat or rain. Often interchangeable, but びっしょり emphasizes complete surface wetness, while ぐっしょり feels heavier.
びしょびしょ
bishobisho
Bishobisho describes a state of being completely soaked or thoroughly drenched. Emphasizes a watery, dripping state. Can be used for floors or roads, not just for absorbent things.
ぐしゃぐしゃ
gushagusha
Completely soaked, severely crushed out of shape, or thoroughly messy and disorganized.
Questions
What is the difference between ぐっしょり and びっしょり?
Both mean 'soaking wet' and are highly interchangeable. However, ぐっしょり sounds a bit 'heavier', like a thick towel deeply saturated with water, while びっしょり focuses on a thorough, surface-level wetness.
Can I use ぐっしょり for a wet road?
No, it is better suited for things that absorb liquid (clothes, hair). For a wet, messy road, use びしょびしょ.
Does ぐっしょり only apply to sweat?
No, it is commonly used for both sweat and rain, or any situation where fabric or hair becomes saturated with liquid.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2169470
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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