Entry
ぐったり
guttari
Describes a state of being completely drained of energy, leading to a visible loss of strength or a limp posture.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word is used when a person or animal has lost all physical or mental strength, often to the point of collapsing or being unable to sit up straight. It is common in contexts of overwork, severe heat, or illness.
- A state of total physical exhaustion.
- A limp or weakened appearance due to external factors.
Sense Map
Physical Exhaustion
Being completely worn out after heavy labor or exercise.
仕事が終わってぐったりする。
Weakness from Heat or Illness
Being limp or drained due to a fever or extreme temperatures.
暑さでぐったりしている。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐったりする
Functions as a verb meaning to become completely exhausted or limp.
ぐったりした + noun
Used to describe a person's state or appearance, e.g., 'a limp-looking child'.
ぐったりと + verb
An adverbial form describing how an action is performed, such as 'lying down limply'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐったりと横たわる
To lie down limply without any energy.
暑さでぐったりする
To be worn out by the heat.
疲れてぐったりだ
To be dead tired and limp.
ぐったりした様子
A limp or exhausted appearance.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| After hard work | neutral | Commonly used to express the severity of one's fatigue. |
| Plants wilting | neutral | Can be applied to plants that have lost their turgidity and are drooping. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
だらり だらり / nearby | Used when parts of the body (like arms) hang down loosely due to a lack of tension. | Guttari indicates overall exhaustion, while darari focuses specifically on hanging or drooping loosely. | 腕をだらりと下げる。 |
ぐにゃり ぐにゃり / nearby | Used for things that are very soft or bend easily without resistance. | Guttari is about being drained of energy, whereas gunyari refers to the physical texture or softness of an object. | 体がぐにゃりと曲がる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using guttari for mild tiredness that isn't visually apparent.
Use 'tsukareta' if you just feel tired internally but aren't actually slumping.
Confusing it with 'daradara' (being lazy).
Guttari is an involuntary state of exhaustion; daradara is often a conscious choice to lounge around.
Examples
Examples
一日中外で働いたので、家に着くとぐったりしてしまった。
いちにちじゅうそとではたらいたので、うちにつくとぐったりしてしまった。
Having worked outside all day, I was completely exhausted by the time I got home.
LiteralShows physical exhaustion after work.
夏休みの動物園で、ライオンが暑さでぐったりしていた。
なつやすみのどうぶつえんで、らいおんがあつさでぐったりしていた。
At the zoo during summer vacation, the lions were worn out by the heat.
VisualDescribes the visual appearance of a limp lion.
子供が高い熱を出して、ぐったりと横たわっている。
こどもがたかいねつをだして、ぐったりとよこたわっている。
The child has a high fever and is lying down limply.
LiteralA state of weakness due to illness.
試験が終わると、緊張が解けてぐったりしてしまった。
しけんがおわると、きんちょうがとけてぐったりしてしまった。
Once the exam was over, my tension vanished and I felt completely drained.
FigurativeMental fatigue affecting the physical state.
水をやり忘れたので、鉢植えの植物がぐったりしている。
みずをやりわすれたので、はちうえのしょくぶつがぐったりしている。
Because I forgot to water it, the potted plant is wilting limply.
VisualVisual usage for a wilting plant.
Similar Words
ぐにゃり
gunyari
Indicates a soft texture or a very flexible body.
Questions
What is the difference between 'tsukareta' and 'guttari'?
'Tsukareta' is the standard verb for 'tired'. 'Guttari' is a descriptive mimetic word focusing on the limp, exhausted appearance.
Can I use 'guttari' for mental fatigue?
Yes, it is often used when mental or emotional stress leaves you feeling physically drained and unable to move.
Is 'guttari' polite?
It is a neutral descriptive word. In polite speech, combine it with polite verbs like 'shite imasu'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004070
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ぐっすり (gussuri)
- Next entry
- ぐっと (gutto)