Entry
ぐっと
gutto
Describes a sudden, forceful exertion or a significant jump in degree or emotional impact.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Gutto is used for physical actions done with a burst of strength, significant changes in state or quantity, and moments where one is suddenly and deeply touched by emotion.
- Sudden physical force or gulping
- Significant change in degree or quality
- Sudden deep emotional impact
Sense Map
Physical Action
Applying a burst of strength, such as pushing something hard or drinking in one gulp.
水をぐっと飲む。
Degree and Change
A noticeable and significant improvement or change in level or quality.
料理がぐっと美味しくなる。
Emotional Impact
A feeling that suddenly hits the heart or makes one feel deeply moved.
話の内容にぐっとくる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐっと + Verb (drink, push, endure)
Modifies actions done with sudden strength or in one go.
ぐっと + Adjective (become better, increase)
Emphasizes a significant change in the state described by the adjective.
ぐっとくる (idiomatic emotional impact)
A set phrase meaning to be deeply touched or moved by something.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐっと飲む
To drink in one gulp.
ぐっと押す
To push firmly.
ぐっと良くなる
To improve significantly.
ぐっと堪える
To endure with all one's might.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skill or Quality | positive | Indicates a major step forward. |
| Suppression | neutral | Holding back tears or anger with effort. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎゅっと ぎゅっと / similar | Use when emphasizing squeezing, holding, or hugging tightly. | Gutto is about a sudden push or jerk, while gyutto is about tight compression or holding. | 手をぎゅっと握る。 |
ぐいっと ぐいっと / similar | Use for a more forceful or rough physical pull or push compared to gutto. | Guitto feels more physical and sometimes rougher in its exertion than gutto. | 酒をぐいっと飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gutto for a very slow, gradual change.
Gutto implies a sudden and noticeable shift, not a slow progression.
Thinking gutto is only for physical strength.
It is very commonly used for abstract improvements like grades or skill levels.
Examples
Examples
ビールをぐっと一気に飲んだ。
ビールをぐっといっきにのんだ。
I drank the beer in one large gulp.
LiteralShows the action of drinking quickly and forcefully.
重いドアをぐっと押してみた。
おもいドアをぐっとおしてみた。
I tried pushing the heavy door firmly.
LiteralShows the use of physical force to push.
気温がぐっと下がって寒くなった。
きおんがぐっとさがってさむくなった。
The temperature dropped significantly and it became cold.
VisualDescribes a change in temperature that is clearly visible or felt.
練習のおかげで、成績がぐっと上がった。
れんしゅうのおかげで、せいせきがぐっとあがった。
Thanks to practice, my grades improved significantly.
FigurativeDescribes an improvement in ability that is non-physical.
彼女の言葉が心にぐっときた。
かのじょのことばがこころにぐっときた。
Her words deeply touched my heart.
FigurativeUsed for deep emotional impact.
Similar Words
ぐいっと
guitto
Doing something in a single, uninterrupted, forceful motion, such as downing a drink or yanking an object. Emphasizes a rougher physical pull or push.
ぎゅっと
gyutto
The act of applying firm, concentrated pressure when squeezing, gripping, or hugging something. Focuses on squeezing or holding tightly.
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.
ぐうっと
guutto
Describes the action of drinking a liquid continuously and forcefully in one long, unbroken gulp.
ぴたっと
pitatto
ぴたっと (pitatto) describes a sudden and complete stop, surfaces sticking tightly with no gaps, or things matching exactly.
Questions
What is the difference between gutto and gyutto?
Gutto is for a sudden push or shift, while gyutto is for squeezing or holding tightly.
Can gutto be used for negative changes?
Yes, for example, a sudden drop in temperature (gutto sagaru).
What does gutto kuru mean?
It means to be suddenly and deeply moved or touched by something.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004080
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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