Entry
ぐうぐう
guuguu
Describes the sound or state of a very deep sleep (often with snoring) or a rumbling stomach due to hunger.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is primarily used to describe two physical states: a person sleeping very soundly and potentially loudly, and the low, repeated sound a stomach makes when it is empty.
- Deep sleep/snoring sound
- Stomach rumbling/hunger sound
Sense Map
Deep Sleep
Describes someone sleeping so soundly that they might be breathing heavily or snoring.
ぐうぐう寝る
Stomach Growling
The sound made by a stomach when a person is hungry.
お腹がぐうぐう鳴る
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐうぐう寝る
Used as an adverb directly before the verb to show the depth of sleep.
ぐうぐうといびきをかく
Using the particle to to emphasize the loud sound of snoring.
お腹がぐうぐう鳴る
Explaining the state where the stomach makes a loud noise.
ぐうぐうと眠る
Describing the continuous state of being in a deep sleep.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐうぐう寝る
To sleep like a log
いびきをぐうぐうかく
To snore loudly
お腹がぐうぐう鳴る
Stomach is growling
ぐうぐう眠り続ける
To keep sleeping soundly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | neutral | Describes a very deep sleep, can imply it's a bit noisy. |
| Hunger | neutral | Used when the stomach rumble is loud enough for others to hear. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐっすり ぐっすり / similar | Use when emphasizing the refreshing and undisturbed quality of sleep. | Doesn't necessarily imply sound or snoring; focuses on the depth of rest itself. | ぐっすり眠る |
すうすう すうすう / contrast | Use for the light, rhythmic sound of peaceful breathing during sleep. | Much quieter and gentler than the heavy and often noisy ぐうぐう. | すうすう寝息を立てる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a short nap.
It implies deep sleep; for a light doze, use utouto.
Thinking it's only for stomachs.
Its most common use is actually related to deep, snoring sleep.
Examples
Examples
昨夜はぐうぐう寝てしまいました。
さくやはぐうぐうねてしまいました。
I slept like a log last night.
LiteralDescribes a very deep sleep.
お腹がぐうぐう鳴っています。
おなかがぐうぐうなっています。
My stomach is growling loudly.
LiteralStomach sound due to hunger.
父はぐうぐうといびきをかいています。
ちちはぐうぐうといびきをかいています。
My father is snoring loudly.
LiteralExplaining the sound of snoring.
授業中にぐうぐう寝るのはやめましょう。
じゅぎょうちゅうにぐうぐうねるのはやめましょう。
Stop sleeping soundly during class.
LiteralDeep in sleep when they should be studying.
彼は一晩中ぐうぐうと眠り続けた。
かれはひとばんじゅうぐうぐうとねむりつづけた。
He continued to sleep soundly all night long.
LiteralA state of deep sleep that lasts for a long time.
Similar Words
ぐっすり
gussuri
To sleep soundly and deeply without waking up easily. Emphasizes the peaceful and deep quality of sleep.
グーグー
guuguu
グーグー is the loud snoring sound made during deep sleep or the rumbling sound of a hungry stomach.
すうすう
suusuu
The light sound of air passing through a small gap, or a soft, rhythmic sound while breathing. Describes the soft and regular sound of breathing during sleep.
Questions
What is the difference between guuguu and gussuri?
Guuguu focuses on the sound or visible heavy state (like snoring), while gussuri focuses on the quality of a sound, peaceful sleep.
Can I use it for animals?
Yes, it's perfect for describing a pet sleeping deeply or snoring.
Is it a polite word?
It's a descriptive everyday word. It's fine for friends and family, but be careful describing a superior's sleep this way as it can imply they were snoring.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004020
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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