Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents a continuous, low-pitched rumbling or grumbling sound. It is predominantly used to describe the loud snoring of someone fast asleep, or the audible growling of an empty stomach when feeling hungry.
- loud snoring
- growling stomach
Sense Map
Loud Snoring
Describes the heavy breathing or loud snoring sound when someone is deeply asleep.
疲れきってグーグー寝ている。
Growling Stomach
Describes the rumbling sound of an empty stomach due to hunger.
お腹がグーグー鳴っている。
Usage Note
How to Use
グーグー（と）寝る
This pattern is used to express sleeping very soundly accompanied by a snoring noise.
お腹がグーグー（と）鳴る
A fixed phrase to express that one's stomach is growling from hunger.
グーグーいびきをかく
Used with the noun 'ibiki' (snoring) to emphasize loud and repetitive snoring sounds.
How to Use
Common Phrases
お腹がグーグー鳴る
Stomach growls (from hunger)
グーグー寝る
Sleep deeply while snoring
グーグーいびきをかく
Snore loudly
腹の虫がグーグー鳴く
Stomach bugs are crying (an idiom for being very hungry)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| When someone is sleeping | neutral / slightly negative | Indicates that the person is deeply asleep, but highlights the noise of their snoring which might disturb others. |
| When feeling hungry | neutral / comical | A blunt and casual way to show that someone is hungry because their stomach is literally making noises. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごろごろ ごろごろ / nearby | Used for the rumbling sound in the stomach due to indigestion or an upset stomach, and also for thunder. | グーグー is strictly for a stomach growling from hunger, whereas ゴロゴロ is used when experiencing stomach pain or digestive issues. | お腹がゴロゴロ痛む。 |
すやすや すやすや / opposite | Used to describe sleeping very peacefully, quietly, and soundly. | グーグー always involves a loud noise like snoring, whereas すやすや emphasizes a silent and peaceful sleep, often used for babies. | 赤ちゃんがすやすや眠っている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using グーグー for a stomach ache or diarrhea.
Use ゴロゴロ or ピーピー for a sick stomach. グーグー is only for a stomach rumbling from hunger.
Using グーグー to describe a quiet, peaceful sleep.
グーグー means snoring. For a quiet, deep sleep, use すやすや.
Examples
Examples
疲れていたのか、ベッドに入るとすぐにグーグー寝てしまった。
つかれていたのか、ベッドにはいるとすぐにグーグーねてしまった。
Perhaps because he was tired, he fell fast asleep and started snoring as soon as he got into bed.
LiteralDescribes the deep snoring sound resulting from extreme exhaustion.
朝から何も食べていないので、お腹がグーグー鳴っている。
あさからなにもたべていないので、おなかがグーグーなっている。
Because I haven't eaten anything since morning, my stomach is growling.
LiteralExpresses the physical sound of a stomach rumbling from hunger.
お父さんのグーグーといういびきがうるさくて、目が覚めた。
おとうさんのグーグーといういびきがうるさくて、めがさめた。
I woke up because my father's loud snoring was so noisy.
LiteralUsed modifying the noun 'ibiki' (snore) to highlight the noise level.
会議中に隣の人の腹がグーグー鳴って、少し気まずかった。
かいぎちゅうにととなりのひとの腹がグーグーなって、すこしきまずかった。
During the meeting, the person next to me had a growling stomach, which was a bit awkward.
LiteralAn example where the audible stomach sound causes slight social awkwardness.
日曜日、おじいちゃんがソファの上でグーグーと昼寝をしている。
にちようび、おじいちゃんがソファのうえでグーグーとひるねをしている。
On Sunday, grandpa is taking a nap on the sofa, snoring away.
LiteralDescribes a relaxed nap time scene with a constant snoring sound.
Similar Words
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.
ゴロゴロ
gorogoro
A word representing a heavy rumbling sound, a large object rolling, lounging around idly, or a gritty feeling in the eyes. Used for an upset stomach rumbling, not for hunger.
Questions
Can グーグー be used for animals?
It is primarily used for humans, both for snoring and stomach rumbling. However, it can also be used to describe dogs or cats sleeping while snoring loudly.
What is the difference between お腹がグーグー鳴る and お腹が空く?
お腹が空く (onaka ga suku) simply means 'I am hungry.' お腹がグーグー鳴る (onaka ga guuguu naru) means 'my stomach is growling,' indirectly stating a more severe or physical hunger.
Is this word polite to use in front of a boss?
This word is casual. Saying 'my stomach is guuguu' in the middle of a formal meeting might sound unprofessional, but it is perfectly fine in a relaxed setting.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2194450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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