Entry
グースカ
guusuka
グースカ describes the state of sleeping deeply and soundly, often accompanied by heavy breathing or loud snoring.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word depicts someone sleeping like a log, completely unaware of their surroundings. It has a slightly comical or very casual nuance, often conjuring the image of someone snoring loudly or breathing heavily due to deep exhaustion.
- Sleeping like a log
- Loud snoring
Sense Map
Sleeping like a log
Describes someone who is fast asleep, completely unbothered by outside noise.
兄は部屋でグースカ寝ている。
Snoring loudly
Focuses on the loud snoring or heavy breathing sound made while fast asleep.
隣の部屋からグースカといびきが聞こえる。
Usage Note
How to Use
グースカ寝る
Placed directly before verbs like 寝る (to sleep) as an adverb.
グースカと寝ている
Takes the particle と (to) for emphasis on the continuous state of sleeping deeply.
グースカいびきをかく
Paired directly with いびきをかく (to snore) to emphasize the loud snoring sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
グースカ寝る
to sleep like a log
グースカと寝ている
to be sleeping soundly
グースカいびきをかく
to snore loudly
昼間からグースカ
sleeping soundly in the middle of the day
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping from extreme exhaustion | neutral | Emphasizes that the person was so tired they passed out and are dead to the world. |
| Sleeping inappropriately | slightly negative | Used playfully to tease a family member who is snoring away while ignoring their responsibilities. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐっすり ぐっすり / similar | When someone sleeps deeply, peacefully, and wakes up refreshed. | Lacks the comical or snoring nuance of グースカ. | ぐっすり眠る |
すやすや すやすや / similar | When someone (especially a baby) is sleeping quietly and peacefully with steady breathing. | Completely opposite to the loud, heavy sleeping sounds of グースカ. | 赤ちゃんがすやすや眠る |
ばたんきゅー ばたんきゅー / similar | When someone falls asleep the exact moment their head hits the pillow due to exhaustion. | Focuses on how fast one falls asleep, not the sound or state during sleep. | 疲れてバタンキューと寝た |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a cute baby sleeping.
It's better to describe a baby's sleep differently. グースカ implies a rougher, louder sleep, like snoring.
Using it in formal situations or about respected superiors.
It is a very colloquial and slightly comical word. It's better to use a different expression in polite contexts.
Examples
Examples
兄は部屋でグースカ寝ている。
あにはへやでグースカねている。
My older brother is sleeping like a log in his room.
LiteralShows someone sleeping very deeply without a care in the world.
隣の部屋からグースカといびきが聞こえる。
となりのへやからグースカといびきがきこえる。
I can hear loud snoring coming from the next room.
LiteralFocuses on the snoring sound made during sleep.
疲れ果てて、昼間からグースカ寝てしまった。
つかれはてて、ひるまからグースカねてしまった。
I was completely exhausted and fell into a deep sleep right in the middle of the day.
LiteralIndicates being so tired that one unknowingly falls into a deep sleep.
うちの犬はソファの上でグースカ寝ている。
うちのいぬはソファのうえでグースカねている。
Our dog is sleeping soundly on the sofa.
LiteralCan be used for pets sleeping with heavy breathing.
目覚まし時計が鳴っても、彼はぐーすか寝ていた。
めざましどけいがなっても、かれはぐーすかねていた。
Even though the alarm clock rang, he kept sleeping like a log.
LiteralShows how deep someone's sleep is that loud noises don't wake them up.
Similar Words
バタンキュー
batankyuu
Falling asleep instantly out of pure exhaustion.
ぐっすり
gussuri
To sleep soundly and deeply without waking up easily. A deep, high-quality, and refreshing sleep.
すやすや
suyasuya
すやすや (suyasuya) describes the appearance of someone or something sleeping very peacefully and soundly. Sleeping quietly and peacefully, like a baby.
Questions
Is グースカ used for any kind of deep sleep?
No, it specifically implies a deep sleep accompanied by heavy breathing or loud snoring, not a quiet or peaceful sleep.
Can I use this for my pet?
Yes, if your dog or cat is passed out completely and maybe snoring a bit, it fits perfectly.
Is it rude to tell someone they were sleeping グースカ?
It can be seen as teasing because it implies they were snoring or sleeping unattractively. Use only with friends or family.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2197950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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