Entry
ぐずぐず
guzuguzu
Describes a state of being slow to act due to hesitation or laziness, as well as the act of complaining or muttering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Guzuguzu is commonly used for people who are slow to start or finish a task because they are wasting time or cannot decide. It also applies to continuous complaining and persistent overcast or rainy weather.
- Slow to take action or waste time.
- Muttering complaints or grumbling.
- Overcast or drizzling weather that won't clear up.
Sense Map
Dawdling in Action
Used when someone is wasting time instead of doing what they are supposed to do.
ぐずぐずしないで早く行く。
Grumbling/Muttering
Refers to the act of complaining repeatedly in a low or hesitant voice.
いつまでもぐずぐず言う。
Weather Conditions
Describes dull, cloudy, or slightly rainy weather that shows no sign of clearing.
ぐずぐずした天気が続く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぐずぐずする
Used as a verb to indicate the act of wasting time or being slow to get moving.
ぐずぐず言う
Used to describe the act of persistently complaining or grumbling.
ぐずぐずした + noun
Modifies a noun to describe a state, such as 'unsettled weather'.
ぐずぐずと + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぐずぐずしないで
Don't dawdle!
ぐずぐずと迷う
To hesitate endlessly.
ぐずぐず文句を言う
To grumble on and on.
ぐずぐずした天気
Unsettled/gloomy weather.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Morning preparation | negative | Impatiently telling someone to hurry up and get ready. |
| Indecision | neutral | Describing the process of taking too long to make a choice. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もたもた もたもた / nearby | Used when someone is slow because they lack skill or efficiency at a task. | Guzuguzu focuses on the delay in starting or the lack of will, rather than just technical slowness. | レジでもたもたする。 |
うじうじ うじうじ / nearby | Used for hesitating due to psychological weakness, cowardice, or lack of confidence. | Guzuguzu emphasizes the time-wasting aspect, while ujiuji emphasizes the mental insecurity. | うじうじ悩む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for physical speed (like running slowly).
Guzuguzu isn't about physical speed. Use 'yukkuri' or 'noronoro' for that. Guzuguzu is about procrastination or wasting time.
Thinking it only means 'to complain'.
Remember the primary meaning is often about being slow to act. Context is key.
Examples
Examples
ぐずぐずしないで早く着替えなさい。
ぐずぐずしないで はやく きがえなさい
Don't dawdle, hurry up and change your clothes.
LiteralScolding someone to take action immediately.
彼はいつまでもぐずぐずと文句を言っている。
かれは いつまでも ぐずぐずと もんくを いっている
He is grumbling on and on forever.
FigurativeDescribes tedious complaining.
決断できずにぐずぐずしている間にチャンスを逃した。
けつだんできずに ぐずぐずしている あいだに チャンスを のがした
I missed the chance while I was hesitating and couldn't make a decision.
FigurativeInability to decide something.
今日は朝からぐずぐずした天気が続いている。
きょうは あさから ぐずぐずした てんきが つづいている
The unsettled weather has been continuing since this morning.
VisualGloomy weather that doesn't clear up.
鼻がぐずぐずするので、風邪を引いたかもしれない。
はなが ぐずぐずするので かぜを ひいたかもしれない
My nose is stuffy, so I might have caught a cold.
LiteralPhysical condition of a stuffy nose.
Similar Words
もたもた
motamota
Describes doing something slowly, clumsily, or inefficiently, often wasting time. Both mean slow, but motamota implies lack of skill or efficiency.
ぐじぐじ
gujiguji
This word describes continuous, low-level complaining or acting hesitantly and slowly.
うじうじ
ujiuji
A state of being indecisive and hesitant to take clear action. Focuses on mental hesitation or lack of confidence.
Questions
Can I use guzuguzu for a person who moves slowly but works hard?
Usually no. Guzuguzu implies that the slowness is unnecessary or due to a lack of focus/decision, so it sounds critical.
Is guzuguzu related to having a cold?
Yes, it is also used for a stuffy or runny nose (hana ga guzuguzu suru), though this is a separate usage from 'dawdling'.
Is it okay to use guzuguzu with children?
Yes, it is very common for parents to say 'Guzuguzu shinai de!' to children who are taking too long to get ready.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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