Entry
ぎょろぎょろ
gyorogyoro
The appearance of large eyes moving restlessly or staring intently.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes large, prominent eyes that move around in an unsettled way or stare with great intensity, often giving a suspicious or unsettling impression.
- Restless eye movement
- Intense staring with large eyes
Sense Map
Restless Movement
Large eyes moving around due to suspicion, alertness, or nervousness.
目をぎょろぎょろさせて周りを見る。
Physical Appearance
Eyes that are naturally large and prominent when staring at something.
ぎょろぎょろとした目の男。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぎょろぎょろする
Used as a verb to indicate the action of goggling or rolling one's eyes.
ぎょろぎょろとした目
Used to modify a noun, describing prominent, goggling eyes.
ぎょろぎょろと(見回す)
Used as an adverb to describe the manner in which someone looks around restlessly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぎょろぎょろと見回す
To look around with goggling eyes.
ぎょろぎょろした目
Prominent, goggling eyes.
目をぎょろぎょろさせる
To make one's eyes roll or goggle.
ぎょろぎょろと見る
To stare intently or goggle at.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Suspicious Behavior | negative | Gives the impression that someone is up to something or feeling very alert. |
| Physical Description | neutral | Can be used simply to describe eyes that are physically very large. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きょろきょろ きょろきょろ / nearby | Used when looking around out of curiosity or confusion. | Kyoro-kyoro is lighter and neutral, while gyoro-gyoro is more intense and often negative. | 知らない場所でキョロキョロする。 |
ぱっちり ぱっちり / contrast | Used for large eyes that look beautiful, bright, or fully awake. | Pacchiri gives a positive impression, whereas gyoro-gyoro feels intimidating. | 目がパッチリしている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gyoro-gyoro for a baby who just woke up.
Use pacchiri for a cute, fresh large-eyed impression.
Thinking gyoro-gyoro is the same as kyoro-kyoro.
Gyoro-gyoro focuses on large eyes, while kyoro-kyoro focuses on the act of looking around.
Examples
Examples
彼は大きな目をぎょろぎょろさせて、部屋の中をうかがっている。
かれはおおきなめをぎょろぎょろさせて、へやのなかをうかがっている。
He is goggling his big eyes while peeking into the room.
LiteralShows the physical action of moving the eyes due to suspicion.
ぎょろぎょろとした目の男がこちらを見ている。
ぎょろぎょろとしためのおとこがこちらをみている。
A man with goggling eyes is looking this way.
VisualDescribes the physical appearance of prominent eyes.
獲物を探すように、周囲をぎょろぎょろと見回した。
えものをさがすように、しゅういをぎょろぎょろとみまわした。
He looked around restlessly as if searching for prey.
FigurativeDescribes the intensity and purpose of the eye movement.
びっくりして目をぎょろぎょろさせた。
びっくりしてめをぎょろぎょろさせた。
Surprised, they goggled their eyes.
LiteralA spontaneous physical reaction to surprise.
ぎょろぎょろ動く大きな目が印象的だ。
ぎょろぎょろうごくおおきなめがいんしょうてきだ。
The large, goggling eyes are quite striking.
VisualEmphasizes the striking physical characteristics.
Similar Words
キョロキョロ
kyorokyoro
Describes the action of looking around restlessly or curiously in multiple directions. Kyoro-kyoro is for curiosity, gyoro-gyoro is for intensity.
ギラリ
girari
Describes a sharp, intimidating glare or a sudden intense flash of light reflecting off an object.
パッチリ
pacchiri
Describes eyes that are large, bright, and wide open, or being fully awake without drowsiness.
Questions
What is the difference between gyoro-gyoro and kyoro-kyoro?
Kyoro-kyoro is for light movement, while gyoro-gyoro is for large eyes moving intensely.
Is this a compliment for someone with big eyes?
No, gyoro-gyoro usually has a negative connotation. To praise beautiful big eyes, use pacchiri.
Can it be used for inanimate objects rolling?
No, this word is specifically for eyes. For objects rolling, use goro-goro or koro-koro.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003640
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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