Entry
ぎゅう
gyuu
ぎゅう (gyuu) describes the action of pressing, squeezing, or hugging something very tightly, as well as applying severe psychological pressure.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word emphasizes applying a significant amount of force or pressure to an object or person. Physically, it is most commonly used for a strong, affectionate hug or the act of squeezing something so hard it might creak. Figuratively, it refers to cornering someone by scolding or criticizing them so severely that they cannot argue back.
- Strong physical pressure (hugging, squeezing)
- Psychological pressure or harsh criticism
Sense Map
Physical Pressure & Hugs
Used to describe applying strong direct physical force, such as hugging someone tightly, gripping a hand firmly, or squeezing an object.
子供をぎゅうと抱きしめる。
Mental Pressure & Criticism
Used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is mentally pressured or cornered, usually by being scolded or criticized relentlessly.
相手をぎゅうと言わせる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぎゅうと + verb
The standard form used to describe an action done with strong pressure (e.g., hugging or squeezing).
ぎゅうっと + verb
A more expressive and emotional variant; commonly used in daily conversation to highlight just how tight the grip or hug is.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぎゅうと抱きしめる
to hug tightly
ぎゅうっと握る
to squeeze firmly / to grasp tightly
ぎゅうと縛る
to tie tightly
ぎゅうと言わせる
to corner someone / to make someone cry uncle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Expressing affection | positive | Very commonly used to describe hugging a child, pet, or loved one with great warmth and strength. |
| Squeezing or gripping objects | neutral | Indicates the use of significant physical strength to squeeze or hold something securely. |
| Arguing or scolding | negative | Describes cornering someone with arguments or scolding until they are completely silenced. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
むぎゅう むぎゅう / similar | Use for a very soft, cute, and affectionate squeeze, usually involving plush objects or children. | ムギュウ focuses on the soft, squishy sensation and adorable affection, whereas ぎゅう focuses on the raw physical strength of the pressure. | ぬいぐるみをムギュウと抱く |
ぎゅうぎゅう ぎゅうぎゅう / similar | Use when something is crammed tightly into a small space or is overcrowded. | ぎゅうぎゅう describes a state of being packed or a continuous/repeated squeezing, while ぎゅう is a single, strong application of pressure. | かばんにぎゅうぎゅうに詰める |
きゅっと きゅっと / contrast | Use for a quick, sharp tightening, closing, or pulling action on a smaller scale. | キュッと is sharp, quick, and small-scale (like tying shoelaces tightly), whereas ぎゅう involves heavier force and mass. | 紐をキュッと結ぶ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぎゅう to describe a crowded train or an overstuffed bag.
Use ぎゅうぎゅう for crowded spaces or crammed items. ぎゅう is for the active motion of hugging or squeezing a single object.
Assuming it only means a romantic or loving hug.
While often used for hugs, it is equally used for literally wringing out objects (like a lemon) or metaphorically crushing someone in an argument.
Examples
Examples
子供をぎゅうと抱きしめた。
こどもを[ぎゅう]とだきしめた。
I hugged my child tightly.
LiteralShows an affectionate hug done with strong pressure.
不安そうに手をぎゅうっと握った。
ふあんそうにてを[ぎゅうっ]とにぎった。
They grasped their hand tightly in anxiety.
VisualUsing ぎゅうっと with the small sokuon (っ) adds extra emphasis to the emotional intensity and grip.
レモンをぎゅうと絞る。
レモンを[ぎゅう]としぼる。
Squeeze the lemon tightly.
LiteralAn example of using significant force to extract liquid from an object.
荷物の紐をぎゅうと縛る。
にもつのひもを[ぎゅう]としばる。
Tie the baggage string tightly.
VisualShows strong force pulled visually so the knot doesn't come undone.
論理的な反論で相手をぎゅうと言わせる。
ろんりてきなはんろんであいてを[ぎゅう]といわせる。
Silence the opponent with a logical counterargument.
FigurativeA figurative use where someone is put under severe mental pressure until they can't talk back.
Similar Words
ムギュウ
mugyuu
Similar for hugging, but focuses more on soft squishiness and cuteness.
キュッと
kyutto
A quick, small-scale action, in contrast to the heavy physical force of ぎゅう.
Questions
Can ぎゅう be used for a gentle hug?
No, ぎゅう specifically implies a very tight hug with extra physical force. For a normal or light hug, just use the verb 抱く (idaku/daku) without this word.
What is the difference between ぎゅうと and ぎゅうっと?
They mean the same thing, but ぎゅうっと (with the small 'tsu') sounds punchier, more emotional, and emphasizes the intensity of the force applied.
Is this word only used for physical contact?
Mostly yes, but there are idiomatic usages like 'ぎゅうと言わせる' which means to apply mental pressure or corner someone with words until they give up.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2178860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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