Entry
ゆさゆさ
yusayusa
A slow, heavy swaying or shaking movement, typically of something large.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the slow, weighty back-and-forth movement of massive objects. It is often used to describe large trees bending in the wind, a building swaying during an earthquake, or the slow jiggle of a large body.
- swaying of a large object
- heavy bodily shaking
Sense Map
Large Objects
The slow and heavy swaying of massive things like big trees, buildings, or bags.
大木がゆさゆさ揺れる。
Heavy Bodies
The slow shaking or jiggling of a large person or animal's body while moving or laughing.
大きな体をゆさゆささせる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゆさゆさ(と) + Verb
The most common usage, modifying verbs like 揺れる (yureru - to sway) or 歩く (aruku - to walk).
ゆさゆさする
Acts as a verb to indicate that something is actively swaying heavily.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゆさゆさ揺れる
to sway heavily
ゆさゆさと揺らす
to make something sway heavily
体をゆさゆさ
heavy body swaying
ゆさゆさする
to sway slowly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A big tree in strong wind | Neutral | Conveys the sheer weight and momentum of the tree moving. |
| A large person laughing heartily | Neutral | Describes the physical shaking of a large frame in a slow, visible manner. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ゆらゆら ゆらゆら / contrast | For gentle, light swaying like smoke or small leaves. | ゆらゆら is for light and gentle movement, whereas ゆさゆさ requires a sense of heavy mass. | 煙がゆらゆら上がる。 |
ぐらぐら ぐらぐら / contrast | For unsteady, unstable wobbling that might collapse. | グラグラ implies instability and potential falling, while ゆさゆさ just describes the heavy rocking motion without necessarily breaking. | 歯がグラグラする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゆさゆさ to describe a flag fluttering lightly.
Use ゆらゆら (yurayura) for light objects. ゆさゆさ needs significant mass and weight.
Using ゆさゆさ for quick shivering.
Use ぶるぶる (buruburu) for shivering or fast trembling. ゆさゆさ is strictly a slow motion.
Examples
Examples
強い風で大木がゆさゆさと揺れている。
つよいかぜでたいぼくがゆさゆさとゆれている。
The large tree is swaying heavily in the strong wind.
VisualIndicates the slow, heavy movement of massive branches and trunk.
象が大きな体をゆさゆささせて歩いてきた。
ぞうがおおきなからだをゆさゆささせてあるいてきた。
The elephant came walking, its large body swaying heavily.
VisualPerfectly captures the walking gait of a large, heavy animal.
彼は袋をゆさゆさ振って、中に何が入っているか確かめた。
かれはふくろをゆさゆさふって、なかになにがはいっているかたしかめた。
He shook the heavy bag to see what was inside.
LiteralImplies that the bag has significant weight to it.
地震で高層ビルがゆさゆさと大きく揺れた。
じしんでこうそうビルがゆさゆさとおおきくゆれた。
The skyscraper swayed heavily and slowly during the earthquake.
LiteralOften used to describe the massive, slow swinging motion of building structures in an earthquake.
その太った男性は、お腹の肉をゆさゆさ揺らして大笑いした。
そのふとっただんせいは、おなかのにくをゆさゆさゆらしてだいわらいした。
The stout man laughed heartily, his belly jiggling heavily.
VisualHighlights the slow, heavy jiggling of flesh on a large body in motion.
Similar Words
ゆらゆら
yurayura
For swaying slowly but lightly, lacking heavy mass.
揺ら揺ら
yurayura
It describes a slow, gentle, and continuous swaying or wavering motion.
ぐらぐら
guragura
This word describes something shaking because its foundation is unstable, water at a rolling boil, or a dizzy feeling in the head. For unstable wobbling or shaking that feels like it might break or fall.
Questions
Is ゆさゆさ a negative word?
No, it is neutral and simply describes the physical properties of a slow, heavy movement.
Can I use ゆさゆさ for a car suspension bouncing?
Yes, if the car is heavy and wobbles slowly side-to-side, it works perfectly to describe that specific motion.
What is the difference between ゆさゆさ and ガクガク?
ガクガク is a hard, rattling or wobbling movement (like weak knees), while ゆさゆさ is a smooth but very heavy swaying.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1013040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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