Entry
ザクザク
zakuzaku
This word describes a heavy crunching sound like walking on gravel, the act of rough cutting, or a figurative abundance of money and treasure.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ザクザク is a Japanese mimetic word that conveys a heavy, coarse, or rough sensation. It physically describes the deep crunching sound made when stepping heavily on gravel or frost, chewing hard and thick foods, or rhythmically chopping vegetables into large chunks. Figuratively, it is famously used to depict a massive and continuous accumulation of wealth, such as coins pouring out of a treasure chest or profits rolling in from a business.
- Heavy crunching sounds of footsteps on gravel or snow
- Chewing hard, thick foods
- Chopping things roughly into large pieces
- Continuous and abundant flow of money or treasure
Sense Map
Heavy Crunching Texture
Describes a coarse, heavy crunching sound and sensation, such as walking on thick gravel, breaking frost, or eating hard baked goods.
砂利道をザクザク歩く
Rough Cutting
Describes the rhythmic action of chopping or cutting materials (like thick vegetables or cloth) coarsely into large pieces without focusing on precision.
キャベツをザクザクと切る
Abundance of Money
Figuratively portrays a situation where a large amount of money, coins, or valuable items is collected, discovered, or earned continuously.
お金がザクザク手に入る
Usage Note
How to Use
ザクザクと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed, emphasizing the heavy crunching sound or rough manner.
ザクザクした + noun
Functions as a modifier for a noun, most often describing the thick, crunchy texture of a food item.
noun + がザクザク
A set phrase format used to indicate an abundant accumulation of the preceding noun, usually money, points, or treasure.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ザクザクと歩く
to walk with heavy crunching steps
ザクザク切る
to chop roughly
ザクザクした食感
heavy crunchy texture
お金がザクザク
money rolling in abundantly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Texture | neutral | Implies thickness, hardness, and a coarse texture that requires effort to chew or cut through. |
| Cutting Action | neutral | Focuses on the lack of finesse, portraying quick, large, and functional chops rather than careful slicing. |
| Wealth and Items | positive | Often carries an exciting, colloquial tone when discussing windfalls, game rewards, or booming business profits. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さくさく さくさく / similar | Use when describing light, delicate crispiness (like pastries) or tasks progressing smoothly and efficiently. | Does not carry the heavy, thick resistance or the specific connotation of accumulating massive amounts of physical wealth. | サクサクしたクッキー |
ざっくり ざっくり / similar | Use when explaining something in broad strokes, giving rough estimates, or cutting something loosely in one big motion. | Does not emphasize a rhythmic crunching sound or the continuous accumulation of items. | ざっくりと説明する |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to describe the texture of a light, flaky croissant.
This word is too heavy for delicate pastries. It is reserved for dense, hard items like thick biscotti or granola chunks.
Assuming it can mean getting work done efficiently.
Only the lighter unvoiced version means working efficiently. This word focuses strictly on rough physical actions or accumulating wealth.
Examples
Examples
冬の朝、霜柱を踏んでザクザクと歩いた。
ふゆのあさ、しもばしらをふんでザクザクとあるいた。
On a winter morning, I walked, heavily crunching the frost under my feet.
LiteralDescribes the heavy crunching sound of footsteps breaking frost or frozen ground.
キャベツを包丁でザクザクと切る。
キャベツをほうちょうでザクザクときる。
Roughly chop the cabbage with a kitchen knife.
LiteralShows the action of cutting vegetables into large pieces without focusing on fine slices.
このクッキーはザクザクした食感が美味しい。
このクッキーはザクザクしたしょっかんがおいしい。
These cookies are delicious because of their heavy, crunchy texture.
LiteralRefers to baked goods that are hard, thick, and require a strong bite to chew.
ゲームのイベントでアイテムがザクザク手に入る。
ゲームのイベントでアイテムがザクザクてにはいる。
You can continuously get a ton of items in this game event.
FigurativeA figurative use showing that valuable things are accumulating in large amounts.
新しいビジネスが成功して、お金がザクザク儲かる。
あたらしいビジネスがせいこうして、おかねがザクザクもうかる。
The new business is successful, and the money is rolling in abundantly.
FigurativeConveys the excitement of large, continuous financial profits.
Similar Words
ざっくり
zakkuri
Roughly, approximately, or a chunky, loose texture. Describes a single large cut or a rough, broad explanation.
さくさく
sakusaku
Sakusaku describes a light, crisp texture or sound, as well as processes progressing smoothly without delay. Lighter and crispier version, also used for efficient work progress.
Questions
Is this word only used for physical money?
While it originated from the sound of physical coins, it is now widely used for digital points, rare items in video games, and general profits.
Can I use this word to describe snow?
Yes, but specifically hard, frozen snow or frost that crunches heavily under your boots, not soft powdery snow.
How is it different from its lighter version?
The voiced initial consonant makes the sound and image much heavier and coarser compared to the delicate crispiness of the lighter version.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005370
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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