Entry
ずしずし
zushizushi
ずしずし represents the heavy, ground-shaking sound and vibration of continuous heavy footfalls or repeated impacts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to describe the resounding physical vibration caused by a massive object moving, such as the heavy footsteps of a giant, a large animal, or an angry person stomping. It implies repeated, heavy strikes that make the surrounding area shake.
- heavy footfalls
- repeated ground-shaking thuds
Sense Map
Heavy Footsteps
Describes the sound and vibration of continuous, exceptionally heavy footfalls.
巨人がずしずしと歩く。
Repeated Impacts
Describes the resounding sound of heavy objects striking or functioning repeatedly.
機械がずしずしと響く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずしずしと + verb
The most common usage, placed before verbs like 歩く (to walk) or 響く (to resound) to describe the manner of the action.
ずしずし + verb
Occasionally used without the と particle directly before the verb, offering a slightly more abrupt feel.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずしずしと歩く
to walk with heavy footsteps
ずしずしと響く
to resound with heavy thuds
足音をずしずしとさせる
to make heavy footstep sounds
ずしずしと踏み鳴らす
to stomp heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Movements of large beasts | neutral | Highlights the sheer physical mass of the creature. |
| A person stomping up the stairs | negative | Implies the person is angry, inconsiderate, or intentionally making loud noises. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どしん どしん / similar | Use ドシン for a single, heavy thud, like a large box being dropped. | ずしずし implies repeated, continuous thuds, whereas ドシン is almost always a single instance. | 荷物がドシンと落ちた。 |
ずどん ずどん / similar | Use ズドン for a massive, destructive, or explosive single impact like a gunshot or a cannon. | ずしずし is continuous and focused on mass/weight rather than an explosive blast. | ズドンと撃つ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ずしずし for normal human walking or light running.
Only use it when the person is stomping heavily (e.g., in anger) or when describing massive entities like elephants or giants.
Using ずしずし when dropping a single heavy textbook.
For a single heavy drop, use ドシン (doshin) or ズシン (zushin) instead of the repeated ずしずし.
Examples
Examples
二階から、怒った父親がずしずしと階段を降りてきた。
にかいから、おこったちちおやがずしずしとかいだんをおりてきた。
From the second floor, the angry father came down the stairs with heavy stomping footsteps.
LiteralDescribes someone stomping heavily due to anger.
森の奥から、巨大な怪物がずしずしと歩いてくる音が聞こえた。
もりのおくから、きょだいなかいぶつがずしずしとあるいてくるおとがきこえた。
From deep within the forest, the sound of a giant monster walking with heavy footsteps could be heard.
LiteralA very common usage in fiction to introduce giant creatures.
象が地面をずしずしと踏み鳴らすと、周囲の空気が震えた。
ぞうがじめんをずしずしとふみならすと、しゅういのくうきがふるえた。
When the elephant stomped the ground heavily, the surrounding air vibrated.
LiteralThis word is frequently paired with the verb for 'stomping'.
工事現場の機械の音が、一日中ずしずしと腹に響いた。
こうじげんばのきかいのおとが、いちにちじゅうずしずしとはらにひびいた。
The sound of machinery at the construction site resounded heavily and vibrated in my stomach all day.
LiteralUsed for the heavy, continuous vibration of machinery.
大きなリュックを背負った彼が、床をずしずしと言わせて歩いていった。
おおきなリュックをせおったかれが、ゆかをずしずしといわせてあるいていった。
Carrying a large backpack, he walked away, making the floor groan with his heavy thudding steps.
VisualShows that the floor is making noise because the load is exceptionally heavy.
Similar Words
ドシン
doshin
ドシン (doshin) represents the deep, heavy thud made when a massive object falls, lands, or collides with something. For a single, heavy thud of a dropped object.
ズドン
zudon
ズドン (zudon) describes a sudden, loud explosive sound like a gunshot, or the heavy thud of a large object falling. For explosive, massive impacts or gunshots.
Questions
Can I use ずしずし for falling objects?
Yes, but only if heavy objects are falling repeatedly. If it's just one heavy object falling once, use ドシン (doshin).
What is the difference between ずしずし and ドシドシ (doshidoshi)?
They are very similar, but ずしずし feels slightly heavier, slower, and more vibration-inducing than ドシドシ.
Is it appropriate to use this for earthquakes?
Not usually. It is meant for localized physical impacts (like footsteps or stomping) rather than natural tectonic shaking.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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