グーグル
Gūguru[ɡɯ̟ːɡɯ̟ɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, to google is expressed as グーグル (Gūguru).
While グーグル refers to the name Google or the concept of an internet search, the actual verb used in daily conversation to mean 'to search on the internet' is the slang term ググる.
Meaning: to search for (something) on the Internet using any comprehensive search engine (verb)
Which one should you use?
ググる is a colloquial term that specifically implies using a search engine, whereas the standard, formal way to say 'to search' is 検索する.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The slangy verb used for 'to google' is ググる, and its past tense form is ググった.
How do you pronounce it?
Gūguru
Did you know?
- In Japanese internet culture, someone who asks a question that could be easily found via ググる is sometimes called a ググれカス, a harsh term meaning 'google it, scum'.
- The slang verb ググる is created by adding the Japanese verb ending る to the brand name, treating a foreign company as if it were a native Japanese verb.
- While ググる is popular among young people, using it in a business meeting or with a superior would be considered too casual and potentially rude.
Examples in context
- 「これ本当に自然な言い方なのかな？」「グーグル先生に聞いてみよう」"Is this really a natural expression?" "Let's ask Mr. Google."This sentence shows how one might jokingly refer to Google as a teacher when looking for information using グーグル.Tatoeba #2224266 by tommy_san, translation #2224267 by shekitten
- 最新のニュースをググってみてください。Please Google the latest news.
- 分からない言葉はグーグルする。Wakaranai kotoba wa guuguru suru.I google words I don't understand.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are planning a trip together.
- 蓮 Ren蓮：いいホテルがあるか、グーグルで調べてみるよ。Ii hoteru ga aru ka, gūguru de shirabete miru yo.I'll google to see if there are any good hotels.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵：ありがとう。安いところが見つかるといいな。Arigatō. Yasui tokoro ga mitsukaru to ii na.Thanks. I hope we can find a cheap place.
- 蓮 Ren蓮：あ、このホテルが評価高いよ。A, kono hoteru ga hyōka takai yo.Oh, this hotel has high ratings.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵：本当だ！ここに決めよう。Hontō da! Koko ni kimeyō.You're right! Let's decide on this one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry グーグル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
