ごくっ
goku
The Japanese word for "gulp" is ごくっ (goku), which is used to describe swallowing something eagerly or in large draughts.
Meaning: to swallow eagerly, or in large draughts (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form ごくっ describes a single, sudden gulp. In contrast, the reduplicated form ごくごく (goku-goku) is used to describe the continuous action of gulping or drinking something down greedily.
How do you pronounce it?
goku
Did you know?
- The sound effect ごくっ is frequently used in Japanese media to signify a character's nervousness or sudden tension. It mimics the way a person might swallow hard when they are startled or intimidated.
- When drinking beer in a social setting, the sound ごくごく is often accompanied by a loud, satisfied exhale called ぷはー (puha) to show the drink was refreshing.
- In Japanese manga, the sound effect ごくっ is often written next to a character's throat to visually represent the physical sensation of swallowing. This turns a purely auditory onomatopoeia into a visual storytelling tool.
Examples in context
- 彼はお茶をゴクリと飲んだ。He gulped down the tea.
- 彼女は水をごくりと飲みました。She took a gulp of water.
- 冷たい水を、ごくっとのんだ。Tsumetai mizu o, gokutto nonda.I swallowed the cold water in one big gulp.
- ビールをごくっと飲んだ。Biiru o gokutto nonda.He gulped down the beer.
- 喉が渇いて、ごくっと水をすすった。Nodo ga kawaite, gokutto mizu o susutta.I was thirsty, so I gulped down the water.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are drinking water after a run.
- 健太 Kenta本当に喉が渇いたね。Hontou ni nodo ga kawaita ne.I'm really thirsty, aren't you?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、ごくっと飲んじゃう。Un, gokutto nonjau.Yeah, I'm going to gulp it down.
- 健太 Kenta飲みすぎるとお腹にくるよ。Nomisugiru to onaka ni kuru yo.If you drink too much, it'll hit your stomach.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫。すごく気持ちいいから。Daijoubu. Sugoku kimochi ii kara.It's okay. It feels great.
