ぐりぐり

Alternative writings: グリグリ
Frequency:
1

A hard lump under the skin (e.g., a fatty tumor or swollen lymph node).

Noun

Examples

首に小さなぐりぐりができたので、病院で診てもらった。

A small lump appeared on my neck, so I had it checked at the hospital.

2

An onomatopoeic term for pressing or rubbing with a turning motion (e.g., vigorously massaging someone's shoulder).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

肩が凝っているから、誰かにぐりぐり揉んでもらいたい。

My shoulders are stiff; I want someone to vigorously rub them for me.

ネジをぐりぐり回してもう少し締めてください。

Turn the screw with a bit of force and tighten it a little more.

子どもが椅子の角をぐりぐり押して遊んでいる。

The child is pressing and rubbing the corner of the chair while playing.

3

Goggling or rolling one's eyes; making the eyes wide or moving them in a conspicuous way (often showing surprise or staring).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular Verb

Examples

彼女は驚いて目をぐりぐりさせた。

She widened her eyes in surprise.

虫が飛んでくると、子どもは目をぐりぐりして追いかけた。

When the insect flew by, the child tracked it with wide, rolling eyes.

4

A rattling or grinding sound; an onomatopoeic use for a squeaky or grating noise.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular Verb

Examples

古い戸車がぐりぐりと音を立てている。

The old sliding-door roller is making a grinding/rattling noise.