ザクザク

Alternative writings: ざくざく
Frequency:
1

Onomatopoeia for crunchy, crisp sounds when walking on frost, hard snow, gravel, etc.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

早朝、霜の上をザクザクと歩いた。

In the early morning I walked crunchily (zaku-zaku) on the frost.

落ち葉をザクザク踏む音が秋の散歩の楽しさを増す。

The crunching (zaku-zaku) of stepping on fallen leaves makes an autumn walk more enjoyable.

雪道を長靴でザクザク進むと歩きやすい。

It's easier to walk when you trudge through a snowy path with boots, making a zaku-zaku sound.

2

Casual/colloquial term describing abundance of coins/jewels or making a lot of money quickly.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は株でザクザク儲けたらしい。

It seems he made a lot of money (zaku-zaku) from stocks.

宝箱を開けるとコインがザクザク入っていた。

When I opened the treasure chest, it was full (zaku-zaku) of coins.

3

Describes roughly chopping into large pieces, or a coarse/loose weaving; often conveys a hearty or rustic texture/sound.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

キャベツをザクザク切ってサラダに加えた。

I roughly chopped the cabbage (zaku-zaku) and added it to the salad.

パンはザクザク切れるクラストが特徴だ。

The bread is characterized by a crust that cuts with a zaku-zaku sound.

そのセーターは粗めにザクザク編まれていて暖かい。

That sweater is loosely knitted (zaku-zaku) and warm.

4

Quasi-adjectival use describing something coarse, with large pieces or stitches (texture), often used for food texture or fabric.

Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このクッキーはザクザクの食感で人気がある。

These cookies are popular for their zaku-zaku (crunchy/coarse) texture.

生地がザクザクしているので、サクサクとはまた違った歯ごたえだ。

The dough has a zaku-zaku texture, which gives a different bite than crispy (saku-saku).