ぐずぐず

Alternative writings: 愚図愚図, グズグズ
Frequency:
1

To dawdle or delay; to act slowly or hesitate and linger instead of moving forward.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbUsually KanaOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

毎朝、子供がぐずぐずして学校へ行きたがらない。

Every morning the child dawdles and doesn't want to go to school.

ぐずぐずしていると電車に乗り遅れるよ。

If you dawdle you'll miss the train.

彼はいつも決断にぐずぐずして時間を無駄にする。

He always hesitates over decisions and wastes time.

2

To complain or grumble; to sulk or whine (often used for people or babies crying or grumbling).

AdverbUsually KanaOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

赤ちゃんがぐずぐずと泣き続けた。

The baby kept crying and fussing.

上司は細かいことでぐずぐず言うタイプだ。

The boss is the type who grumbles about small things.

祖母は食事のたびにぐずぐずと文句を言った。

Grandma complained at every meal.

3

Used for unsettled weather — dull, drizzly, or changeable conditions that linger.

AdverbIrregular VerbUsually KanaOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

午前中は晴れたが、午後はぐずぐずした天気になるらしい。

It was sunny in the morning, but it looks like the weather will be unsettled in the afternoon.

ぐずぐずした空模様で洗濯物が乾かない。

With the dull, drizzly sky the laundry won't dry.

4

Loose or slack; not firm or secure — sometimes used to describe things that are untidy or not tightly fastened.

Na-AdjectiveUsually KanaOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

そのボタンはぐずぐずで、服を着ていると外れそうだ。

That button is loose and looks like it might come off when worn.

靴ひもがぐずぐずで踏んでしまいそうになった。

My shoelace was loose and I almost stepped on it.

Word Relationships