ガラガラ

Alternative writings: がらがら
Frequency:
1

With a clattering or rattling sound; used to describe things making a loud, rolling or clattering noise.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

古いトランクがガラガラと床を転がっていった。

The old trunk rattled across the floor.

台車を押すと、車輪がガラガラ鳴る。

When you push the trolley, the wheels rattle.

嵐で窓がガラガラと揺れた。

The window rattled in the storm.

2

Nearly empty or largely unoccupied; used to describe a place that is vacant or sparsely populated.

Noun Taking 'の'Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

祝日なのに駅はガラガラだった。

Even though it was a holiday, the station was nearly empty.

閉店直後で店内はガラガラだ。

Right after closing, the shop is almost empty.

会場は始まる前でガラガラに見えたが、だんだん人が増えた。

The venue looked empty before it started, but people gradually arrived.

3

A raspy or gravelly voice; hoarseness where the voice sounds rough or breathy.

Noun Taking 'の'Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

朝から声がガラガラで、うまく話せない。

My voice has been raspy since morning and I can't speak well.

風邪で声がガラガラになったので、今日は静かにしている。

My voice became husky from a cold, so I'm keeping quiet today.

長年の喫煙で声がガラガラしている人がいる。

Some people have gravelly voices after years of smoking.

4

With a gargling sound or action; used for the sound made when gargling the throat.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

風邪予防に、塩水でガラガラうがいをした。

I gargled with saltwater to prevent a cold.

うがい薬を使ってガラガラと喉を洗った。

I rinsed my throat with mouthwash, gargling.

5

Rough or blunt in manner or speech; unreserved, outspoken, or boorish behavior or style.

Irregular VerbAdverbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼女はガラガラした言い方をするが、悪気はない。

She speaks bluntly, but she doesn't mean any harm.

店員の対応がガラガラしていて、あまり感じがよくなかった。

The clerk's manner was brusque and not very pleasant.

6

A rattle (baby's toy) — a small toy that makes a rattling sound when shaken.

NounOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

赤ちゃんはガラガラを振って喜んだ。

The baby was delighted shaking the rattle.

ガラガラを床に落とすと、違う音がした。

When the rattle fell on the floor, it made a different sound.

7

A lottery wheel or rotating box used for draws (as in 'garagara-pon' lottery machines).

NounOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

祭りのブースでガラガラ(ポン)を回して景品が当たった。

At the festival booth I spun the garagara (lottery) and won a prize.

子どもたちはガラガラを回すのが大好きだ。

Children love spinning the lottery wheel.