がりがり

(2 entries)
Alternative writings: 我利我利, ガリガリ
Frequency:
1

Doing something obsessively or intensely; focusing single-mindedly on one thing.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic WordUsually Kana

Examples

試験前は彼がりがり勉強していたので、ほとんど休みがなかった。

Before the exam he was studying obsessively, so he hardly had any rest.

週末はレポートを書くだけでがりがり過ぎて、友達と会う時間がなかった。

I spent the weekend working intensively on the report and had no time to meet friends.

彼女は新しいゲームにがりがりはまって、食事の時間も忘れていた。

She got intensely absorbed in the new game and even forgot to eat.

2

Selfish or self-serving; behaving in a grasping, self-centered way.

Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic WordUsually Kana

Examples

彼は給料が上がるとすぐにがりがり行動するので、みんなから嫌われている。

As soon as his pay goes up he acts selfishly, so everyone dislikes him.

あの店長は利益優先でがりがりした態度をとることが多い。

That manager often takes a profit-first, self-serving attitude.

がりがりした性格の人とは長くは一緒に働けない。

You can't work long with someone who has a selfish character.