ググる

• Reading: ググる
• Romaji: guguru
• Kanji breakdown: From 'Google' (グーグル) → shortened to ググ + る (verb suffix) → to google/search
• Pronunciation: /gu.gu.ru/

Meaning

To google something — to search for information online using a search engine.

ググる is the Japanese verb form of 'Google,' created by applying the る verb suffix. Like its English counterpart 'to google,' it has become genericized to mean searching online regardless of which search engine is used. 'ググれカス' (gugure kasu, 'just google it, you idiot') is a famous internet phrase directed at people who ask easily searchable questions. The term is universally understood and used across all age groups in Japan.

Examples

1. わかんなかったらとりあえずググってみ。 If you don't know, just try googling it.
2. ググったけど出てこなかったから教えて。 I googled it but nothing came up, so tell me.
3. 何でもすぐググる癖がついてる。 I've gotten into the habit of googling everything right away.

Usage Guide

Context: general conversation, social media, online chat

Tone: practical, everyday

Do Say

• ちょっとググってみるわ。 (Let me google that real quick.)
• ググれば一発で出てくるよ。 (It'll come right up if you google it.)

Don't Say

• 仕事の会議で「ググりましょう」と提案する (In formal meetings, say 検索しましょう instead of ググりましょう)

Common Mistakes

• Using ググる in formal or written contexts where 検索する (kensaku suru, to search) is more appropriate
• Not knowing the famous ググれカス (just google it, idiot) — a classic internet culture phrase

Origin & History

From the brand name 'Google' + the Japanese verb-forming suffix る. Emerged in the mid-2000s as Google became the dominant search engine in Japan. One of the most successful brand-name-to-verb conversions in Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Mid-2000s onward

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across Japan. So widely adopted that even older generations understand it. Japan's equivalent of English 'to google.'