ぐっすり

• Reading: ぐっすり
• Romaji: gussuri
• Pronunciation: /ɡɯs.sɯ.ɾi/

Meaning

Sound asleep; fast asleep. Describes sleeping deeply and peacefully.

An onomatopoeic adverb (擬態語) used almost exclusively with sleeping verbs: ぐっすり眠る or ぐっすり寝る. Conveys the image of deep, undisturbed rest. Often appears with particle と (ぐっすりと) for a slightly more literary flavour. Always written in hiragana.

Examples

1. 昨日は疲れていたのでぐっすり眠れた。 I was so tired yesterday that I slept like a log.
2. 赤ちゃんがぐっすり寝ている。 The baby is fast asleep.
3. 温泉に入った後はぐっすり眠れるはずだ。 After soaking in the hot spring, you should be able to sleep soundly.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, health, relaxation

Tone: positive

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) evoking the state of deep, heavy sleep. The voiced ぐ sound suggests weight and depth, while っすり adds a sense of settled stillness.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal