What Is “Goro Goro”? The Japanese Sound of Thunder, Laziness, and Rolling Rocks

07/22/2025

In Japanese, one word can express the roar of thunder, the laziness of a rainy day, and the rumble of tumbling boulders.
That word is… “Goro Goro.”

It’s rumbly, it’s comfy, it’s heavy — and it’s everywhere in daily life!

Table of Contents

What is “Goro Goro”?

“Goro Goro” (ごろごろ) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that mimics:

The sound of thunder rumbling in the distance
The feeling of lounging around, doing nothing
The sound of heavy objects rolling, like rocks or luggage

It can be loud and dramatic — or soft and cozy, depending on context.

Pronunciation

go-ro go-ro
(Each syllable is round and heavy. Let it roll from your mouth like thunder or a lazy yawn.)

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Thunder rumbling

The sky darkened.
A deep sound echoed across the mountains —
goro goro…

Example 2: Lounging lazily on a rainy day

It was raining outside.
She curled up with a blanket and just lay around,
goro goro all day.

Example 3: Stones rolling down a hill

The cart hit a rock, and heavy stones spilled out —
goro goro goro…
They tumbled down the slope.

Cultural Note

In English, you might say:

“Thunder rumbled.”
“I lazed around all day.”
“The rocks rolled down.”

But in Japanese, goro goro captures not just the sound, but the feeling and weight of these experiences.
It’s used in everything from weather reports to everyday conversations.

How Do You Say It?

Say it in a slow, heavy rhythm:
Go… ro… go… ro…
Like thunder rolling in or a person rolling over in bed.

What Does “Goro Goro” Look Like?

It looks like thick clouds moving low.
Like someone curled up on the couch with snacks.
Like a big round stone rolling toward you in slow motion.

Watch & Feel the “Goro Goro” World!

Heavy Thunderstorm Ambience — Feel the Deep “Goro Goro”!

Listen to the deep rumble of a thunderstorm, with heavy rain, powerful thunder, and crackling lightning—perfect ambience to feel the true essence of “goro goro.”