Ever struggled to get out of bed in the morning?
Or stood in front of your closet forever, unable to decide what to wear?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Guzu Guzu” appears — a sound full of hesitation, sluggishness, and indecision.
What is “Guzu Guzu” (ぐずぐず) ?
“Guzu Guzu” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses slowness, delay, or lingering without action.
It can describe someone moving slowly, being indecisive, or simply not getting things done.
It often carries a slightly frustrated or gentle scolding tone, especially when someone is taking too long or not making up their mind.
Pronunciation
goo-zoo goo-zoo
(Say it slowly, with a heavy rhythm — like someone dragging their feet across the floor)
Categories
Condition / Emotion / Impression
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A child refusing to get dressed
“Come on, we’re going to be late!”
But he just stood there, holding his socks,
guzu guzu…
Example 2: Hesitating to make a decision
She looked at the menu for ten minutes,
then said,
“Maybe… no, wait… um…”
guzu guzu…
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “He’s dragging his feet.”
- “She’s stalling.”
- “They’re being wishy-washy.”
But in Japanese, “guzu guzu” creates a sound-based image of someone being slow, stuck, or hesitant —
a kind of foggy, foot-dragging, unclear mood.
You’ll hear it in families, classrooms, and everyday conversation — especially when someone is being slow or indecisive.
How Do You Say It?
Say it slowly and with a sigh in your voice:
Guzu… guzu…
Like the sound of someone standing still when they should be moving.
What Does “Guzu Guzu” Look Like?
It looks like:
- A kid sitting on the floor, staring blankly at their homework
- A person standing in front of the fridge, unsure what to eat
- Someone holding a phone but not pressing send
It’s the look of being stuck between action and inaction.
Watch & Feel the “Guzu Guzu” World!
Feel the “Guzu Guzu” — Hesitation and Delay
Step into a world where a dog refusing to walk.
That’s the “guzu guzu” feeling — soft, blurry, and maybe a little frustrating.
Try Using It!
- When you can’t decide what to wear
- When you should get out the door, but you’re still scrolling your phone
- When your friend takes forever to text you back
Say it with a little laugh (or a little scolding):
Guzu guzu〜
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