Ever seen someone devour a bowl of rice like they haven’t eaten in days?
Or attack a goal with unshakable focus?
That’s when “Gatsu Gatsu” (がつがつ) comes in — a bold Japanese onomatopoeia filled with appetite and intensity.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Gatsu Gatsu” (がつがつ)?
“Gatsu Gatsu” expresses:
- Greedy eating: someone shoveling food into their mouth with loud energy.
- Strong desire or drive: chasing success, money, or results aggressively.
It’s often slightly comical or exaggerated — used to describe hungry kids, passionate go-getters, or people with strong ambitions.
Nuance:
Eager, intense, even a little rough around the edges.
Pronunciation
gah-tsoo gah-tsoo
(Short and forceful — like someone chomping down)
Categories
Condition
What Does “Gatsu Gatsu” Look Like?
- Loud chewing sounds with passion
- Digging into a mountain of curry after a long day
- A co-worker talking only about money or promotions!
How Do You Say It?
Say it powerfully!
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Starving student
He sat down and started eating —
Gatsu Gatsu, like he hadn’t eaten in a week!
Example 2: Overly ambitious
She’s always thinking about results —
working Gatsu Gatsu every day.
Cultural Note
“Gatsu Gatsu” has an almost comic energy — it’s a little too much, in a fun way.
In English, you might say:
- “Devour hungrily”
- “Chomp-chomp”
- “Obsessed with success”
But “Gatsu Gatsu” says it all with rhythm and repetition — with a bit of grit!
Watch & Feel the “Gatsu Gatsu” World
Feel the “Gatsu Gatsu” — Eating Meat
Try Using It!
Next time you see someone tearing into food or pursuing a goal without hesitation…
say it:
Gatsu Gatsu!
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