Japanese word

くぐる

Pronunciation

Romajikuguru

Meaning

  • verbgo through

Example

門をくぐります。mon o ku gu ri ma su

I go through the gate.

Illustration for くぐる (go through)

More examples

低い橋の下をくぐります。hiku i hashi no shita o ku gu ri ma su

I pass under a low bridge.

Core concept

Describes moving through an opening or beneath an obstacle, with the body passing from one side to the other.

Common phrases

  • 門をくぐるmon o ku gu ru

    pass through a gate

  • 鳥居をくぐるtori i o ku gu ru

    pass through a torii gate

  • のれんをくぐるno re n o ku gu ru

    pass under a noren curtain

Similar words

通り抜けるtōrinukeru: To pass through a place or obstacle and come out beyond it.
通過するtsūkasuru: To pass through a place or point without stopping there.
潜るmoguru: To pass beneath or through something while keeping the body low.

Definition in Japanese

物の下や門などの開口部を通り抜ける。mono no shita ya mon na do no kai kō bu o tō ri nu ke ru

Word origin

The origin of the native Japanese verb くぐる (kuguru) is uncertain, so no definite source can be given; 潜る (kuguru, "to pass under") records the verb's core sense.

Usage tips

  • The verb くぐる (kuguru) in 監視の目をくぐる (kanshi no me o kuguru) means slipping past watchful observation, showing that the verb can focus on avoiding detection rather than simply crossing a space.

Other meanings

  • go underverb

Related words

  • くぐりkuguripassing throughnoun

Word lists with this word