Japanese word

ゴキブリ

Pronunciation

Romajigokiburi

Meaning

  • nouncockroach

Example

部屋にゴキブリがいます。heya ni go ki bu ri ga i ma su

There is a cockroach in the room.

Illustration for ゴキブリ (cockroach)

More examples

旅行から帰ると、玄関でゴキブリを見つけました。ryo kō ka ra kae ru to gen kan de go ki bu ri o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

When I returned from my trip, I found a cockroach at the entrance.

Core concept

Names a hardy insect that survives in human living spaces by hiding in cracks and feeding on many kinds of food.

Common phrases

  • ゴキブリを退治するgo ki bu ri o tai ji su ru

    get rid of a cockroach

  • ゴキブリが出るgo ki bu ri ga de ru

    a cockroach appears

Similar words

ローチrōchi: A shortened everyday name for a cockroach, with context identifying the intended meaning.

Definition in Japanese

家屋などにすみ、暗い所を好む昆虫。ka oku na do ni su mi kura i tokoro o kono mu kon chū

Word origin

The Japanese noun ゴキブリ (gokiburi) comes from older ごきかぶり (gokikaburi), linked to 御器噛り (gokikaburi, "one that gnaws utensils"); the sound changed over time.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, roach is a common short form of cockroach, but it can also name certain freshwater fish, so context determines the meaning.

Other meanings

  • roachnoun

Word lists with this word