ぐるぐる

ぐるぐる is a 擬態語(ぎたいご) (mimetic word) that describes continuous circular or rotating motion. It conveys a sense of repeated, often vigorous spinning or winding.

COMMON PATTERNS:

• ぐるぐる回(まわ)る: to spin around and around
• ぐるぐる巻(ま)く: to wrap around repeatedly
• 頭(あたま)がぐるぐるする: to feel dizzy
• 目(め)がぐるぐる回(まわ)る: eyes spinning (dizzy)
• ぐるぐる回(まわ)す: to turn something round and round

SIMILAR WORDS:

• くるくる: spinning, whirling (lighter, more nimble motion)
• ぐらぐら: wobbling, shaking unsteadily
• ぐるっと: going around once (single circuit)

NOTE:
The reduplicated form emphasizes continuous repetition. The single form ぐるっと describes one complete rotation or circuit: 公園(こうえん)をぐるっと回(まわ)る (to go around the park once).