がさがさ

がさがさ
adverb, na-adjective, suru verb
rustling; rough; dry
1. rustling sound
The sound of dry, rough objects rubbing together or moving through vegetation. Often suggests careless or clumsy movement.
(しげ)みの(なか)でがさがさと(おと)がした。
There was a rustling sound in the bushes.
2. rough; dry; coarse
Describes rough, dry texture, especially of skin, hair, or other surfaces that should be smooth but have become dried out.
(ふゆ)になると(はだ)ががさがさになる。
My skin gets rough and dry in winter.
ハンドクリームを()らないと()ががさがさだ。
My hands are rough if I don't apply hand cream.

がさがさ combines sound and texture meanings, both suggesting dryness and roughness.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • がさがさする: to rustle; to be rough/dry
  • がさがさした(はだ): rough skin
  • がさがさと(おと)がする: to make a rustling sound

CONTRAST:

  • ごそごそ: rummaging sound (more deliberate searching)
  • かさかさ: lighter rustling; very dry
  • すべすべ: smooth (opposite texture)