ゴリラ

ごりら
noun
gorilla
1. gorilla
A large ground-dwelling great ape native to Africa, the largest living primate. Known for their intelligence and social behavior.
ゴリラは知能(ちのう)(たか)動物(どうぶつ)だ。
Gorillas are highly intelligent animals.
動物園(どうぶつえん)のゴリラが(あか)ちゃんを()んだ。
The gorilla at the zoo had a baby.
シルバーバックゴリラは()れのリーダーだ。
A silverback gorilla is the leader of the group.
2. gorilla (slang for muscular/intimidating person)
Slang term for someone with an intimidating physique or demeanor, similar to English usage.

TYPES OF GORILLAS:

  • ニシゴリラ (western gorilla)
  • ヒガシゴリラ (eastern gorilla)
  • マウンテンゴリラ (mountain gorilla)
  • シルバーバック (silverback - mature male leader)

JAPANESE ZOOS: Gorillas can be seen at several Japanese zoos including Ueno Zoo (Tokyo) and Higashiyama Zoo (Nagoya). The Ueno Zoo's gorilla enclosure is particularly popular.

RELATED PRIMATES:

  • チンパンジー (chimpanzee)
  • オランウータン (orangutan)
  • (さる) (monkey)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ゴリラみたい (like a gorilla - describing someone muscular/imposing)
  • ゴリラ(がお) (gorilla face - strong facial features)

NOTE: Despite their intimidating appearance, gorillas are generally peaceful herbivores. Their chest-beating behavior is mainly for display rather than aggression.

Related Words