ゴリラ

ごりら
noun
gorilla
animal-mammal
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)が高(たか)い動物(どうぶつ)だ。
Gorillas are highly intelligent animals.
動物園(どうぶつえん)のゴリラが赤(あか)ちゃんを産(う)んだ。
The gorilla at the zoo had a baby.
シルバーバックゴリラは群(む)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.
あの選手(せんしゅ)はゴリラみたいな体格(たいかく)だ。
That athlete has a gorilla-like build.
ジムで鍛(きた)えまくっている先輩(せんぱい)は「ゴリラ」というあだ名(な)で呼(よ)ばれている。
The senior who works out nonstop at the gym is nicknamed 'Gorilla.'
ゴリラ並(な)みの握力(あくりょく)があると言(い)われた。
I was told I have gorilla-level grip strength.

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

Common expressions

  • ゴリラみたい (like a gorilla - describing someone muscular/imposing)
  • ゴリラ顔(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

Related: ペンギン (animal)
Related: チンパンジー (chimpanzee)
Related: オランウータン (orangutan)
Related: 猿(さる) (monkey)
Compare: シルバーバック (silverback (mature male gorilla))
Compare: ボノボ (bonobo)
general
Added 2026.1.18 5:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
06500/06513_gorira