ガクガク
がくがく
adverb, onomatopoeia
shaking, trembling
1.
shaking, trembling, wobbling
Describes uncontrollable shaking or trembling, typically of the knees or legs from fear, exhaustion, or cold.
膝がガクガクする。
My knees are shaking.
怖くて足がガクガク震えた。
My legs trembled with fear.
マラソンの後、疲れて膝がガクガクになった。
After the marathon, I was so tired that my knees were wobbling.
USAGE:
ガクガク is an onomatopoeic word that specifically describes the shaking of joints, particularly knees and legs. It implies involuntary, jerky trembling rather than smooth shivering. It is most often used with する or 震える.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 膝がガクガクする: knees are shaking
- 足がガクガク震える: legs tremble
- ガクガクになる: to become wobbly/shaky