Translation guide
The English word "gorge" has two main meanings: a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, and the act of eating greedily. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents and usage notes.
A deep, narrow valley with steep rocky sides, often with a river running through it.
The most common and general word for a gorge or canyon. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Often used for a scenic gorge or ravine, especially in place names. Slightly more literary or poetic than 峡谷.
A general word for valley. Can be used for a gorge in context, but is broader. Often combined with other words.
A loanword from French, used in mountaineering or geography for a very narrow, steep-sided gorge.
このゴルジュはロッククライミングで有名だ。
This gorge is famous for rock climbing.
To eat a large amount of food quickly and greedily.
A common, natural way to say 'gorge oneself'. がつがつ is an onomatopoeic adverb meaning greedily or ravenously.
彼はケーキをがつがつ食べた。
He gorged on cake.
そんなにがつがつ食べないで。
Don't gorge yourself like that.
The word 峡谷 (kyōkoku) only means a geographical gorge. It cannot be used for the eating meaning. Using it in that context would be completely unnatural.
がつがつ食べる emphasizes the manner of eating (greedily, quickly), while 大食いする emphasizes the large quantity consumed. Both can translate 'gorge', but the nuance differs.
その峡谷は深さが100メートル以上ある。
The gorge is over 100 meters deep.
私たちは峡谷の底までハイキングした。
We hiked down to the bottom of the gorge.
秋の渓谷は紅葉が美しい。
The gorge is beautiful with autumn leaves.
A bridge spans the deep gorge.
Literally 'do big eating'. Means to eat a huge amount, often in a competitive or excessive way. Can be used for gorging.
昨日のパーティーで大食いしてしまった。
I gorged myself at the party yesterday.
Means to eat one's fill, to eat a lot. Slightly less intense than gorging, but often used in similar contexts.
寿司をたらふく食べた。
I gorged on sushi.
A more literary or dramatic expression meaning to devour or gorge. Often used for animals or in negative contexts.
ライオンが獲物をむさぼり食っている。
The lion is gorging on its prey.