Translation guide
To drink or swallow something quickly and in large amounts, often with a sense of urgency or greed. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific verbs and onomatopoeic adverbs that convey the manner of drinking or swallowing.
To drink a liquid in large, fast gulps, often because of thirst or eagerness.
The most common and natural way to say 'gulp down' a drink. がぶがぶ is an onomatopoeia for gulping, and 飲む means 'to drink'. Used for water, beer, etc.
He gulped down the beer.
It was hot, so I gulped down some water.
Literally 'drink in one breath'. Emphasizes drinking the entire amount without stopping. Common for downing a whole drink.
He gulped down the glass of water in one go.
Onomatopoeia for gulping with audible swallowing sounds. Often used for pleasant, refreshing drinking.
The child is gulping down milk.
Means 'to drink up' or 'drain a glass'. Focuses on finishing the drink completely, often quickly.
He gulped down the mug of beer.
To swallow food in large, hasty bites without chewing properly.
Literally 'swallow whole'. Used when someone gulps down food without chewing, like a snake. Can be metaphorical.
He gulped down the rice ball whole.
Onomatopoeia for eating greedily and quickly. Implies a lack of manners or extreme hunger.
He gulped down the hamburger.
General verb for 'swallow'. Can be used for gulping down food or drink, but less vivid than onomatopoeic options.
To accept an idea, story, or information without questioning, as if swallowing it whole.
Literally 'swallow like a cormorant'. Means to accept something uncritically or believe a story without skepticism. Very common idiom.
He gulped down the rumor without question.
Same as for food, but used metaphorically to mean accepting something entirely without processing.
He gulped down the story.
Both are onomatopoeia for gulping drinks, but がぶがぶ implies a more rapid, greedy, or less refined manner, while ごくごく often describes a pleasant, refreshing gulp with audible swallowing. がぶがぶ can sound slightly negative if used in formal contexts.
English 'gulp down' is often translated directly as 飲み下す, but this is not natural Japanese. Use the onomatopoeic adverbs or specific verbs listed above.
He gulped down the medicine with water.
Don't just gulp down information; think critically.