RAG MusicPlay & Recreation
Lovely Play & Recreation

[Word Chain / Word Play] Words that start with “gu”

There are lots of words that start with “gu” in Japanese, aren’t there?

While there are plenty of difficult words too, here we’ll focus on popular ones that are easy to explain if someone asks, “What does it mean?” after you answer.

We’ll include katakana words and English-derived terms, but they’re all commonly used and often heard, so even elementary school children can use them for shiritori or word games.

They’re introduced by character count, so feel free to use this when you’re stuck on a crossword answer!

5 characters (1–10)

Global

Global

In business settings, the word “global” is often used.

“Global” means “on a worldwide scale.”

Grand Prix

Grand Prix

The word “Grand Prix” is commonly used, but do you know its original meaning? It actually comes from French and means “grand prize.”

6 characters (1–10)

Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

Gunkanjima, a World Heritage site in Nagasaki City, also starts with the letter “gu.” Using this word might spark an interest in history.

Grinder

Grinder

Do you know what a grinder is? A grinder is a tool with a grinding wheel attached to its tip that rotates.

If you’ve never seen one, it might be a good idea to look it up.

Graphic

Graphic

There probably aren’t many people who could answer if asked, “What is a graphic?” In fact, it means either “a book centered on photographs” or “the art of printmaking.”

In conclusion

There are more words that start with “gu” than I expected! Was the “gu” word you thought of included? Voiced-consonant words can feel a bit hard to recall, but there are more than you might think. There are also lots of country names and such, so be sure to look them up and have fun with it.