Entry
バクバク
bakubaku
Describes a strongly pounding heartbeat from intense nervousness or exertion, or the action of devouring food in large, energetic bites.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This Japanese onomatopoeia has two primary uses. The first relates to the heart or chest, describing a forceful, rapid pounding caused by extreme tension, fear, or heavy physical exercise. The second usage describes the manner of eating, painting a picture of someone heartily gobbling down food with large bites, often out of intense hunger.
- Pounding heartbeat
- Devouring food
Sense Map
Pounding Heart
The sensation of a heart beating very rapidly and forcefully due to tension, fear, or physical exertion.
心臓がバクバクする。
Devouring Food
The act of eating vigorously with large bites, displaying a hearty appetite or intense hunger.
おにぎりをバクバク食べる。
Usage Note
How to Use
バクバクする
Used as a verb with 'suru' to express that one's heart is pounding intensely due to nerves, fear, or physical exhaustion.
バクバク（と）食べる
Used as an adverb modifying verbs like 'taberu' (to eat) to describe devouring food ravenously.
バクバクだ
Used at the end of a sentence to emphatically state the condition of a wildly pounding heart.
How to Use
Common Phrases
心臓がバクバクする
heart pounds loudly
胸がバクバクする
chest thumps heavily
バクバク食べる
devour food
バクバクと
poundingly / ravenously
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tension or fear | negative | Indicates a high level of stress or panic where the heartbeat is felt very distinctly. |
| Eating food | positive | Gives an impression of health and strong energy by showing an excellent appetite. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どきどき どきどき / nearby | When the heart pounds out of anticipation, excitement, or milder nervousness. | Dokidoki implies nervousness mixed with excitement, whereas bakubaku leans towards panic, terror, or a very violent physical pounding. | 胸がドキドキする。 |
ぱくぱく ぱくぱく / nearby | When someone eats with continuous opening and closing of the mouth, often with smaller bites. | Pakupaku focuses on the light rhythm of mouth movements, while bakubaku focuses on the large bites and vigor of devouring food. | お菓子をぱくぱく食べる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "bakubaku" for a heart pounding due to romantic feelings or falling in love.
It's better to use "dokidoki" (ドキドキ) for romantic contexts or positive excitement. "Bakubaku" makes it sound like you are panicking, terrified, or physically exhausted.
Using "bakubaku" to describe eating slowly, elegantly, or in small bites.
"Bakubaku" always conveys a nuance of devouring food ravenously, quickly, and with large bites, usually out of intense hunger.
Examples
Examples
面接の順番を待っている間、緊張で心臓がバクバクしていた。
めんせつの じゅんばんを まっている あいだ、きんちょうで しんぞうが バクバク していた。
While waiting for my turn for the interview, my heart was pounding with nervousness.
LiteralFocuses on the extremely strong heartbeat caused by psychological tension.
大きな犬に吠えられて、胸がバクバクした。
おおきな いぬに ほえられて、むねが バクバク した。
My chest was thumping after being barked at by a large dog.
LiteralShows the sudden shock and fear that makes the chest thump loudly.
彼はとてもお腹が空いていたようで、お弁当をバクバク食べた。
かれは とても おなかが すいていた ようで、おべんとうを バクバク たべた。
He seemed very hungry, so he devoured his bento lunch.
VisualShows a ravenous way of eating with large bites due to hunger.
階段を急いで上ったら、心臓がバクバク鳴り始めた。
かいだんを いそいで のぼったら、しんぞうが バクバク なりはじめた。
When I hurried up the stairs, my heart started pounding loudly.
LiteralRefers to the rapid heartbeat resulting from physical exhaustion or exercise.
お腹を空かせた子供たちが、晩ご飯をバクバクと平らげた。
おなかを すかせた こどもたちが、ばんごはんを バクバクと たいらげた。
The hungry children vigorously gobbled down their dinner.
VisualEmphasizes the great energy and healthy appetite in finishing a meal.
Similar Words
ドキドキ
dokidoki
A word that mimics the sound and feeling of a fast-beating heart due to nervousness, excitement, or fear. Describes a heartbeat caused by nervousness mixed with enthusiasm or anticipation, not as extreme as bakubaku.
ぱくぱく
pakupaku
Describes the repeated opening and closing of a mouth, or the action of eating heartily and continuously. Focuses on the light opening and closing mouth movements while eating, unlike the large bites of bakubaku.
むしゃむしゃ
mushamusha
The sound or action of chewing food noisily, eagerly, or ravenously.
Questions
Can bakubaku be used in a positive context?
When referring to a heartbeat, bakubaku usually implies heavy tension or panic, so it rarely has a positive nuance. However, when talking about eating, it can carry a positive nuance as it shows a healthy appetite and great energy.
What is the difference between bakubaku and dokidoki when feeling nervous?
Dokidoki is a normal pounding from nervousness, enthusiasm, or anticipation. Bakubaku, on the other hand, indicates a much harder and more intense pounding, as if your heart might jump out of your chest due to panic or extreme fear.
Can I use bakubaku to describe an adult eating?
Yes, absolutely. While it is often used for children or pets, it is perfectly natural to use it for an adult who is ravenously devouring their meal after a long day of work or exercise.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2411060
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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