Entry
ビクン
bikun
A sudden physical jerk or twitch, usually due to surprise or an involuntary reflex.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ビクン is an onomatopoeia describing a single, sudden physical movement, such as flinching, jumping, or twitching due to surprise or a reflex stimulus. Unlike words expressing emotional states, it strongly focuses on the involuntary physical muscle jerk.
- Startled Flinch
- Physical Twitch
Sense Map
Startled Reaction
A sudden jerk or jump caused by a loud noise, fear, or surprise.
体がビクンと動く。
Physical Twitch
An involuntary single muscle twitch or physical reflex to a stimulus.
足がビクンと跳ねる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ビクンと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs of movement, describing how the action was done with a sudden jerk or twitch.
ビクンとする
Combined with 'suru', it functions as a verb meaning 'to flinch' or 'to give a start'.
ビクンとなる
Means 'to end up jerking' or 'to involuntary twitch', often emphasizing the uncontrolled nature of the reaction.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ビクンと動く
to twitch / jerk suddenly
体がビクンとする
body jumps / flinches
肩がビクンと跳ねる
shoulders jump / twitch
ビクンッとなる
to suddenly flinch
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reacting to loud noises or unexpected touch. | Neutral | Describes an involuntary muscle reflex, such as jumping or flinching. |
| Twitching while sleeping (hypnic jerk). | Neutral | Often used to describe a body part suddenly jerking on its own while falling asleep. |
| Stimulation of sensitive areas. | Clinical/Neutral | Can be used to describe muscles tensing or twitching in response to tickling or sensitive physical stimulation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びくっと びくっと / similar | Use when emphasizing the psychological reaction (fright or surprise) that causes one to startle. | ビクン focuses more on the physical jerk or muscle movement, whereas ビクッと is more strongly tied to the emotion of being startled. | ビクッと振り返る |
びっくり びっくり / similar | Use to express general emotional surprise or astonishment, which may not involve any physical movement. | びっくり is about the emotion of surprise, whereas ビクン is specifically about the physical flinch or twitch. | 値段にびっくりする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ビクン for the emotion of surprise (e.g., being surprised at a high price).
Use びっくり for the emotion of surprise. ビクン is only for the physical movement (flinching/twitching).
Using it for continuous shaking or trembling.
ビクン describes a single, sudden jerk. For continuous trembling, use words like ぶるぶる (buruburu).
Examples
Examples
大きな音に体がビクンと動いた。
おおきなおとにからだがビクンとうごいた。
My body jerked at the loud noise.
VisualDescribes the involuntary reflex of the body jumping due to an unexpected loud noise.
肩を叩かれて、ビクンッとした。
かたをたたかれて、ビクンッとした。
I gave a start when someone tapped my shoulder.
VisualThe small 'ッ' adds a sense of a sharper, quicker flinch.
寝ている間に足がビクンと跳ねた。
ねているあいだにあしがビクンとはねた。
My leg twitched while I was sleeping.
VisualA classic example of an involuntary physical twitch while falling asleep (hypnic jerk).
冷たい水がかかって、思わず体がビクンとなった。
つめたいみずがかかって、おもわずからだがビクンとなった。
I involuntarily flinched when cold water splashed on me.
VisualShows how the body physically reacts to a sudden temperature stimulus.
突然名前を呼ばれて、ビクンとした。
とつぜんなまえをよばれて、ビクンとした。
I flinched in surprise when my name was suddenly called.
VisualEven though caused by a psychological surprise, ビクン highlights the physical jump of the body/shoulders.
Similar Words
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear. ビクッと more strongly implies the emotion of surprise/fear, while ビクン is more about the physical movement itself.
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected. A general word for expressing surprise, not limited to a physical body reaction.
ギクッと
gikutto
Describes a sudden psychological jolt from guilt or fear, or a sharp popping sensation when a joint or back is strained.
Questions
Can I use ビクン for a car stopping suddenly?
No, ビクン is primarily used for living things (humans and animals) involuntarily twitching or jumping. For a car, words like ガクン (gakun) are more appropriate.
What is the difference between ビクン (bikun) and ピクン (pikun)?
ピクン (pikun) is a smaller, lighter twitch. ビクン (bikun) implies a larger, more forceful jerk or jump of the body.
Is ビクン an emotion?
No, it exclusively describes the physical movement. While the cause might be an emotion like fear or surprise, the word itself refers to the bodily reaction.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869341
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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