Entry
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ビクッと describes the involuntary physical reaction that occurs when someone is surprised, frightened, or caught off guard. This reaction is a quick bodily jerk, such as shoulders jumping, a brief shudder, or a muscle twitch. It focuses heavily on the physical movement itself rather than just the emotion of surprise.
- Startled flinch
- Muscle twitch
- Guilty reaction
Sense Map
Startled Flinch
A sudden physical movement caused by loud noises, unexpected touches, or sudden events.
大きな音にビクッとする。
Guilty Reaction
A bodily twitch when a secret is exposed or when feeling guilty.
図星を突かれてビクッとする。
Muscle Twitch
An involuntary muscle spasm or jerk, such as a hypnic jerk when falling asleep.
足がビクッと動く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ビクッとする
Functions as a standalone verb meaning 'to flinch' or 'to startle'.
ビクッと + verb (e.g., 動く, 跳ねる)
Acts as an adverb modifying actions like moving or jumping, indicating they were done with a sudden jerk.
びくりとも + negative verb (e.g., しない, 動かない)
A special set phrase meaning 'not budging an inch' (not even flinching).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ビクッとする
to flinch / jump in surprise
ビクッと動く
to jerk suddenly
肩がビクッと跳ねる
shoulders jump in surprise
びくりとも動かない
to not budge an inch
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Startled by physical stimuli (sounds, touch) | neutral | Simply describes the body's natural startle response without carrying emotional baggage. |
| Caught off guard emotionally | negative | Often implies guilt or fear of being discovered when a specific keyword or secret is mentioned. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっくり びっくり / similar | When focusing on the general emotion of being surprised, regardless of whether a physical reaction occurred. | Does not specifically describe the physical twitch or flinch of the body. | プレゼントにびっくりする。 |
はっと はっと / similar | When someone catches their breath in surprise or suddenly realizes or remembers something. | Focuses on the mental state or a brief gasp, rather than a full-body jerk. | はっと気付く。 |
ぎくっと ぎくっと / similar | When feeling a sharp mental shock from guilt, a secret being exposed, or a sudden sharp pain. | Heavier and more psychological than the pure physical startle reflex of ビクッと. | 嘘がバレてギクッとする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ビクッと for a pleasant surprise, like a surprise party.
This word is specifically for a startled reflex due to fear, nervousness, or loud noises. Use びっくり for general emotional surprise.
Using ビクッと as a direct adjective, like ビクッとな人.
ビクッと is an adverb. You must use a supporting verb, such as ビクッとする or ビクッと動く.
Examples
Examples
後ろから急に声をかけられて、ビクッとした。
うしろから きゅうに こえを かけられて、ビクッと した。
I flinched when I was suddenly called from behind.
LiteralUsed for a physical reaction when startled by something unexpected.
雷の大きな音が鳴り、犬がびくっと体を震わせた。
かみなりの おおきな おとが なり、いぬが びくっと からだを ふるわせた。
A loud clap of thunder sounded, and the dog jerked its body with a start.
VisualVisually describes how the body jerks rapidly due to a loud noise.
図星を突かれて、彼女は一瞬ビクッとした。
ずぼしを つかれて、かのじょは いっしゅん ビクッと した。
Because the guess was spot-on, she flinched for a moment.
FigurativeA figurative use where the body twitches due to guilt or being found out.
眠りにつく直前、足がビクッと動くことがある。
ねむりに つく ちょくぜん、あしが ビクッと うごく こと が ある。
Right before falling asleep, my leg sometimes twitches suddenly.
LiteralUsed for involuntary muscle twitches or spasms.
大男は力いっぱい押されても、びくりとも動かなかった。
おおおとこは ちからいっぱい おされても、びくりとも うごかなかった。
Even when pushed with all our might, the giant man did not budge an inch.
VisualUses the phrase 'びくりとも' which means absolutely no reactive movement.
Similar Words
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected. Indicates the general emotion of being surprised, without necessarily implying a physical twitch.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. Focuses on sudden mental realization or a short gasp in surprise.
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. A stiffer flinch often associated with guilt, psychological shock, or sudden pain.
Questions
What is the difference between ビクッと and びっくり?
びっくり is the general feeling of being surprised, whereas ビクッと focuses on the sudden, involuntary physical twitch or jump caused by the shock.
Can I use ビクッと for happy surprises?
No. It specifically describes a startled, involuntary physical reaction, usually resulting from fear, loud noises, or being caught off guard.
What does びくりともしない mean?
It is a common set phrase meaning 'not budging an inch' or 'not reacting at all', emphasizing that someone or something showed absolutely no physical response.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2207870
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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