Entry
チクチク
chikuchiku
チクチク (chikuchiku) describes a repeated, superficial prickling or stinging sensation, or biting remarks that emotionally sting.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used for sharp, repeated, superficial physical sensations, like wearing an itchy wool sweater, rubbing against facial stubble, or being poked by tiny needles. Figuratively, it describes repeated snide, sarcastic, or passive-aggressive remarks that sting a person emotionally.
- Prickling or stinging surface sensation
- Snide, sarcastic, or biting remarks
Sense Map
Physical Sensation
A sharp, prickly, or itchy feeling on the surface of the skin, or a mild stinging pain.
セーターがチクチクする
Emotional Stinging
Sarcastic, critical, or passive-aggressive words that repeatedly poke at and hurt someone's feelings.
チクチク嫌味を言う
Usage Note
How to Use
チクチクする
Used as a verb (with suru) to describe that something 'is prickly' or 'stings', often describing skin irritation or uncomfortable fabric.
チクチク痛む
Combined with 'itamu' (to hurt) to specify a light, pricking, or stinging pain on the surface of the body.
チクチク(と) + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying an action, such as 'sasu' (to poke/prick) or 'iu' (to say/criticize), showing the repetitive nature of the stinging action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
チクチクする
to prickle / to itch and sting
チクチク痛む
to have a stinging pain
チクチク刺す
to poke repeatedly / to prick
チクチク言う
to make snide remarks / to nag sarcastically
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing (such as wool sweaters) | Negative | Often used to describe the uncomfortable, itchy texture of wool or rough fabrics rubbing against bare skin. |
| Communication and sarcasm | Negative | Describes someone making passive-aggressive, critical remarks repeatedly, rather than yelling one direct insult. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひりひり ひりひり / contrast | When the pain feels like a continuous surface burn over an area, such as a sunburn or after eating spicy food. | チクチク (chikuchiku) is like multiple tiny needle pricks, while ヒリヒリ (hirihiri) is a stinging, burning sensation spread over a wider area. | 日焼けで肌がヒリヒリする。 |
ずきんずきん ずきんずきん / contrast | When there is a deep, rhythmic, throbbing pain, such as a bad headache or a severe toothache. | チクチク (chikuchiku) is a sharp, light, superficial prick, whereas ずきんずきん (zukinzukin) is a heavy internal throbbing. | 虫歯がずきんずきん痛む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using チクチク for stomachaches or headaches.
For internal throbbing pain, use ズキズキ (zukizuki), and for sharp stomach pains, use キリキリ (kirikiri). チクチク is strictly for surface-level pain or emotional stinging.
Using チクチク to describe a deep stab wound from a knife or sword.
チクチク implies hundreds of tiny, superficial pricks (like fine thorns or needles), not a single, massive attack.
Examples
Examples
このセーターは着ると肌がチクチクする。
この セーター は きる と はだ が チクチク する。
This sweater makes my skin prickle when I wear it.
LiteralOften used to describe the rough, itchy texture of wool clothing.
彼の伸びた髭がチクチクして痛い。
かれ の のびた ひげ が チクチク して いたい。
His grown-out beard feels prickly and hurts.
LiteralThe sensation of being poked by short, stiff hairs.
すりむいた膝が、まだチクチク痛む。
すりむいた ひざ が、 まだ チクチク いたむ。
My scraped knee still has a slight stinging pain.
LiteralUsed for light, surface-level pain on a wound or scrape.
姑がチクチクと嫌味を言ってくる。
しゅうとめ が チクチク と いやみ を いって くる。
My mother-in-law makes snide, biting remarks.
FigurativeFigurative use for criticism that mentally attacks you little by little.
友達の何気ない一言が、胸にチクチク刺さった。
ともだち の なにげない ひとこと が、 むね に チクチク ささった。
My friend's casual remark stung my heart.
FigurativeDescribes words that leave a lingering emotional pain.
Similar Words
ヒリヒリ
hirihiri
Describes a continuous, superficial stinging or burning sensation, typically on the skin or tongue. Burning surface pain like a sunburn.
ずきんずきん
zukinzukin
ずきんずきん describes a continuous, rhythmic throbbing or pulsating physical pain, typically associated with headaches, toothaches, or wounds. Deep throbbing internal pain (like a toothache).
ちくり
chikuri
ちくり describes a momentary, sharp prickling or stinging sensation, and is metaphorically used for making biting remarks or tattling on someone.
Questions
Can I use chikuchiku for a headache?
No. Chikuchiku is only for light surface pain (like a prickle or sting). For throbbing headaches, use zukizuki (ズキズキ).
What are 'chikuchiku words' (チクチク言葉)?
This is a term taught in Japanese kindergartens and elementary schools to describe harsh, hurtful words that emotionally sting others. Its opposite is 'fuwafuwa kotoba' (fluffy, kind words).
What is the difference between chikuchiku and hirihiri (ヒリヒリ)?
Chikuchiku is a sharp prick at single or multiple tiny points (like a needle). Hirihiri is a burning sting spread over a wider area (like a sunburn).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1077690
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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