Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word ちくり represents a single, sharp flash of pain localized to a very small point, much like a needle prick or an insect bite. Beyond physical sensations, it is commonly used to describe delivering a verbal jab or sarcastic comment, as well as the sly act of snitching or tattling to an authority figure.
- A momentary sharp, pricking physical pain
- A piercing, sarcastic verbal remark
- The act of snitching or tattling on another person
Sense Map
Physical Prick
A brief, sharp physical sensation like being pricked by a needle or stung by a bug.
針がちくりと刺さる。
Biting Remark
Making a sarcastic or stinging comment that hits someone precisely where it hurts.
ちくりと皮肉を言う。
Tattling
Secretly informing on someone's wrongdoings or mistakes to a person in authority.
先生にちくりと告げ口する。
Usage Note
How to Use
ちくりと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying actions like stinging (刺す), saying (言う), or tattling (告げ口する).
ちくりとする
Used directly to state that something feels like a sharp, momentary prick.
ちくり + noun (as slang)
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちくりと刺す
To prick or sting sharply (literally or figuratively).
ちくりと痛む
To hurt with a sharp, momentary sting.
ちくりと言う
To make a biting or stinging remark.
ちくりと告げ口する
To slyly tattle or snitch on someone.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Sensations | Neutral | Perfectly fine for casually describing a shot at the doctor or a sudden bug bite. |
| Social Situations | Negative | When referring to remarks or tattling, it implies the action was sly, petty, or intentionally irritating. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちくちく ちくちく / similar | Used when the pricking pain or irritation is continuous, repeated, or lingering. | チクチク is repetitive and continuous (like wearing a scratchy sweater), whereas ちくり is a single, isolated event. | セーターがチクチクする。 |
ひりひり ひりひり / similar | Used for a burning or smarting pain on the surface of the skin, like a scrape or sunburn. | ヒリヒリ describes a broad, burning sensation, as opposed to the localized, needle-like prick of ちくり. | 日焼けがヒリヒリする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using chikuri for ongoing pain or continuous itching.
Chikuri must be a brief, single flash of pain. If it persists, use chikuchiku instead.
Using the tattling sense in formal or polite contexts.
The meaning of 'snitching' is slangy and carries a negative, colloquial tone. Avoid it in professional writing.
Examples
Examples
蚊にちくりと刺された。
かにちくりとさされた。
I felt a small prick as a mosquito bit me.
LiteralDescribes the brief, sharp pain of an insect bite.
予防接種の注射がちくりとした。
よぼうせっしゅのちゅうしゃがちくりとした。
The vaccination shot gave a momentary sharp prick.
LiteralDescribes the instant a needle pierces the skin.
彼女は笑いながら、ちくりと皮肉を言った。
かのじょはわらいながら、ちくりとひにくをいった。
Smiling, she delivered a biting, sarcastic remark.
FigurativeFigurative use for words that sharply prick one's feelings.
同僚が私のミスを上司にちくりと告げ口した。
どうりょうがわたしのミスをじょうしにちくりとつげぐちした。
My coworker slyly tattled on my mistake to our boss.
FigurativeShows the act of secretly tattling in a way that causes harm.
心にちくりと痛みが走った。
こころにちくりといたみがはしった。
A brief, sharp pang of pain pierced my heart.
FigurativeExpresses a brief but sharp emotional pain.
Similar Words
チクチク
chikuchiku
チクチク (chikuchiku) describes a repeated, superficial prickling or stinging sensation, or biting remarks that emotionally sting. Both describe pricking pain, but chikuchiku is continuous or repeated.
ヒリヒリ
hirihiri
Describes a continuous, superficial stinging or burning sensation, typically on the skin or tongue. Both describe pain, but hirihiri is a broad, burning surface sting.
Questions
Can I use chikuri to describe an itchy sweater?
No, an itchy sweater causes continuous irritation, so you should use chikuchiku instead.
Is chikuri only about physical pain?
No, it is very commonly used for emotional stings (like a sarcastic comment) and the act of tattling on someone.
Is it okay to use chikuri to mean 'tattle' with my boss?
It is better not to. It is informal slang and sounds unprofessional. Use more standard words like 報告する (houkoku suru - to report) or 告げ口する (tsugeguchi suru) without chikuri.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1077710
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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