Entry
どきん
dokin
どきん (dokin) describes the sudden sensation of being startled or the heart giving a single, heavy thump due to shock.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to express the physical reaction of being surprised, anxious, or suddenly realizing something. Unlike words that indicate a continuous heartbeat, it highlights a single, strong palpitation or sinking feeling in the chest.
- sudden startle
- heart giving a thump
Sense Map
Startle / Shock
Expresses a sudden feeling of shock or being startled due to an unexpected event or sound.
大きな音にどきんとする。
Sudden Heart Thump
The sensation of the heart giving a single, hard thump from fear, anxiety, sudden realization, or emotional tension.
胸がどきんと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
どきんとする
Used as a verb to express the state of being suddenly startled or shocked.
どきりとする
Used as a verb to express the state of being suddenly startled or shocked.
どきんと + verb
Used as an adverb modifying verbs related to the chest or heart, such as pounding or thumping.
How to Use
Common Phrases
どきんとする
to be startled
どきりとする
to get a sudden shock
胸がどきんとする
one's heart gives a thump
心臓がどきんと鳴る
one's heart pounds heavily (once)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Startling events or sounds | neutral | Focuses on the physical reflex of being suddenly startled. |
| Realizing a mistake or having a bad premonition | negative | Describes the feeling of the heart 'dropping' or thudding heavily from shock. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どきっと どきっと / similar | Used for a brief startle or a sudden romantic skip of a beat. | 'どきん' places more emphasis on the physical sensation of a heavy, single heartbeat caused by shock, whereas 'ドキッと' can feel slightly lighter. | ドキッとする。 |
はっと はっと / similar | Used when suddenly realizing something or being mentally surprised. | Does not describe the sound or physical sensation of the heart pounding, unlike 'どきん'. | はっと気がつく。 |
ぎょっと ぎょっと / similar | Used when a startle is accompanied by strong fear, dread, or a feeling of revulsion. | 'どきん' can be neutral regarding the cause, while 'ぎょっと' always carries a much more frightening or eerie nuance. | ぎょっとする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using どきん (dokin) for a continuous heartbeat due to nervousness.
Use ドキドキ (dokidoki) for a continuous pounding heart.
Using どきん (dokin) directly as a noun without a verb.
どきん (dokin) is usually followed by the particle と (to) and a verb, or combined directly with する (suru).
Examples
Examples
大きな音にどきんとした。
おおきなおとにどきんとした。
I was startled by a loud noise.
LiteralFocuses on the startle reflex from a sudden sound.
テストの点数を見て、胸がどきんとした。
てすとのてんすうをみて、むねがどきんとした。
Seeing my test score, my heart gave a sudden thump.
FigurativeDescribes the heavy feeling in the chest from a bad surprise.
後ろから急に声をかけられて、どきりとした。
うしろからきゅうにこえをかけられて、どきりとした。
I got a sudden shock when I was suddenly called from behind.
LiteralUses the variant 'dokiri' for being startled by an unexpected action.
彼女が微笑んだ瞬間、胸がドキンと鳴った。
かのじょがほほえんだしゅんかん、むねがどきんとなった。
The moment she smiled, my heart gave a sudden thump.
FigurativeCan also express a sudden romantic flutter, often using katakana.
忘れ物に気づいて、心臓がどきんとした。
わすれものにきづいて、しんぞうがどきんとした。
Realizing I forgot something, my heart dropped in shock.
FigurativeDescribes the sudden shock of realizing a mistake.
Similar Words
ドキッと
dokitto
It describes the sudden sensation of your heart skipping a beat or jumping due to surprise, fear, or romantic excitement. Lighter than 'dokin', used for brief startles or romantic flutters.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. Shows startle when suddenly realizing something, without emphasizing the heartbeat.
ぎょっと
gyotto
To be suddenly startled or taken aback by an unexpected, unsettling, or creepy encounter. Used when startle is accompanied by fear, dread, or an eerie feeling.
Questions
What is the difference between どきん (dokin) and ドキドキ (dokidoki)?
どきん (dokin) refers to a single, hard thump or a sudden shock, whereas ドキドキ (dokidoki) is used for a heart that is continuously pounding (e.g., from nervousness or exercise).
Can どきん (dokin) be used in romantic contexts?
Yes, it can describe the heart giving a sudden thump from being charmed by someone, though it is very commonly used for fear or startle as well.
Which is more common, どきん (dokin) or どきり (dokiri)?
Both are very common and can be used interchangeably. どきり (dokiri) sometimes sounds a bit sharper and often relates to psychological startle (like a guilty conscience).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2834117
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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