Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Used to express an internal, physical reaction to a sudden event. This can range from being momentarily startled by a loud noise or close call, to feeling a flutter in your chest from sudden romantic attraction.
- Startled by fear/surprise
- Heart fluttering (romance)
Sense Map
Startled / Scared
The feeling of momentary shock or fear from something sudden or unexpected.
急な物音にドキッとする。
Romantic Flutter
The feeling of one's heart skipping a beat due to romantic attraction.
彼の笑顔にドキッとする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ドキッとする
Used as a verb meaning 'to be startled' or 'to have one's heart skip a beat'.
ドキッと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying the following action, describing it as being done with sudden shock or surprise.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドキッとする
to be startled / heart skips a beat
思わずドキッとする
to be unintentionally startled
ドキッとさせられる
to be made to feel startled
ドキッと胸が鳴る
one's heart suddenly pounds
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Unexpected events or loud noises | negative | Shows a brief moment of fear or shock. |
| Romantic situations | positive | Describes the flutter or racing of the heart when seeing someone you like. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっくり びっくり / similar | For general surprise or amazement. | Does not specifically focus on the physical sensation of the heart jumping. | 大きな音にびっくりした。 |
はっと はっと / similar | When suddenly realizing something or gasping in surprise. | Focuses more on a sudden mental realization or a sharp intake of breath rather than a heartbeat. | はっと気付く。 |
ぎょっと ぎょっと / similar | For a sudden, unpleasant shock often mixed with fear or disgust. | Carries a much stronger negative and sometimes creepy nuance. | 傷跡を見てぎょっとした。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe the loud sound of an object falling.
It describes your internal feeling (your heart jumping), not the physical sound of the object itself.
Assuming it only applies to scary situations.
It is also very commonly used for positive thrills, such as feeling romantic attraction.
Examples
Examples
背後から突然声をかけられて、ドキッとした。
背後(はいご)から突然(とつぜん)声(こえ)をかけられて、ドキッと(どきっと)した。
I was startled when someone suddenly called out to me from behind.
LiteralA typical use case for a sudden surprise or minor scare.
ふと目が合って、彼が見せた笑顔にドキッと胸が高鳴った。
ふと目(め)が合って(あって)、彼(かれ)が見せた(みせた)笑顔(えがお)にドキッと(どきっと)胸(むね)が高鳴った(たかなった)。
My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met and he smiled.
FigurativeUsed here for romantic attraction and the physical sensation of the heart fluttering.
スマホがないことに気づいて、ドキッとした。
スマホがない(ない)ことに気づいて(きづいて)、ドキッと(どきっと)した。
My heart sank when I realized I didn't have my phone.
LiteralRepresents the shock of sudden panic or realization of a mistake.
嘘がバレたのではないかと、ドキッとさせられた。
嘘(うそ)がバレた(ばれた)のではないか(のではないか)と、ドキッと(どきっと)させられた(させられた)。
I was given a start, thinking my lie had been exposed.
FigurativeUsed for a moment of anxiety or guilt when almost caught.
暗闇で急に猫が飛び出してきて、ドキッとした。
暗闇(くらやみ)で急(きゅう)に猫(ねこ)が飛び出して(とびだして)きて、ドキッと(どきっと)した。
I was startled when a cat suddenly jumped out in the dark.
LiteralPerfect for sudden, unexpected physical events that cause brief fear.
Similar Words
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected. For general surprise without focusing on the heartbeat.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. More about sudden realization or gasping.
ぎょっと
gyotto
To be suddenly startled or taken aback by an unexpected, unsettling, or creepy encounter. For a strong, negative, or eerie shock.
ドッキリ
dokkiri
ドッキリ (dokkiri) is an expression for a sudden feeling of being startled or shocked.
Questions
Can I use ドキッと for romantic feelings?
Yes, it's very common for describing your heart skipping a beat around someone you like.
How is it different from びっくり?
While both mean surprise, dokitto specifically emphasizes the physical feeling of your heart suddenly jumping or thumping.
Does it describe a sound?
No, it describes the internal sensation or 'sound' of your heart, not external noises.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1009040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- とんとん (tonton)
- Next entry
- ドキドキ (dokidoki)