Entry
ドクッ
doku
ドクッ describes the sound or sensation of a single heavy thump, most commonly a strong palpitation of the heart due to shock.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents a single, heavy thumping sound or sensation. It is frequently used to describe a sudden, forceful heartbeat caused by shock, surprise, or intense emotion, as well as the heavy throbbing of blood or a deep wound.
- strong heartbeat (from shock/fear)
- heavy throbbing (blood/wound)
- dull, heavy thud
Sense Map
Heartbeat (Shock)
A single, incredibly strong thump or palpitation of the heart caused by sudden surprise, fear, or tension.
心臓がドクッと鳴る
Heavy Throbbing
The forceful, heavy sensation of blood surging or a deep wound throbbing.
ドクッと脈打つ
Heavy Thud
The dull, heavy sound produced when a solid or heavy object impacts something.
ドクッと鈍い音がする
Usage Note
How to Use
ドクッとする
Used as a verb to express the sensation of being shocked, causing the heart to suddenly give a heavy thump.
ドクッと脈打つ
Used with verbs meaning to pulse or throb to emphasize how forceful and heavy the throbbing is.
ドクッと鳴る
Used to describe the heart or chest sounding or feeling like it gave a loud thump, or a physical object making a thud.
ドクッという音
Used to modify a noun, describing a heavy, dull thudding sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドクッと脈打つ
to pulse heavily
心臓がドクッとする
the heart skips a heavy beat
胸がドクッと鳴る
the chest thumps loudly
ドクッと血が巡る
blood surges heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden fear or shock | negative | Most commonly used when someone realizes a fatal mistake or sees something terrifying, causing their heart to figuratively drop or give one massive thump. |
| Intense physical sensation | neutral | Used for heavy internal physical sensations, such as a deep wound that throbs painfully in time with a strong pulse. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どきどき どきどき / similar | When the heart beats continuously fast due to nervousness, excitement, or exercise. | ドキドキ is continuous and can be positive, whereas ドクッ is a sudden, single heavy thump that is often tense or shocking. | 胸がドキドキする |
どくん どくん / similar | When the heart gives a heavy thump, often with a slightly more resonant or emotional feeling. | どくん implies a slightly echoing or lingering heavy heartbeat in the chest, while ドクッ emphasizes a sharper, more sudden startle or impact. | 心臓がどくんと鳴る |
どたっ どたっ / similar | When a heavy body or object falls to the ground with a thud. | ドタッ specifically describes the physical impact of falling, while ドクッ is primarily used for internal sensations like heartbeats or pulses. | ドタッと倒れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ドクッ to describe the continuous fast heartbeat of being in love or excited.
Use ドキドキ for continuous heartbeats or anticipation. ドクッ represents a single, massive thud caused by sudden shock.
Using it to describe a light tapping sound on a window or door.
Use トントン or コンコン for knocking. ドクッ implies a very deep, heavy, and dull thud.
Examples
Examples
暗闇で物音がして、心臓がドクッと鳴った。
暗闇(くらやみ)で物音(ものおと)がして、心臓(しんぞう)がドクッと鳴(な)った。
I heard a noise in the dark, and my heart gave a heavy thump.
LiteralShows a physical reaction to a sudden surprise.
彼の言葉を聞いた瞬間、胸がドクッとした。
彼(かれ)の言葉(ことば)を聞(き)いた瞬間(しゅんかん)、胸(むね)がドクッとした。
The moment I heard his words, my chest gave a sudden thud.
FigurativeDescribes an emotional shock that feels like a physical thump.
深い傷口が、脈に合わせてドクッと痛む。
深(ふか)い傷口(きずぐち)が、脈(みゃく)に合(あ)わせてドクッと痛(いた)む。
The deep wound aches with a heavy throb in time with my pulse.
LiteralShows the heavy throbbing of physical pain from blood flow.
嘘がバレたと思い、全身の血がドクッと巡るのを感じた。
嘘(うそ)がバレたと思(おも)い、全身(ぜんしん)の血(ち)がドクッと巡(めぐ)るのを感(かん)じた。
Thinking my lie was exposed, I felt the blood surge heavily through my whole body.
FigurativeDescribes the sudden physical reaction of overwhelming panic.
トランクの中から、何かがぶつかるドクッという鈍い音が聞こえた。
トランクの中(なか)から、何(なに)かがぶつかるドクッという鈍(にぶ)い音(おと)が聞(き)こえた。
From inside the trunk, I heard a dull thud of something bumping.
LiteralDescribes a muffled, heavy physical impact sound.
Similar Words
ドキドキ
dokidoki
A word that mimics the sound and feeling of a fast-beating heart due to nervousness, excitement, or fear. ドキドキ is continuous, whereas ドクッ is a single, sudden, heavy thump.
どくん
dokun
Describes the sound or sensation of a single, heavy heartbeat. Both mean a heavy heartbeat, but どくん feels slightly more resonant and lingering than the sharp ドクッ.
ドタッ
dota
A heavy, dull thud sound made when a large object is dropped or someone collapses suddenly. ドタッ is used for an external physical thud from falling, while ドクッ is primarily used for internal sensations like heartbeats.
Questions
Can I use ドクッ when I am happy?
Generally no. While it can describe a sudden realization, it is usually associated with tension, shock, or fear rather than lighthearted joy. Use ドキドキ for happy excitement.
What is the difference between ドクッ and ドキッ?
ドキッ is a lighter, sharper startle. ドクッ feels much heavier, deeper, and more forceful, like a massive thud in the chest.
Does ドクッ always mean heartbeat?
Mostly yes, but it can also describe the heavy throbbing of a wound or a dull, deep thud of an object hitting a surface.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869708
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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