Entry
ギクリ
gikuri
ギクリ (gikuri) describes a sudden, sharp psychological jolt, usually caused by guilt, fear, or being caught off guard.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures the momentary internal shock or physical flinch you feel when caught in a lie, discovering a secret is known, or suddenly realizing a danger.
- Guilty Realization
- Sudden Fright
Sense Map
Guilty Realization
Used when one's heart skips a beat because they are caught doing something wrong.
嘘を見透かされてギクリとする。
Sudden Fright
Used for the sudden startle response to perceived danger or an unexpected sound.
背後で物音がしてギクリとした。
Usage Note
How to Use
ギクリとする
The most common pattern, functioning as a verb meaning 'to be startled' or 'to flinch' (usually out of guilt or fear).
ギクリと + verb
Used as an adverb to modify another action, such as 'to stop with a start'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ギクリとする
to be startled / to feel a guilty shock
ギクリと立ち止まる
to stop with a start
胸がギクリとする
one's chest/heart gives a start
思わずギクリとする
to instinctively flinch / be taken aback
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Being caught in a lie. | negative | The sudden guilty realization that someone knows the truth. |
| Sensing sudden danger. | negative | The instantaneous freezing or heart-dropping sensation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎくっと ぎくっと / similar | Very similar, but emphasizes the physical flinch slightly more. | Interchangeable in most cases, but ギクリ leans towards the internal psychological jolt. | 図星を突かれてギクッとした。 |
びくっと びくっと / nearby | Used for physically jumping or flinching at a loud noise or sudden touch. | Purely a physical reflex, lacking the guilty conscience aspect of ギクリ. | 大きな音にビクッとした。 |
はっと はっと / nearby | Used when suddenly realizing or remembering something. | Lacks the fear or guilt of ギクリ; it's more about sudden clarity or awareness. | はっと我に返る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for happy surprises.
It is reserved for negative shocks like fear or guilt. Use びっくり for general or positive surprises.
Using it to describe someone physically jumping high.
It describes an internal jolt or a slight flinch, not a large jumping motion.
Examples
Examples
嘘を見透かされたような気がして、ギクリとした。
うそをみすかされたようなきがして、ぎくりとした。
I felt a sudden jolt, as if my lie had been seen through.
FigurativeShows the feeling of guilt and the internal shock of being caught.
暗闇で急に肩を叩かれ、思わずギクリと立ち止まった。
くらやみできゅうにかたをたたかれ、おもわずぎくりとたちどまった。
Someone tapped my shoulder in the dark, and I instinctively stopped with a start.
LiteralA physical reaction to being startled by a sudden event.
警察官と目が合って、彼はギクリとした表情を浮かべた。
けいさつかんとめがあって、かれはぎくりとしたひょうじょうをうかべた。
When he made eye contact with the police officer, a guilty, startled expression crossed his face.
LiteralA facial expression that fails to hide surprise and fear.
スマホの着信音が部屋に響き、彼女の胸がギクリと鳴った。
すまほのちゃくしんおんがへやにひびき、かのじょのむねがぎくりとなった。
The smartphone's ringtone echoed in the room, and her heart gave a sudden start.
FigurativeDescribes the psychological startle felt in the chest due to a sudden sound.
先生に名前を呼ばれ、宿題を忘れた私はギクリとした。
せんせいになまえをよばれ、しゅくだいをわすれたわたしはぎくりとした。
My name was called by the teacher, and having forgotten my homework, I gave a start.
FigurativeA classic context of feeling guilty for doing something wrong.
Similar Words
ギクッと
gikutto
Describes a sudden psychological jolt from guilt or fear, or a sharp popping sensation when a joint or back is strained. Very similar, slightly more emphasis on the physical flinch.
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear. Pure physical reflex, lacking the guilty aspect.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. Suddenly realizing something, without the guilt.
Questions
Can I use ギクリ (gikuri) for a birthday surprise?
No, ギクリ usually implies a negative shock such as fear or the guilt of being caught. For happy surprises, use びっくり (bikkuri).
What is the difference between ギクリ (gikuri) and ビクッと (bikutto)?
ビクッと is a purely physical reflex, like jumping at a loud noise. ギクリ is more of a psychological shock and is often tied to guilt or a guilty conscience.
Does ギクリ (gikuri) involve a large physical movement?
No, ギクリ is primarily an internal jolt or a brief stiffening of the body. It does not involve a large jumping motion.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2115410
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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