Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main uses. Psychologically, it describes the sudden jolt or shock you feel when startled, especially when caught in a lie or feeling guilty. Physically, it describes the sharp popping, snapping, or creaking sensation of a joint or your back suddenly giving out under strain.
- Startled due to guilt
- Strained joint popping
Sense Map
Startled / Guilty
A sudden psychological jolt from being startled, often accompanied by guilt or fear of being caught.
隠し事を指摘されてギクッとした。
Strained Joint / Popping
The sharp popping or creaking sensation when a joint or one's back is suddenly strained.
重い荷物を持ち上げた時、腰がギクッとなった。
Usage Note
How to Use
ギクッとする
Used as a verb meaning to feel a sudden jolt of surprise, fear, or guilt.
ギクッと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe a physical reaction (like stopping or turning around) that happens out of sudden shock, e.g., 'ギクッと立ち止まる'.
〜がギクッとなる
Used with body parts (especially the lower back) to describe the moment it gives out, pops, or is strained.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ギクッとする
to be startled (often with guilt)
ギクッと立ち止まる
to stop dead in one's tracks from surprise
腰がギクッとなる
one's back gives out or pops
図星を突かれてギクッとする
to jolt when someone hits the nail on the head
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| When a secret is nearly exposed | Negative (Fear / Guilt) | Extremely common when someone touches on a topic you are hiding, making you feel like your heart just dropped. |
| Sudden back injury | Negative (Painful) | Closely related to 'gikkurigoshi' (acute back strain/slipped disk), describing the exact moment the joint fails under load. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びくっと びくっと / similar | When physically flinching from a loud noise, sudden touch, or direct physical fear. | ビクッと focuses more on the physical flinch reflex, whereas ギクッと often carries a psychological weight of guilt or the realization of being caught. | 大きな音にビクッとする。 |
はっと はっと / similar | When suddenly noticing, realizing, or remembering something, often with a sharp intake of breath. | ハッと centers on sudden awareness or realization without the heavy negative connotation or guilt of ギクッと. | 忘れ物にハッと気づく。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for inanimate objects cleanly breaking.
ギクッと is for strained human/animal joints. For things like sticks breaking, use パキッと or ポキッと.
Using it for happy surprises.
ギクッと carries a negative nuance (fear, being caught, guilt). For a positive surprise, just use something like びっくりした.
Examples
Examples
嘘がバレたかと思って、一瞬ギクッとした。
うそがバレたかとおもって、いっしゅんギクッとした。
I was startled for a moment, thinking my lie had been exposed.
FigurativeExpresses a strong psychological jolt from the fear that a lie was exposed.
後ろから急に声をかけられて、ギクッと立ち止まった。
うしろからきゅうにこえをかけられて、ギクッとたちどまった。
I stopped dead in my tracks, startled when someone suddenly called out from behind.
FigurativeExpresses stopping dead in one's tracks as a physical reaction to sudden shock.
階段を踏み外した拍子に、足首がギクッとなった。
かいだんをふみはずしたひょうしに、あしくびがギクッとなった。
My ankle gave a sharp pop when I missed a step on the stairs.
LiteralDescribes the physical moment when the ankle joint suffers a sudden strain.
先生に名前を呼ばれて、サボっていた学生はギクッとした。
せんせいになまえをよばれて、サボっていたがくせいはギクッとした。
The slacking student jolted when the teacher called their name.
FigurativeExpresses the jolt of being caught off guard while doing something wrong (slacking off).
重い段ボールを持ち上げようとしたら、腰がギクッといった。
おもいダンボールをもちあげようとしたら、こしがギクッといった。
My back gave out with a pop when I tried to lift the heavy cardboard box.
LiteralThis is the origin of the term 'gikkurigoshi', describing the sensation of the lower back giving out.
Similar Words
ギクリ
gikuri
ギクリ (gikuri) describes a sudden, sharp psychological jolt, usually caused by guilt, fear, or being caught off guard.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. For sudden realization or coming to one's senses, without a heavy negative feeling.
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear. For physical flinching from loud sounds or sudden touch, without the guilt.
Questions
What is the difference between ギクッと (gikutto) and びっくり (bikkuri)?
びっくり is the general word for 'surprised.' ギクッと is much more specific; it’s a sudden, heavy jolt often associated with guilt, the fear of being exposed, or a sudden scary realization.
Does ギクッと have to do with back pain?
Yes, the acute lower back pain condition known as a slipped disk or lumbago is called 'gikkurigoshi' (ぎっくり腰) in Japanese, derived from the ギクッと popping sensation of the strained joint.
Does ギクッと always mean someone is lying?
Not always lying. It can also be used when you suddenly realize you forgot something crucial, when a teacher calls on you while you were spacing out, or any situation causing a sudden, fearful jolt.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2237260
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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