Entry
きんきん
kinkin
A piercing high-pitched sound in the ears, a sharp pain in the head or ears, or a temperature so cold it stings.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word covers a few closely related uses. First, a high-pitched sound that stabs the ears, such as metal or a voice that is too shrill. Second, a sharp pain in the head or ears. Third, a drink, air, or object chilled until it is ice-cold.
- A high-pitched sound that stabs the ears.
- A sharp pain in the head or ears.
- A drink, air, or object that is ice-cold.
Sense Map
Shrill Sound
Used for a high-pitched sound that is sharp in the ears, including metallic noise or a voice that feels too shrill.
音がきんきんと耳に響く。
Piercing Pain
Used when the head or ears hurt with a sharp, stabbing sensation.
頭がきんきんする。
Ice-Cold
Used for a drink, air, or object chilled until it is extremely cold.
きんきんに冷えたビール。
Usage Note
How to Use
きんきんに + verb
Marks the result of becoming extremely cold, such as a chilled drink or biting air.
きんきんと + verb
Mimics a sharp high-pitched sound, or marks the way that sound hits the ears.
きんきんする
Marks a sharp pain in the head or ears, as if stabbed from inside.
きんきん声
How to Use
Common Phrases
きんきんに冷える
to become piercingly cold
きんきん声
a shrill, piercing voice
きんきんと響く
to ring out with a sharp high pitch
頭がきんきんする
the head hurts with a sharp, piercing pain
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cold drinks | Positive / Neutral | Very common for beer, water, or other drinks chilled to a satisfying ice-cold point on a hot day. |
| Sound | Negative | Used to complain about a high-pitched sound that is sharp and unpleasant to hear. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きーん きーん / similar | Used for a continuous high tone, such as ringing in the ears, or a sudden sharp pain from eating something very cold. | This word is more often for an ice-cold drink or air, or a noisy shrill sound. It is not only one lasting ringing tone. | 耳がキーンとする。 |
ひんやり ひんやり / contrast | Used for a pleasantly cool, refreshing chill, such as a light breeze or a dessert that is cold without biting. | This word stresses extreme piercing cold, or a sharp high-pitched sound. It is not a gentle comfortable cool. | ひんやりとした風。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for pleasantly cool weather.
For a comfortable mild chill on the skin, choose a word that marks light coolness. This word is for extreme piercing cold, or for a shrill sound.
Using this word to praise a beautiful high voice.
For a beautiful high voice, choose another expression. This word marks a sound that stabs the ears and often feels unpleasant.
Examples
Examples
冷蔵庫でビールをきんきんに冷やした。
れいぞうこでビールをきんきんにひやした。
The beer was chilled in the refrigerator until it was ice-cold.
LiteralA drink chilled until it feels ice-cold.
高い声がきんきんと耳に響く。
たかいこえがきんきんとみみにひびく。
The high voice rings piercing in the ears.
LiteralA high-pitched sound that is sharp in the ears.
冬の朝は空気がきんきんに冷えている。
ふゆのあさはくうきがきんきんにひえている。
On winter mornings, the air is piercingly cold.
VisualAir so cold it stings, not a mild pleasant chill.
金属を叩く音がきんきんと鳴った。
きんぞくをたたくおとがきんきんとなった。
The sound of striking metal rang out with a sharp high pitch.
VisualMimics a sharp, high-pitched metallic sound.
頭痛で頭がきんきんする。
ずつうであたまがきんきんする。
With a headache, the head hurts with a sharp piercing pain.
FigurativeA sharp pain in the head, not a slow throbbing ache.
Similar Words
ひんやり
hinyari
A pleasantly cool, refreshing chill. Not extreme piercing cold, and not a sharp high-pitched sound.
キーン
kiin
キーン (kiin) describes a high-pitched, shrill ringing sound (like ears ringing) or a sudden, sharp pain from cold (like brain freeze). A continuous high tone, or a sudden sharp pain from very cold food. Not an ice-cold drink or a noisy shrill sound.
冷んやり
hinyari
A pleasant and refreshing cool or chilly sensation in the air or upon touching an object.
Questions
Can this word be used for cold drinks?
Yes. The expression for a drink chilled until it is ice-cold is very common, especially in hot weather.
Is this word only for sound?
No. A high-pitched sound is one use. The word also covers a sharp pain in the head or ears, and extreme cold.
How is this word used for a headache?
The suru form marks a sharp pain in the head or ears, as if stabbed from inside, not a slow throbbing ache.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003520
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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