Entry
きゃっ
kya
A sudden, short shriek expressing surprise, fear, pain, or excitement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is an interjection used to express a sudden reaction, such as being startled, scared, or excited. It is often perceived as a feminine or childish sound in anime and manga. It can also be used to represent a brief excited vocalization.
- sudden surprise or fear
- sudden joy or excitement
Sense Map
Surprise and Fear
Used when suddenly startled, scared, or experiencing a brief moment of pain, similar to 'eek!' or 'yikes!' in English.
きゃっと叫ぶ
Joy and Excitement
Used to express sudden excitement, delight, or being thrilled by something cute.
きゃっと声をあげる
Usage Note
How to Use
きゃっ！
Used alone as an interjection in direct speech to react to something unexpected.
きゃっと + verb
Used as an adverb modifying verbs like screaming or being surprised.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きゃっと叫ぶ
scream 'eek'
きゃっと声をあげる
let out an 'eek' sound
きゃっと驚く
be surprised with a shriek
きゃっ、冷たい
eek, it's cold!
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing a bug suddenly | negative | Expresses instant fear or disgust. |
| Seeing a very cute animal | positive | Acts as a small squeal of delight. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっくり びっくり / similar | When you want to express the emotional state of being surprised. | This refers to the feeling of surprise, whereas きゃっ is the actual vocal sound made when surprised. | びっくりする |
きゃーきゃー きゃーきゃー / similar | When screaming continuously or making a loud fuss in a group. | きゃっ is a single, short shriek, while キャーキャー indicates continuous or repeated squealing. | キャーキャー騒ぐ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it in formal situations or serious contexts.
It is a highly informal and expressive sound; use standard verbs meaning 'to be surprised' in formal contexts.
Assuming adult men use this casually in real life.
It is strongly associated with feminine speech or young children; adult men might use 'うわっ' (uwa) instead.
Examples
Examples
虫が落ちてきて、思わず「きゃっ」と声をあげた。
むしがおちてきて、おもわず「きゃっ」とこえをあげた。
A bug fell, and I let out an involuntary 'eek!'.
LiteralExpresses spontaneous surprise and fear.
プレゼントの箱を開けて、「きゃっ、かわいい！」と喜んだ。
プレゼントのはこをあけて、「きゃっ、かわいい！」とよろこんだ。
I opened the gift box and cheered, 'Wow, how cute!'.
LiteralUsed as a squeal of joy or excitement.
足を踏まれて、きゃっと小さく叫んだ。
あしをふまれて、きゃっとちいさくさけんだ。
My foot was stepped on, and I let out a small 'ouch!'.
LiteralExpresses sudden, mild pain.
冷たい水をかけられて、きゃっと驚いた。
つめたいみずをかけられて、きゃっとおどろいた。
I shrieked in surprise when splashed with cold water.
LiteralShows physical shock from an external stimulus.
ジェットコースターが落ちる瞬間、キャーと叫んだ。
ジェットコースターがおちるしゅんかん、キャーとさけんだ。
The moment the roller coaster dropped, I screamed 'eek!'.
LiteralUses a common katakana variant for a slightly longer scream.
Similar Words
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected. A word referring to the feeling of surprise, not the sound.
キャーキャー
kyaakyaa
キャーキャー describes high-pitched squealing or shrieking, typically out of excitement, fear, or the sound of monkeys chattering. A continuous or repeated version, like when a crowd squeals.
Questions
Is きゃっ used by men?
In media, it's typically associated with women or children.
Can I use it in formal writing?
No, it's an informal vocal reaction suited only for dialogue.
What is the difference between きゃっ and ギャー?
きゃっ is higher-pitched and sounds less intense, while ギャー expresses deeper, more intense fear or pain.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2733720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- グサッと (gusatto)
- Next entry
- ちゃっと (chatto)