Entry
ピクン
pikun
A word describing a single, sudden, and small reflexive movement, such as a twitch.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ピクン (pikun) is an onomatopoeia used to depict a brief, involuntary, and sudden movement. It is most commonly applied to body parts (like eyebrows, shoulders, or an animal's ears) twitching in surprise or reacting to a stimulus, as well as to objects like a fishing float dipping slightly when a fish bites.
- A reflexive twitch or jerk of the body
- A sudden, slight movement of an object
Sense Map
Body Twitches
Describes a body part (like an eyebrow, shoulder, or animal's ear) twitching suddenly due to surprise or a reflex.
耳がピクンと動く
Object Movement
Describes a small, sudden dip or jerk of an object, such as a fishing float reacting to a fish.
浮きがピクンと沈む
Usage Note
How to Use
ピクンとする
Used as a verb to state that the subject (usually a body part) gave a twitch or a sudden small jerk.
ピクンと + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying action verbs such as 動く (move), 跳ねる (jerk/jump), or 反応する (react).
How to Use
Common Phrases
肩がピクンと動く
shoulders give a twitch
眉がピクンと上がる
eyebrow twitches upward
耳がピクンと反応する
ears twitch in reaction
ピクンと跳ねる
give a sudden small jump/jerk
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Animal ears or tails | Neutral to positive | Often used to show an animal's sensitivity or cuteness when its ears suddenly twitch upon hearing a sound. |
| Human reaction to a startle | Neutral | Describes a minor physical reaction, like shoulders jumping slightly when called out of nowhere. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴくっと ぴくっと / similar | Very similar and largely interchangeable, but 'pikutto' can sound slightly sharper or more tense. | Both mean a sudden twitch, but 'pikun' occasionally feels a bit lighter or has a faint resonance. | 肩がピクッと動く |
ぴくり ぴくり / similar | Most frequently used with negative verbs (ピクリともしない) to emphasize that something didn't move or twitch even the slightest bit. | 'Pikun' is rarely used with the negative to mean 'not moving at all'. | ピクリとも動かない |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'pikun' to describe shivering or continuous shaking.
Use ぶるぶる (buruburu) or ガクガク (gakugaku) for shaking, and ピクピク (pikupiku) for repetitive twitching. 'Pikun' is strictly for a single jerk or twitch.
Applying 'pikun' to large, voluntary actions.
'Pikun' implies a small, reflex-driven movement that is outside of conscious control, like a startle response.
Examples
Examples
彼の眉がピクンと動いた。
かれ の まゆ が ピクン と うごいた。
His eyebrow twitched.
VisualShows a minor startle or reaction to something perceived.
音を聞いて、犬の耳がピクンと反応した。
おと を きいて、いぬ の みみ が ピクン と はんのうした。
Hearing the sound, the dog's ears twitched in response.
VisualA very common animal context for 'pikun'.
魚が食いついて、浮きがピクンと沈んだ。
さかな が くいついて、うき が ピクン と しずんだ。
A fish bit, and the float dipped suddenly.
VisualAn example of an inanimate object reacting to a pull.
突然名前を呼ばれて、肩がピクンと跳ねた。
とつぜん なまえ を よばれて、かた が ピクン と はねた。
Called by name suddenly, my shoulders jerked.
VisualDescribes the body giving a minor startle.
疲労で目の下がピクンとした。
ひろう で めのした が ピクン と した。
The area under my eye twitched from fatigue.
LiteralUsed with 'suru' (shita) as a verb. Remember, this implies a single twitch.
Similar Words
ピクッと
pikutto
A sudden, small, and quick physical movement, such as a muscle twitch or a slight startled jerk. Very similar, 'pikutto' feels slightly sharper.
ピクリ
pikuri
A word describing a single, very slight and sudden movement, such as a muscle twitch or a quick reflex. Most frequently used in the negative 'pikuri tomo shinai' (not moving an inch).
Questions
Can I use 'pikun' if my eye is twitching constantly from fatigue?
No. For a continuous or repeating twitch, use 'pikupiku' (ピクピク). 'Pikun' represents just a single twitch.
Can 'pikun' be used for inanimate objects?
Yes, but usually only for objects that react to a sudden tension or pull, like a fishing float (浮き) bobbing down or a string pulling taut.
What is the difference between 'pikun' and 'pikuri'?
The core meaning is the same, but 'pikuri' is heavily favored in the negative phrasing 'pikuri tomo shinai' (not twitching/moving at all). 'Pikun' focuses more on the occurrence of the twitch itself.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2851069
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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