Entry
ピクリ
pikuri
A word describing a single, very slight and sudden movement, such as a muscle twitch or a quick reflex.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word portrays a momentary, singular movement like an eyebrow twitching in surprise or a finger jerking. It is also highly common in the negative construction 'pikuri to mo shinai', which emphatically means that someone or something did not move a single inch despite effort or expectation.
- A single, sudden muscle twitch
- A complete lack of movement (when used negatively)
Sense Map
Sudden Twitch or Jerk
Used when a small part of the body (like an eyebrow, finger, or an animal's ear) moves quickly and reactively just once.
眉がピクリと動く
Not Moving an Inch
Used with negative verbs to strongly emphasize that something does not budge or flinch at all.
岩がピクリともしない
Usage Note
How to Use
ピクリと + verb
Adverbial usage to describe how a sudden, tiny movement happens. Usually paired with verbs like 'ugoku' (move) or 'hannou suru' (react).
ピクリとも + negative verb
An emphatic structure meaning 'not even a twitch' or 'not budging an inch.' It requires a negative verb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピクリと動く
to twitch; to move slightly
ピクリともしない
to not move an inch; to not flinch at all
ピクリと反応する
to react with a slight twitch
ピクリと揺れる
to sway or jolt just slightly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily reflexes | neutral | Highlights subtle, involuntary reactions like a twitch of the brow indicating hidden surprise or anger. |
| Immovability | neutral | When paired with a negative verb, it stresses that an object is completely stuck or a person is entirely unresponsive. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴくっと ぴくっと / similar | Used for a slightly stronger, sharper twitch, often strongly associated with a reflex to surprise or pain. | Emphasizes the abruptness and shock value more than the very subtle 'pikuri'. | 体がピクッと震える |
ぴくん ぴくん / similar | Used for a single, bouncy jerk that feels like it has a slight springing or reverberating motion. | Sounds more pronounced and elastic compared to the rigid, tiny snap of 'pikuri'. | 尻尾がピクンと跳ねる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'pikuri' to describe shivering or a continuous shaking motion.
'Pikuri' only applies to a single twitch. For continuous shaking or twitching, use 'buruburu' or 'pikupiku' instead.
Misunderstanding 'pikuri to mo' as 'twitching a lot'.
The addition of 'to mo' mandates a negative ending (e.g., shinai), shifting the meaning entirely to 'did not budge an inch'.
Examples
Examples
彼の眉毛がピクリと動いた。
かれの 眉毛(まゆげ)が ピクリと 動(うご)いた。
His eyebrow twitched slightly.
LiteralThe most common example of a tiny muscle movement reflecting hidden emotion.
どんなに押しても、その岩はピクリともしなかった。
どんなに 押(お)しても、 その 岩(いわ)は ピクリともしなかった。
No matter how hard I pushed, the rock didn't budge an inch.
LiteralDemonstrates the negative form to express extreme immovability.
猫の耳がピクリと反応した。
猫(ねこ)の 耳(みみ)が ピクリと 反応(はんのう)した。
The cat's ears twitched in response.
VisualDescribes the brief, reflex movement of an animal's ear.
釣り竿の先がピクリと揺れた。
釣(つ)り 竿(ざお)の 先(さき)が ピクリと 揺(ゆ)れた。
The tip of the fishing rod swayed slightly.
VisualHighlights a small visible movement on an object hinting at an action.
驚いて肩がピクリと跳ねた。
驚(おどろ)いて 肩(かた)が ピクリと 跳(は)ねた。
My shoulders gave a slight jerk in surprise.
LiteralFocuses on the body experiencing a momentary shock with a tiny physical jump.
Similar Words
ピクン
pikun
Similar, but pikun has a bouncier, springing nuance.
Questions
Is there a difference between 'pikuri' and 'pikupiku'?
Yes. 'Pikuri' is just a single, isolated twitch. 'Pikupiku' is used when a muscle is continuously twitching or spasming repeatedly.
Can I use 'pikuri' for someone jumping in fear?
If it's just a tiny shoulder jerk, yes. If they jump dramatically, 'biku' or 'bikku' is more appropriate.
How do I say 'it won't budge'?
You can say 'pikuri to mo shinai' or 'pikuri to mo ugokanai'. It means the object refuses to move even a millimeter.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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