Entry
ピクッと
pikutto
A sudden, small, and quick physical movement, such as a muscle twitch or a slight startled jerk.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a very brief, sharp, and small movement. It is commonly used for involuntary muscle twitches (like an eyebrow), a slight jerk of the body when slightly startled, or a quick bobbing motion of an object.
- Muscle twitch
- Slight startle
- Sudden object movement
Sense Map
Muscle Twitch
An involuntary, slight twitching or jerking of a specific body part, such as an eyebrow or finger.
眉がピクッと動く
Slight Startle
A small bodily jerk or reaction when slightly surprised or responding to a sudden stimulus.
肩がピクッとする
Object Movement
A quick, small movement of an object, like a fishing float dipping or bobbing.
ウキがピクッと沈む
Usage Note
How to Use
ピクッと動く
Indicates a body part or object moving or twitching suddenly.
ピクッとする
Used when someone or something gives a slight jerk or jump from being surprised.
ピクッと反応する
Describes a quick, small physical response to a stimulus (like a sound or touch).
How to Use
Common Phrases
眉がピクッと動く
eyebrows twitch
肩がピクッとする
shoulders jerk/twitch
竿がピクッと反応する
fishing rod reacts with a twitch
指先がピクッと動く
fingertips twitch
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Facial or body muscle movement | neutral | Indicates an involuntary, slight twitch, often due to a reflex or suppressed emotion like anger. |
| Startled reaction | neutral | Implies a very small, subtle jump. If the person is greatly startled, another word is more appropriate. |
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 someone is significantly startled and their whole body jerks. | ピクッと is much smaller and subtler in scale. | ビクッとする |
ぴくり ぴくり / similar | Often used in negative sentences to emphasize that something isn't moving even a fraction. | ピクリ is commonly followed by a negative like とも動かない, highlighting the complete lack of movement. | ピクリともしない |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe someone jumping out of their skin from extreme fear.
Use ビクッと (bikut-to) for a larger startled reaction. ピクッと is just a tiny jerk.
Using it for continuous, ongoing trembling.
ピクッと refers to a single, sudden twitch. For continuous twitching, use ピクピク (piku-piku).
Examples
Examples
怒りで彼の眉がピクッと動いた。
いかりで かれの まゆが ピクッと うごいた。
His eyebrow twitched with anger.
VisualShows a small twitch due to suppressed emotion.
後ろから声をかけられて、ピクッとした。
うしろから こえを かけられて、ピクッと した。
I gave a slight start when called from behind.
LiteralDescribes a very small bodily reaction of being startled.
ウキがピクッと沈んだので、急いで竿を引いた。
ウキが ピクッと しずんだので、いそいで さおを ひいた。
The float bobbed suddenly, so I quickly pulled the rod.
VisualUsed for the sudden movement of a light object.
眠っている犬の足がピクッと動いた。
ねむっている いぬの あしが ピクッと うごいた。
The sleeping dog's leg twitched.
VisualA reflex or involuntary muscle twitch.
妙な物音に、耳がピクッと反応した。
みょうな ものおとに、みみが ピクッと はんのうした。
My ears twitched in reaction to the strange noise.
LiteralShows a sharp physical reaction to a sound.
Similar Words
ピクリ
pikuri
A word describing a single, very slight and sudden movement, such as a muscle twitch or a quick reflex. Similar, but often used with negatives to emphasize absolutely no movement.
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear. Used for a larger-scale startled reaction or jumping from fear.
Questions
What is the difference between ピクッと and ビクッと?
ピクッと is a very small twitch or slight startle. ビクッと is a larger, more noticeable jump from being surprised or frightened.
Can I use ピクッと for a muscle that keeps twitching?
No, ピクッと describes a single, quick twitch. For a muscle that twitches continuously, use ピクピク (piku-piku).
Does ピクッと only apply to living things?
No. While often used for body parts (eyes, fingers), it can also be used for objects that make a sudden, small movement, like a fishing float bobbing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2425780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ちゃぷちゃぷ (chapuchapu)
- Next entry
- ほいほい (hoihoi)