Entry
しくしく
shikushiku
Describes the action of crying quietly or feeling a continuous, dull ache such as a stomachache.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Shikushiku represents a subdued, ongoing state of distress. It is commonly used to describe someone crying softly without making loud noises, or a persistent, dull, griping pain, often associated with stomach issues.
- Soft crying or sobbing
- Continuous, dull pain (usually stomach)
Sense Map
Quiet Crying
Crying softly and continuously, often while attempting to hold back tears or loud sounds.
しくしく泣く。
Dull Pain
A persistent, dull, and griping ache, typically felt in the abdominal area.
胃がしくしく痛む。
Usage Note
How to Use
しくしく（と）泣く
Functions as an adverb to describe the subdued manner of weeping.
しくしく（と）痛む
Functions as an adverb emphasizing a continuous, dull pain.
しくしくする
Combined with 'suru' to describe a persistent light ache, most often a stomachache.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しくしく泣く
to cry softly
しくしく痛む
to ache with a dull pain
胃がしくしくする
stomach has a dull ache
しくしくと泣き出す
to start sobbing quietly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Distress | negative | Shows quiet sadness or grievance expressed privately, without drawing significant attention. |
| Physical Sensation | negative | Predominantly associated with mild abdominal pain; rarely used for headaches or bone fractures. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずきずき ずきずき / contrast | Use for a sharp, pulsating, throbbing pain, such as a severe headache or an open wound. | Shikushiku is a continuous, dull pain, whereas zukizuki is a sharp pain that pulses with the heartbeat. | 頭がズキズキ痛む |
めそめそ めそめそ / nearby | Use for someone who is whimpering or crying weakly due to a lack of confidence or self-pity. | Shikushiku focuses objectively on the quiet sound of crying, while mesomeso carries a subjective judgment of the person being weak or pathetic. | メソメソ泣く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using shikushiku for a sharp, sudden pain like a needle prick.
It only describes a continuous, dull, griping ache.
Using it to describe a baby bawling loudly.
It is strictly reserved for quiet, subdued weeping.
Examples
Examples
彼女は部屋の隅でしくしくと泣いていた。
かのじょはへやのすみでしくしくとないていた。
She was crying softly in the corner of the room.
LiteralDescribes the quiet, subdued sound of crying.
昨日の夜からずっと胃がしくしく痛む。
きのうのよるからずっといがしくしくいたむ。
My stomach has been aching dully since last night.
LiteralIndicates a persistent but not sharp pain in the stomach.
迷子になった男の子が、道端でしくしく泣き出した。
まいごになったおとこのこが、みちばたでしくしくなきだした。
The lost boy started sobbing quietly on the side of the road.
LiteralDescribes the beginning of a sad but not loud cry.
食べすぎたのか、少しお腹がしくしくする。
たべすぎたのか、すこしおなかがしくしくする。
Maybe I ate too much, my stomach aches a little dully.
LiteralUsed with the verb 'suru' to describe an uncomfortable stomach condition.
叱られた後、弟は布団の中でいつまでもしくしく泣いていた。
しかられたあと、おとうとはふとんのなかでいつまでもしくしくないていた。
After being scolded, my younger brother cried softly under the covers for a long time.
LiteralShows a subdued, long-lasting cry.
Similar Words
ズキズキ
zukizuki
A continuous, pulsating or throbbing physical pain. Unlike the dull shikushiku, zukizuki is used for sharp, pulsating pain.
メソメソ
mesomeso
Crying softly and continuously, often in a way that sounds whiny, weak, or pitiful. Also describes soft crying, but mesomeso implies a whining or pathetic attitude.
Questions
Can I use shikushiku for a headache?
It is rarely used for headaches. It is most natural for dull stomachaches. For headaches, 'zukizuki' (throbbing) or 'gangan' (pounding) are much more appropriate.
Does shikushiku imply someone is faking their tears?
No, it purely describes the quiet physical manner of crying. There is no implication of feigning sadness.
Can I pair shikushiku with the verb to laugh (warau)?
No. It is exclusively bound to crying or physical pain and cannot describe laughing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ころっと (korotto)
- Next entry
- しっとり (shittori)