Entry
ゾクッと
zokutto
A sudden, sharp chill or shiver running down the spine caused by fear, a blast of cold air, or emotional thrill.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word depicting a sudden physical sensation of a chill or shiver, often running down one's spine. This sensation is instantly triggered by a sudden drop in temperature, sheer creepiness, a frightening situation, or an intense emotional thrill such as awe or suspense.
- chills from fear
- shivering from cold
- thrill of tension or awe
Sense Map
Fear & Creepiness
Getting a sudden shiver or goosebumps from seeing, hearing, or sensing something scary or unsettling.
背筋がゾクッとする。
Cold
A brief shudder caused by a sudden gust of wind or cold air touching the skin.
寒さで体がゾクッとする。
Thrill & Tension
Feeling a sudden chill from a thrilling sensation, a bad premonition, or even intense awe.
素晴らしい歌声にゾクッとした。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゾクッとする
The most common verb pattern used to express 'to get the chills' or 'to shiver'.
ゾクッとくる
Emphasizes that the chill 'comes' over or strikes the speaker.
ゾクッとした + Noun
Modifies a noun, indicating a chilling or thrilling quality, such as a 'chilling sensation' (ゾクッとした感覚).
How to Use
Common Phrases
背筋がゾクッとする
a chill runs down one's spine
ゾクッとくる
to be struck by a sudden chill
寒さでゾクッとする
to shiver from the cold
恐怖でゾクッとする
to get the chills from fear
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling the cold air | Neutral | Expresses the body's spontaneous reaction to a sudden draft of cold air. |
| Watching horror or feeling creeped out | Negative | Describes fear crawling down the spine and causing goosebumps. |
| Feeling awe or suspense | Positive | Can be used for profound admiration, such as getting chills from a beautiful piece of music. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぞくぞく ぞくぞく / similar | Used when the chills, shivering, or thrill is a continuous or repeated sensation over a period of time. | ゾクッと (zokutto) emphasizes a single, momentary jolt or shiver, while ぞくぞく describes an ongoing state. | ぞくぞく悪寒がする。 |
ぶるぶる ぶるぶる / similar | Used to describe the physical act of the body visibly trembling or shaking from cold, fear, or anger. | ゾクッと (zokutto) focuses more on the internal sensation (goosebumps/chills on the skin), whereas ぶるぶる focuses on the visible shaking movement of the body. | 寒さでぶるぶる震える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for shaking violently in anger.
Use 'ワナワナ' (wanawana) or 'ブルブル' (buruburu) for shaking with anger. ゾクッと is for a quick chill from fear, cold, or thrill.
Using it to describe continuous shivering from a fever.
ゾクッと implies a sudden, split-second chill. For continuous shivering due to illness, use 'ぞくぞく' (zokuzoku) or '寒気がする' (samuke ga suru).
Examples
Examples
冷たい風が吹いて、体がゾクッとした。
つめたいかぜがふいて、からだがゾクッとした。
A cold wind blew, and my body gave a sudden shiver.
LiteralShows a direct physical reaction to a drop in temperature or cold air.
背筋がゾクッとするような怖い話を聞いた。
せすじがゾクッとするようなこわいはなしをきいた。
I heard a scary story that sent a chill down my spine.
FigurativeThe phrase 'sesuji ga zokutto suru' (chill down the spine) is highly typical for horror contexts.
暗闇の中で物音がして、ゾクッとくるものがあった。
くらやみのなかでものおとがして、ゾクッとくるものがあった。
I heard a noise in the dark and felt a sudden chill creep over me.
FigurativeShows a startled reaction and fearful premonition toward the unknown.
彼の冷たい視線に、思わずゾクッとした。
かれのつめたいしせんに、おもわずゾクッとした。
His cold stare instinctively sent a chill through me.
FigurativeCan be used for social tension or psychological threat without immediate physical fear.
歌手の素晴らしい歌声にゾクッとした。
かしゅのすばらしいうたごえにゾクッとした。
I got chills from the singer's breathtaking voice.
FigurativeAn example of positive usage where awe and fascination cause a chilling physical reaction.
Similar Words
ぞくぞく
zokuzoku
ぞくぞく describes the physical sensation of shivering or a chill going down one's spine due to cold, fever, fear, or intense excitement. Used for a continuous or repeated chilling sensation.
ぶるぶる
buruburu
This word describes a continuous, rapid trembling or shivering of the body or an object, usually due to cold, fear, or mechanical vibration. Focuses on the body visibly shaking.
Questions
Can ゾクッと be used for something positive?
Yes, you can use it to describe getting the chills from awe, such as listening to breathtaking music or witnessing an incredible performance.
What is the difference between ゾクッと and ぞくぞく?
ゾクッと refers to a single, sudden shiver or jolt. ぞくぞく refers to continuous or repeated chills.
Is this a formal word?
It's a neutral word common in daily conversation and literature, but it is not typically used in formal business or academic writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2254940
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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