Entry
ぞっと
zotto
A sudden shudder or chill caused by intense fear, horror, or disgust.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the physical reaction that occurs momentarily—such as a chill running down your spine—when you are faced with something terrifying, creepy, or highly disgusting.
- Sudden fear or horror
- Intense disgust or revulsion
Sense Map
Fear and Horror
Used when experiencing a sudden chill or shudder due to something terrifying, such as a horror movie, heights, or a gruesome story.
ホラー映画を見てぞっとする
Disgust and Revulsion
Used when shuddering because you see or imagine something gross, such as bugs or filth.
虫を見てぞっとした
Usage Note
How to Use
ぞっとする
The basic verb phrase meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified'.
ぞっとするような + Noun
Used to modify a noun, meaning 'a horrifying/chilling (noun)'.
背筋がぞっとする
An idiom meaning 'a chill goes down one's spine', indicating extreme fear.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぞっとする
to shudder / be horrified
ぞっとした
shuddered / was horrified
背筋がぞっとする
a chill goes down the spine
ぞっとするような事件
a horrifying incident
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Horror movies or ghost stories | Negative (Fear) | Very natural for describing your physical reaction to scary entertainment. |
| Seeing a huge bug | Negative (Disgust) | Describes the instant physical revulsion and shudder when seeing something creepy. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぞくぞく ぞくぞく / similar | When shivering continuously from an illness, cold weather, or ongoing anticipation/fear. | ぞっと is a sudden, momentary shudder, whereas ゾクゾク is a continuous shivering state that can also result from a fever. | 寒くてゾクゾクする。 |
ぎょっと ぎょっと / similar | When startled or shocked by something visually unexpected. | ぎょっと focuses purely on the mental shock of surprise, while ぞっと involves a physical sensation of coldness or shuddering linked to fear. | 急に声をかけられてぎょっとした。 |
びくびく びくびく / similar | When feeling continuously nervous, anxious, or fearful of consequences. | ビクビク describes an ongoing state of anxiety or trembling, not a single momentary shock like ぞっと. | 怒られるのではないかとビクビクする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'zotto' simply because the weather is freezing.
Use 'samui' or 'zokuzoku' for the weather. 'Zotto' requires a psychological trigger like fear or disgust.
Using 'zotto' to describe someone trembling continuously before a speech.
Use 'bikubiku' or 'furueru' for continuous nervous trembling. 'Zotto' is a brief, momentary shudder.
Examples
Examples
ホラー映画を見て、ぞっとした。
ホラーえいがをみて、ぞっとした。
I shuddered after watching the horror movie.
VisualA physical reaction to visual horror on screen.
想像しただけでぞっとする。
そうぞうしただけでぞっとする。
Just imagining it makes me shudder.
FigurativePsychological horror that stems from thoughts rather than direct events.
高いところから下を見ると、ぞっとする。
たかいところからしたをみると、ぞっとする。
Looking down from a high place makes me shudder with fear.
LiteralA direct physical reaction from the fear of heights.
背筋がぞっとするような事件が起きた。
せすじがぞっとするようなじけんがおきた。
An incident occurred that sent chills down the spine.
FigurativeUses a common idiom to describe the terrifying severity of an incident.
部屋に大きな虫がいて、ぞっとした。
へやにおおきなむしがいて、ぞっとした。
I shuddered in disgust when there was a big bug in the room.
VisualFocuses on physiological disgust rather than just fear.
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. ぞっと is a sudden, momentary shudder, while ゾクゾク is a continuous shivering state (often from illness or cold).
ぎょっと
gyotto
To be suddenly startled or taken aback by an unexpected, unsettling, or creepy encounter. ぎょっと focuses on mental shock or surprise, rather than a physical chill or shudder.
ビクビク
bikubiku
Describes a state of being nervous, afraid, or trembling in anticipation of something bad happening. ビクビク describes a continuous state of nervousness or anxiety.
Questions
Can I use 'zotto' when I step out into the winter snow?
No, unless you are terrified of the snow. 'Zotto' is for a shudder caused by psychological fear or disgust, not ambient temperature.
What is the difference between 'zotto' and 'gyotto'?
'Gyotto' is being startled or taken aback by a sudden sight, while 'zotto' is a shudder of horror or revulsion.
Does this word always imply fear?
Not always fear; it can also strongly imply disgust or extreme revulsion, such as when looking at something very unsanitary.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007150
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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