胸がドキドキする
mune ga dokidoki suru
The phrase "my heart beats faster" in Japanese is 胸がドキドキする (mune ga dokidoki suru).
This phrase is used to express both physical excitement (like being nervous or thrilled) and romantic attraction (having a crush).
What does it mean word for word?
The expression consists of 胸, which literally means 'chest', which is the part of the body used to express the sensation of a racing heart in Japanese and the onomatopoeic expression ドキドキ, which represents the sound or sensation of a rapid, rhythmic heartbeat.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the continuous state of your heart currently racing, you can use the progressive form ドキドキしている.
How do you pronounce it?
mune ga dokidoki suru
Did you know?
- The word ドキドキ is a type of mimetic word called 'gitaigo', which describes a state or condition rather than a sound you can actually hear with your ears.
- If a Japanese speaker describes their heart as バクバク instead of ドキドキ, they are describing a much more intense, pounding heartbeat, often due to extreme panic or exhaustion.
- Even though English speakers focus on the 'heart', using the word for the physical organ, 心臓, in this phrase would sound unnervingly medical or clinical rather than romantic.
Examples in context
- 胸がドキドキするよ。My heart beats faster.This sentence is useful for expressing that your heart is beating faster.Tatoeba #10172756 by small_snow, translation #9725690 by DJ_Saidez
- 緊張して、胸がドキドキする。kinchou shite, mune ga dokidoki suru.I'm nervous, and my heart is beating faster.
- 好きな人を前にすると、胸がドキドキする。suki na hito o mae ni suru to, mune ga dokidoki suru.My heart beats faster when I'm in front of someone I like.
Example conversation
Misaki is telling Ren about her feelings regarding a concert.
- 美咲 Misakiライブの前は、いつも胸がドキドキするの。raibu no mae wa, itsumo mune ga dokidoki suru no.Before a live performance, my heart always beats faster.
- 蓮 Renそれは楽しみな証拠だね。sore wa tanoshimi na shouko da ne.That's a sign that you're excited.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんも、そう思う？Ren-kun mo, sou omou?Do you think so too, Ren?
- 蓮 Renうん、すごくいいことだよ。un, sugoku ii koto da yo.Yeah, it's a really good thing.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
