ずきずきする
zukizukisuru
The Japanese way to say "throb" is ずきずきする (zukizukisuru).
The phrase ずきずきする is used to describe a rhythmic, pulsing pain, such as the sensation of a headache or a wound. To describe a throbbing sensation more generally, you can use the onomatopoeic adverb ずきずき.
Meaning: to pound or beat rapidly or violently (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ずきずきする refers to a pulsing physical pain, the informal term kyun is used to describe a quick, sudden and intense pulsation, specifically in the context of feeling affection or love.
How do you pronounce it?
zukizukisuru
Did you know?
- In medical contexts, Japanese doctors may still use ずきずき to diagnose the type of headache a patient has. This makes the language of 'sound-words' a legitimate tool for clinical diagnosis.
- In Japanese manga, a pulsing vein or a throbbing forehead is often drawn with a specific icon to represent the sound of ずきずき or an angry pulse.
- Japanese uses a vast system of 'ideophones' like ずきずき to describe sensations, allowing speakers to communicate the exact texture of a feeling through sound alone.
Examples in context
- 彼の声を聞くと、胸がキュンとする。When I hear his voice, my heart throbs.
- 頭がずきずきする。atama ga zukizuki suru.My head is throbbing.
Example conversation
陽太 is feeling unwell at home and talking to 陽葵.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、大丈夫？顔色が悪いよ。Youta-kun, daijoubu? Kaoiro ga warui yo.Youta, are you okay? You look pale.
- 陽太 Yota少し、頭がずきずきするんだ。Sukoshi, atama ga zukizuki suru n da.My head is throbbing a little.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは大変。少し横になったほうがいいよ。Sore wa taihen. Sukoshi yoko ni natta hou ga ii yo.That's bad. You should lie down for a bit.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵。そうするよ。Arigatou, Himari. Sou suru yo.Thanks, Himari. I will do that.
