Translation guide
Describes the sensation of a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat, often due to exertion, anxiety, or medical conditions. Japanese expressions vary by cause, formality, and whether describing a symptom or a poetic feeling.
To describe a noticeably rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat as a physical symptom, often in a medical or health context.
The standard medical term for palpitations. Used in both casual and formal contexts when describing the sensation of a pounding or racing heart.
最近、動悸がすることがあります。
Lately, I've been having palpitations.
動悸が激しくて、病院に行きました。
My palpitations were so severe that I went to the hospital.
A common, everyday expression meaning 'my heart is pounding'. Often used for palpitations caused by excitement, nervousness, or mild symptoms.
緊張で心臓がドキドキしています。
My heart is pounding from nervousness.
The verb phrase using 動悸. Slightly more formal than 心臓がドキドキする, but still common in daily conversation about symptoms.
階段を上がっただけで動悸がします。
I get palpitations just from climbing the stairs.
A more technical, medical term for heart palpitations. Often seen in written medical contexts or combined with 亢進 (こうしん) as 心悸亢進.
心悸亢進の症状が見られます。
Symptoms of palpitations are observed.
To express a pounding heart due to strong emotions like excitement, nervousness, or anticipation, not necessarily a medical issue.
A poetic expression meaning 'one's heart leaps/throbs' with excitement or anticipation. Often used in romantic or thrilling contexts.
彼に会えると思うと胸が高鳴る。
My heart pounds at the thought of seeing him.
Onomatopoeic verb for a pounding heart, used for excitement, nervousness, or even fear. Very common in casual speech.
初めてのデートでドキドキした。
My heart was pounding on my first date.
Stronger onomatopoeia than ドキドキ, implying a very loud or violent pounding, often from shock, fear, or extreme excitement.
驚いて心臓がバクバクしている。
I'm so startled my heart is pounding loudly.
To describe a throbbing or fluttering sensation in a poetic or metaphorical way, often related to life, passion, or nature.
Refers to a heartbeat or pulse, often used poetically to describe the throbbing of life, passion, or a rhythmic beat. Can be used for both literal and figurative palpitations.
命の鼓動を感じる。
I feel the throbbing of life.
胸の鼓動が早くなる。
My heartbeat quickens.
A rare, literary term for palpitation or throbbing, often used in older or highly stylized writing.
胸の悸動が止まらない。
The throbbing in my chest won't stop.
動悸 is the clinical term for palpitations and can be used in formal or medical settings. ドキドキ is an onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to emotions and is casual. Use 動悸 when describing a symptom to a doctor, and ドキドキ when talking about excitement with friends.
Avoid directly translating 'palpitation' as パルピテーション; this is not a natural Japanese word. Use the terms provided based on context.