Translation guide
The English word "shudder" describes a sudden, involuntary trembling movement, often caused by fear, cold, or disgust. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on the cause and intensity of the shudder.
To express a sudden trembling caused by fear, horror, or a frightening experience.
General verb for trembling or shivering, often from fear, cold, or emotion. Can be used for a full-body shudder.
怖くて体が震えた。
I was so scared my body shuddered.
Literally 'body shaking', this is a common way to say 'shudder' or 'shiver', often from fear, cold, or strong emotion.
その話を聞いて身震いした。
I shuddered when I heard that story.
Describes a sudden, chilling shudder, often from fear or disgust. More about the sensation than the physical movement.
その光景を見てぞっとした。
I shuddered at the sight.
Literary or dramatic word for trembling or shuddering, often from fear or awe.
彼は恐怖に戦慄いた。
He shuddered with fear.
To express a sudden shiver or shudder caused by cold temperature.
Same as above, but specifically for cold. Often used with body parts.
寒さで唇が震えた。
My lips shuddered from the cold.
Also used for shivering from cold, though more commonly associated with fear or emotion.
冷たい風に身震いした。
I shuddered in the cold wind.
Onomatopoeic expression for a quick, sudden shudder or shiver, often from cold.
外に出たらブルッと震えた。
I shuddered when I went outside.
To express a shudder caused by something disgusting, creepy, or repulsive.
The most common way to express a shudder of disgust or revulsion. Emphasizes the creepy or chilling feeling.
ゴキブリを見てぞっとした。
I shuddered when I saw the cockroach.
Literally 'goosebumps stand up', used for a shudder or creepy feeling that gives you goosebumps.
その話を聞いて鳥肌が立った。
I shuddered when I heard that story (and got goosebumps).
Idiomatic expression meaning 'one's hair stands on end', used for a strong shudder of horror or disgust.
その光景に身の毛がよだった。
I shuddered at the sight (my hair stood on end).
To describe a machine, building, or object shaking or vibrating suddenly.
Used for mechanical vibration or shaking, like an earthquake or engine shudder.
地震で建物が震動した。
The building shuddered from the earthquake.
General word for shaking or swaying, can be used for a shuddering motion.
電車が大きく揺れた。
The train shuddered violently.
Onomatopoeic for a rattling or shuddering motion, often used for vehicles or loose objects.
古い車がガタガタ揺れた。
The old car shuddered and rattled.
震える (furueru) is the most general and can be used for trembling from cold, fear, or weakness. 身震いする (miburui suru) specifically means a full-body shudder or shiver, often from cold or strong emotion. ぞっとする (zotto suru) is more about a chilling sensation, often from fear or disgust, and doesn't necessarily imply visible shaking.
In English, 'shudder' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'the company shuddered at the news'). In Japanese, such metaphorical use is less common. Instead, use expressions like 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru, 'to be shocked') or 動揺する (dōyō suru, 'to be shaken').
何が起こったかと思うとぞっとする。
I shudder to think what might have happened.
彼女はその記憶に身震いした。
She shuddered at the memory.