What Is “Hiya Hiya”? The Japanese Sound of Nervous, Chilly Unease

09/10/2025

Ever watched someone balancing on a shaky ladder?

Or seen a scene in a movie where the hero almost gets caught?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Hiya Hiya” comes in — a sound full of tension, unease, and nervous chills.

First, let’s listen to how it sounds!

Table of Contents

What is “Hiya Hiya” (ひやひや)?

“Hiya Hiya” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses the feeling of being nervous, uneasy, or in a situation that makes your heart race because of possible danger or embarrassment.

It’s often used when you’re sweating nervously, worrying about something going wrong, or watching a tense moment unfold.

You’ll hear it in conversations, TV shows, anime, or even news reports when people describe a close call.

Pronunciation

hee-yah hee-yah
(Say it lightly, with a cool, breathy tone — like a chill running down your spine)

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a trembling tone, almost like you’re exhaling relief or fear:
Hiya… hiya…

Like a nervous laugh after a close call:
Hiya hiya…

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Almost missing the train

He ran down the stairs,
just as the doors began to close.
Hiya hiya — that was too close!

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
ひやひやしたよ。

Example 2: Watching a dangerous stunt

She covered her mouth,
eyes wide,
her heart pounding hiya hiya…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
ひやひやしたよ。

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

“That was nerve-racking.”
“It gave me chills.”
“I was on edge.”

But in Japanese, “hiya hiya” vividly combines the sound of ‘hiya’ (coolness or chill) with the emotional state of nervousness.

It captures not just the fear, but also the physical sensation — like cold sweat trickling down your neck.