Ever felt a needle poke your finger?
Or that tiny ache in your heart when someone’s words hurt just a little?
That’s the feeling behind “Chiku Chiku” (ちくちく) — a sound and sensation for small, sharp pricks, both physical and emotional.
What is “Chiku Chiku” (ちくちく)?
It describes a repeated, prickly feeling — sharp but not severe.
It can be used literally (needles, pins, cactus) or emotionally (hurt feelings).
Used for:
Pricking sensation from a needle
Skin irritation
Emotional discomfort or guilt (“My heart feels chiku chiku.”)
Sewing motions with a needle (the repeated, tiny pricks of stitching)
Pronunciation
chee-koo chee-koo
(Say it with quick, light rhythm — like tiny pokes.)
Categories
Feeling / Texture / Reaction
What Does “Chiku Chiku” Look Like?
It looks like small needles poking gently.
Like the edge of guilt pricking your heart.
Like cactus spines glinting in the sun.
How Do You Say It?
Say it lightly, almost playfully:
Chiku chiku…
It’s small, repetitive, and sharp — but not too painful.
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Sewing rhythmically
She sat by the window,
stitching carefully,
the sound of the needle —
chiku chiku…
Example 2: Hurt feelings
Her words stayed in my mind,
and my heart felt Chiku Chiku…
Cultural Note
Japanese often uses “chiku chiku suru” for mild irritation — physical or emotional.
It captures the subtlety of discomfort, something small but unforgettable.
Watch & Feel the “Chiku Chiku” World
Feel the “chiku chiku” — plant seeds!
Try Using It!
When you prick your finger while sewing…
When your sweater feels itchy on your skin…
When someone’s words sting just a little in your heart…
Say it softly —
Chiku chiku…
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