Ever been completely absorbed in your thoughts — only to be startled by a loud noise?
That brief moment when your body reacts before your brain catches up?
That’s when “Biku” (びくっ) enters the scene.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Biku” (びくっ)?
“Biku” is a Japanese sound-symbolic word that captures a sudden, involuntary reaction — often from fear, surprise, or a reflexive jolt.
It typically expresses:
- A quick flinch when startled
- A body reacting to a sudden sound or touch
- A moment of surprise, tension, or fear
Unlike a scream or spoken word, “biku” is about the subtle physical reaction — a reflex that escapes before any words do.
Pronunciation
bee-koo (quick, sharp, and clipped — like the motion itself)
Categories
Motion
What Does “BIku” Look Like?
It looks like shoulders jumping from a sudden tap.
Like eyes widening after a ghost story twist.
Like a cat freezing mid-step after hearing a sneeze.
How Do You Say It?
Say it sharply and quickly — just like a jolt:
Biku!
It’s the sound of an involuntary shiver or a sudden flinch:
Biku!
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A sudden tap on the back
He was focused on his phone
when someone tapped his shoulder from behind —
Biku!
Example 2: Startled in the dark
A creaking floorboard echoed in the hallway.
She froze —
Biku!
Cultural Note
In English, we might describe this reaction as:
- “He flinched.”
- “She jumped.”
- “A jolt ran through him.”
But in Japanese, “Biku!” captures it in one burst of sound — the body’s natural reflex compressed into a syllable.
This sound is often used in manga or anime to show when a character is startled silently — without words, just motion.
It’s not just an emotion — it’s a sound-shaped reaction.
Watch & Feel the “Biku” World!
Feel the “Biku” — Physical Reaction
Try Using It!
When someone suddenly calls your name and you jump —
When a thunderclap cracks and your shoulders rise —
Say it with feeling:
Biku!
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