Translation guide
Describes the physical sensation of goosebumps, often from cold, fear, or strong emotion. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the cause.
To get goosebumps because of cold temperature.
Literally 'goosebumps stand up'. The most common and natural way to say you have goosebumps from cold.
寒くて鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps from the cold.
Literally 'become goosebumps'. Also common, slightly more casual.
外に出たら寒すぎて鳥肌になった。
When I went outside, it was so cold I got goosebumps.
To get goosebumps because of something scary or creepy.
Same phrase as for cold, but context makes the cause clear. Very common for fear-induced goosebumps.
その話を聞いて鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps hearing that story.
Means to shudder or feel a chill, often implying goosebumps from fear or disgust.
ホラー映画を見てぞっとした。
I got goosebumps watching the horror movie.
To get goosebumps from something deeply moving, impressive, or thrilling.
Again, the same phrase. Very versatile and used for positive emotional chills as well.
彼女の歌声に鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps from her singing voice.
Explicitly states the cause is being moved/touched. 'Goosebumps from emotion'.
ラストシーンに感動で鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps from the emotion of the last scene.
Literally 'body trembling', can imply a shiver of excitement or awe, but less directly 'goosebumps'.
その演奏に身震いした。
I shivered (with excitement) at that performance.
To get goosebumps because something is gross or repulsive.
Again, the default phrase. Context clarifies the negative cause.
あの虫を見て鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps seeing that bug.
Shudder from disgust, similar to fear usage.
その臭いにぞっとした。
That smell gave me goosebumps.
Almost all expressions for goosebumps use 鳥肌 (literally 'bird skin'). It's the standard term for goosebumps in any context.
English 'get goosebumps' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Use 鳥肌が立つ or similar set phrases.