Translation guide
The English word 'heartbeat' can refer to the physical pulse, the sound of the heart, or be used metaphorically for the vital center of something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
heartbeat (sound)
Referring to the physiological heartbeat, a single pulsation, or the rhythm of the heart.
Medical/technical term for heartbeat as a physiological event. Used in contexts like heart rate or fetal heartbeat.
Measure the heart rate.
The fetal heartbeat was confirmed.
Refers to the beating or throbbing of the heart, often with a sense of life, emotion, or physical sensation. Common in literary or emotional contexts.
Literally 'sound of the heart'. Used when focusing on the audible heartbeat sound.
Pulse; often used interchangeably with heartbeat in medical contexts, but specifically refers to the arterial pulse.
Describing something as the heartbeat of an organization, city, etc., meaning the central, most active, or essential part.
Pattern meaning 'the center of ~'. Natural way to express the core or hub of something.
This district is the beating heart of the city.
The market is the heartbeat of the economy.
Literally 'lifeline'. Used metaphorically for something essential to survival or functioning, similar to 'heartbeat' in some contexts.
Describing the sensation of one's heart beating fast due to emotion, excitement, or nervousness.
Onomatopoeic phrase for the sound/feeling of a pounding heart from excitement, nervousness, or anticipation. Very common in casual and spoken Japanese.
My heart was pounding before I confessed.
My heart beats fast when I see him.
Literally 'chest rings high'. Describes a thrilling, excited heartbeat, often from anticipation or joy. More literary/emotional than ドキドキ.
Onomatopoeic for a loud, violent heartbeat from fear, shock, or extreme exertion. Stronger than ドキドキ.
鼓動 (こどう) is the general term for the beating of the heart, often used in emotional or literary contexts. 心拍 (しんぱく) is the medical/technical term for a heartbeat as a physiological event, used in phrases like 心拍数 (heart rate).
When using 'heartbeat' metaphorically (e.g., 'the heartbeat of the city'), do not translate directly as 心拍 or 鼓動. Use 中心 (ちゅうしん) or other context-appropriate terms.
I could feel my heartbeat.
The doctor checked the baby's heartbeat.
The city's heartbeat never stops.
胸に手を当てると、心臓の鼓動を感じた。
When I put my hand on my chest, I felt my heartbeat.
His heartbeat quickened.
The doctor listened to the heartbeat with a stethoscope.
脈拍が弱い。
The heartbeat/pulse is weak.
Tourism is the heartbeat of this island.
Driving force; can be used when 'heartbeat' implies the motivating power behind something.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of the economy.
My heart beat fast at the start of the adventure.
My heart was pounding after watching the horror movie.