Translation guide
The English word 'jolt' can refer to a sudden physical shake, an emotional shock, or a sudden burst of movement. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
Describing a sudden, sharp movement or impact, such as a vehicle jerking or an earthquake tremor.
General word for shaking or trembling. Often used for earthquakes or vehicle movements.
Describing a sudden, often unpleasant, emotional reaction to news or an event.
Describing a quick, jerky motion, like a sudden start or a caffeine-induced burst of energy.
Literally 'to suddenly start moving'. Used for vehicles or people starting abruptly.
車が急に動き出して、後ろの人が転んだ。
The car jolted forward and the person behind fell.
English often uses 'jolt' as a verb (e.g., 'The car jolted'). In Japanese, it's more natural to describe the movement with an adverb or onomatopoeia plus a verb like 揺れる (to shake) or 動く (to move). Using a single verb equivalent is uncommon.
地震の揺れで目が覚めた。
I woke up from the jolt of the earthquake.
Refers to a physical impact or shock. Can also be used metaphorically for emotional shock.
衝突の衝撃で車が大きく揺れた。
The car jolted violently from the impact of the collision.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a sudden, single jolt, like a train starting or a heavy object dropping.
電車がガタンと揺れて、立っている人が倒れそうになった。
The train jolted, and the standing passengers nearly fell over.
Technical term for vibration or tremor. Used in engineering or formal descriptions.
機械の震動が床に伝わった。
The machine's vibrations jolted through the floor.
Commonly used for both physical and emotional shock. Often paired with 受ける (to receive).
その知らせを聞いて衝撃を受けた。
I felt a jolt when I heard the news.
Direct loanword from English 'shock'. Very common in casual and semi-formal contexts.
彼の突然の死にショックを受けた。
His sudden death gave me a jolt.
Describes a sudden startle or fright, often from an unexpected sight or sound.
大きな音にぎょっとした。
The loud noise gave me a jolt.
Describes a sudden realization or surprise, often with a sense of urgency.
忘れ物に気づいてはっとした。
I felt a jolt when I realized I had forgotten something.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a jerky, sudden movement, like a car stalling or a head nodding off.
電車がガクンと動いて、つり革が揺れた。
The train jolted, and the hanging straps swayed.
For the metaphorical 'jolt' of caffeine. Literally 'to wake up from caffeine'.
コーヒーを飲んだら、カフェインで目が覚めた。
The coffee gave me a jolt and woke me up.