Translation guide
Describes the sensation of a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat, often due to exertion, anxiety, or medical conditions. Japanese expressions vary by cause, formality, and whether describing a symptom or a poetic feeling.
To describe a noticeably rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat as a physical symptom, often in a medical or health context.
Lately, I've been having palpitations.
My palpitations were so severe that I went to the hospital.
A common, everyday expression meaning 'my heart is pounding'. Often used for palpitations caused by excitement, nervousness, or mild symptoms.
My heart is pounding from nervousness.
The verb phrase using 動悸. Slightly more formal than 心臓がドキドキする, but still common in daily conversation about symptoms.
I get palpitations just from climbing the stairs.
A more technical, medical term for heart palpitations. Often seen in written medical contexts or combined with 亢進 (こうしん) as 心悸亢進.
Symptoms of palpitations are observed.
To express a pounding heart due to strong emotions like excitement, nervousness, or anticipation, not necessarily a medical issue.
A poetic expression meaning 'one's heart leaps/throbs' with excitement or anticipation. Often used in romantic or thrilling contexts.
My heart pounds at the thought of seeing him.
Onomatopoeic verb for a pounding heart, used for excitement, nervousness, or even fear. Very common in casual speech.
My heart was pounding on my first date.
Stronger onomatopoeia than ドキドキ, implying a very loud or violent pounding, often from shock, fear, or extreme excitement.
To describe a throbbing or fluttering sensation in a poetic or metaphorical way, often related to life, passion, or nature.
Refers to a heartbeat or pulse, often used poetically to describe the throbbing of life, passion, or a rhythmic beat. Can be used for both literal and figurative palpitations.
I feel the throbbing of life.
A rare, literary term for palpitation or throbbing, often used in older or highly stylized writing.
The throbbing in my chest won't stop.
動悸 is the clinical term for palpitations and can be used in formal or medical settings. ドキドキ is an onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to emotions and is casual. Use 動悸 when describing a symptom to a doctor, and ドキドキ when talking about excitement with friends.
Avoid directly translating 'palpitation' as パルピテーション; this is not a natural Japanese word. Use the terms provided based on context.
I'm so startled my heart is pounding loudly.
My heartbeat quickens.