Translation guide
The English word 'tic' refers to a sudden, repetitive, involuntary movement or sound. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is チック (chikku), a loanword from English. It is widely understood in medical and everyday contexts. For more formal or clinical settings, チック症 (chikku-shou) is used to mean 'tic disorder'. The native Japanese term ひきつり (hikitsuri) can refer to muscle spasms or twitches, but is less specific to tic disorders.
チック
tic (involuntary movement or sound)
Most common translation. For medical 'tic disorder', use チック症.
To refer to a sudden, repetitive, involuntary movement or vocalization, as in Tourette syndrome or transient tic disorders.
The most common and direct translation, a loanword from English. Used in both medical and everyday contexts.
彼はチックがある。
He has a tic.
ストレスでチックが出た。
I developed a tic due to stress.
Means 'tic disorder'. Used in formal or medical contexts when referring to the condition itself.
チック症と診断された。
I was diagnosed with a tic disorder.
Refers to muscle spasms or twitching, but is less specific to tic disorders. Can be used for facial tics or cramps.
顔のひきつりが気になる。
I'm bothered by the facial twitching.
Specifically a tic affecting the face, such as eye blinking or mouth twitching.
Literally 'facial tic'. The most natural way to specify a tic on the face.
最近、顔のチックがひどい。
Lately, my facial tic has been bad.
Specifically an eye tic, like excessive blinking.
目のチックが止まらない。
My eye tic won't stop.
A tic that involves sound, such as throat clearing, grunting, or repeating words.
The standard term for vocal tics, used in medical contexts.
音声チックには咳払いや叫び声が含まれる。
Vocal tics include throat clearing and shouting.
A more casual way to say vocal tic, literally 'voice tic'.
声のチックが出てしまう。
I end up making vocal tics.
The English word 'tic' is not the same as 'tick' (a small parasite or the sound of a clock). In Japanese, 'tick' (parasite) is ダニ (dani), and 'tick' (clock sound) is チクタク (chikutaku). Be careful not to mix them up.
ダニに噛まれた。
I was bitten by a tick.