ドキドキ

also: どきんどきん · どっきどき

ど

き

ど

き

Common wordJLPTN3Freq.FrequencyTop 10,000

ドキドキする · noun or participle which takes 'suru'

Meanings

thump-thump; pit-a-pat; pounding

Onomatopoeia for a heartbeat, often from excitement, nervousness, or anticipation. Used adverbially with と or as a standalone mimetic word.

Related words· 11

わくわくN3sense 1
ワクワク expresses excited anticipation or thrill, while ドキドキ centers on the physical sensation of a pounding heart, often from nervousness or tension.
バクバクN1sense 1
バクバク describes a louder, more violent heartbeat often from fear or shock, whereas ドキドキ is a lighter, more rhythmic pounding.
ハラハラN2sense 1
はらはら describes nervous suspense or worry about an outcome, while ドキドキ focuses on the bodily sensation of a racing heart regardless of cause.
ときめき
ドキドキ is an onomatopoeic adverb/noun for a pounding heart from any strong emotion including fear, while ときめき specifically names the joyful, excited flutter of a heart.

Show 7 more

きゅん
ドキドキ describes a pounding heartbeat from excitement or nervousness, while きゅん describes a tighter, more emotional squeeze often linked to love or sadness.
どきんN1
どきどき describes a continuous pounding heartbeat from excitement or nervousness, while どきん describes a single, sudden jolt.
ひやひやN2
どきどき focuses on a pounding heartbeat from excitement or nervousness, while 冷や冷や(ひやひや) emphasizes a chilly, on-edge feeling of anxiety about how things will turn out.
そわそわN3
どきどき describes a pounding heart from excitement or nervousness, while そわそわ describes outward fidgety behavior.

Don't confuse with

どぎまぎN1
どきどき describes a pounding heartbeat from excitement or nervousness, while どぎまぎ describes visible fluster or awkward embarrassment, and the two mimetic words are easily confused by sound.
びくびくN1
ドキドキ is a racing heartbeat that can come from excitement or nervousness, while びくびく specifically implies fearful flinching or dread, not positive thrill.