expression, kuru verb (irregular)
to be emotionally moved; to touch one's heart
Describes a sudden, often poignant emotional impact, as if something strikes the chest. Used for both positive and sad feelings.
彼のスピーチは本当に胸にきた。
His speech really touched my heart.
映画のラストシーンが胸にきて、涙が出た。
The final scene of the movie moved me deeply, and I cried.
Common kana-mixed spelling; the verb くる is usually written in kana in this expression.
Kanji spelling for 来る is also used, but less common in this idiomatic phrase.
Idiomatic phrase combining 胸 (chest/heart) with くる (to come), literally 'to come to one's chest', expressing a sudden emotional impact.