ずきずき

ずきずき is an onomatopoeia specifically for throbbing, pulsating pain. The pain comes in waves, often synchronized with the heartbeat.

Common patterns

• 頭(あたま)がずきずきする: head is throbbing
• 歯(は)がずきずきする: tooth is throbbing
• 傷(きず)がずきずき痛(いた)む: the wound throbs with pain
• ずきずきした痛(いた)み: throbbing pain

Contrast with other pain words

• ちくちく: pricking, stinging pain (needles, thorns)
• ひりひり: burning, smarting pain (sunburn, raw skin)
• きりきり: sharp, twisting pain (stomach)
• がんがん: pounding pain (intense headache)
• しくしく: dull, persistent ache (stomach)