ちくちく

ちくちく
adverb
prickling; stinging; stabbing
descriptive
1. prickling; stinging; pricking
Describes a sharp, prickling sensation, like being poked repeatedly.
セーターがちくちくする。
The sweater feels prickly.
喉(のど)がちくちく痛(いた)い。
My throat has a stinging pain.
このセーターはちくちくする。
This sweater is prickly.
2. sewing; stitching (sound)
The sound or action of continuous small stitches.
ちくちくと縫(ぬ)い物(もの)をする。
To sew with small stitches.
ちくちくと嫌味(いやみ)を言(い)う。
To make snide remarks.
彼(かれ)の言葉(ことば)がちくちく胸(むね)に刺(さ)さった。
His words stung my heart.

ちくちく is an onomatopoeic word describing repeated small, sharp sensations — like being pricked by needles.

Physical sensations

  • ちくちくする: to feel prickly (a sweater, grass)
  • ちくちく痛(いた)む: to have a stinging pain (throat, wound)

Sewing

Usage

Also describes biting or hurtful words: ちくちく言(い)う (to make snide remarks), 言葉(ことば)がちくちく刺(さ)さる (words that sting). This figurative meaning comes from the sense of being pricked repeatedly.

Similar words

Related Words

Related: ひりひり (stinging, burning)
Related: じんじん (tingling, numbness)
Related: ずきずき (throbbing (pain))
Compare: きりきり (sharp pain)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
05000/05372_chikuchiku