心(こころ)に響(ひび)く

こころにひびく

expression

to strike a chord; to resonate deeply; to be deeply moving

1. to strike a chord; to resonate deeply; to be deeply moving; to touch one's heart

Describes words, music, art, or experiences that deeply affect or move a person emotionally. Literally means 'to resonate in the heart.'

その言葉(ことば)は心(こころ)に響(ひび)いた。

Those words struck a chord.

彼(かれ)のスピーチは聴衆(ちょうしゅう)の心(こころ)に響(ひび)いた。

His speech resonated deeply with the audience.

心(こころ)に響(ひび)く音楽(おんがく)に出会(であ)えるのは、人生(じんせい)の大(おお)きな喜(よろこ)びだと思(おも)う。

I think encountering music that truly moves you is one of life's great joys.

A figurative expression combining 心(こころ) (heart/mind) + に (in/to) + 響(ひび)く (to reverberate/resound). Just as sound physically resonates, words or experiences metaphorically resonate within a person's heart.

Usage

Very commonly used in reviews, recommendations, and personal reflections. Frequently appears in book and movie reviews, descriptions of speeches, and discussions of art and music.

Common collocations

心(こころ)に響(ひび)く言葉(ことば): words that touch the heart
心(こころ)に響(ひび)く歌(うた): a song that moves you
心(こころ)に響(ひび)くスピーチ: a moving speech
心(こころ)に深(ふか)く響(ひび)く: to resonate deeply in one's heart

Similar words

胸(むね)に刺(さ)さる: to hit home, to sting — can imply pain or sharp impact, not just positive emotion
感動(かんどう)する: to be moved, to be deeply impressed — a more general and direct expression
胸(むね)を打(う)つ: to strike the heart — similar but slightly more literary
心(こころ)に染(し)みる: to sink into the heart — emphasizes gradual, gentle emotional absorption

Related Words

Compare: 胸(むね)に刺(さ)さる (to hit home, to sting)

Compare: 感動(かんどう)する (to be moved, to be deeply impressed)

Compare: 突(つ)き刺(ささ)る (to pierce, to stick into)

Compare: 心(こころ)に刺(さ)さる (to strike a chord)

Compare: 胸(むね)に響(ひび)く (to resonate deeply)

Compare: 余韻(よいん)が残(のこ)る (the aftertaste lingers)

general

Added 2026.3.30 16:54 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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