Translation and Meaning of: 吃逆 - shakkuri

If you've ever had a hiccup attack and were curious about what the Japanese call this annoyance, the word you're looking for is 吃逆[しゃっくり]. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life in Japan. Additionally, we will understand why this expression is so peculiar and how it fits into the Japanese language.

For those studying Japanese, knowing terms like しゃっくり can be useful not only for expanding vocabulary but also for understanding small details of the culture. Does this word have any relation to Japanese superstitions? Or does it appear in animes and mangas? Let's discover all of this below.

The meaning and origin of 吃逆[しゃっくり]

The word しゃっくり is used to describe a hiccup, that involuntary diaphragm movement that often comes out of nowhere. Although it seems simple, its kanji writing, 吃逆, is quite rare in everyday use. Most Japanese people prefer to write it in hiragana, precisely because it is easier to remember and recognize.

Regarding its origin, 吃逆 comes from the combination of two kanji: 吃 (which can mean "to stutter" or "to choke") and 逆 (which means "reverse" or "opposite"). Together, they aptly describe the sensation of a hiccup — a sudden and involuntary movement that interrupts normal breathing. Interestingly, this kanji writing is more common in medical contexts, while in everyday life, hiragana prevails.

How is しゃっくり used in Japanese culture?

In Japan, like in many countries, there are superstitions related to hiccups. One of them says that if someone has しゃっくり, it is because they are being talked about behind their back. Another popular belief suggests that drinking water upside down can stop hiccups — a trick that also exists in the West, but with variations.

Additionally, しゃっくり appears occasionally in animes and dramas, usually in comedic scenes where a character gets stuck in an endless cycle of hiccups. This usage reinforces how the word is rooted in everyday life and entertainment in Japan, showing that even a simple physiological phenomenon can gain cultural significance.

Tips for memorizing and using しゃっくり

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with the sound that a hiccup makes. Notice that しゃっくり (shakkuri) has a sound that resembles the "hic" of a hiccup in English. This phonetic similarity can aid in memorization, especially for those who are just starting to learn Japanese.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "しゃっくりが止まらない" (shakkuri ga tomaranai – "my hiccup won't stop"). Using the word in real contexts makes it easier to remember. And if you've ever been curious about how Japanese people try to stop hiccups, it's worth researching traditional methods — some are quite creative!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 逆食 (gyaku shoku) - Reverse ingestion; the act of regurgitating.
• 逆流 (gyaku ryuu) - Reverse flow; the movement of something moving in the opposite direction.
• 逆胃 (gyaku i) - Reversed stomach; refers to issues related to gastric reflux.
• 逆上がり (gyaku agari) - Reverse movement; it can refer to an acrobatic maneuver where one moves upward in an inverted manner.

吃逆

Romaji: shakkuri
Kana: しゃっくり
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Hiccough; Hiccup

Meaning in English: hiccough;hiccup

Definition: Symptoms of regurgitation of food and drinks.

Example Sentences - (吃逆) shakkuri

See below some example sentences:

私は吃逆を持っています。

Watashi wa kisugyaku wo motteimasu

I have dysphagia.

I have a stutter.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 吃逆 - Japanese word meaning "acid reflux"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the present tense