How to say "twitch" in Japanese

• 引きつるひきつるCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers cramping and spasming of muscles — a twitch that seizes and holds, as when a muscle cramps or the corner of the mouth twitches involuntarily. The default choice for cramp-like involuntary contractions.
  顔かおがひきつります。↗

  My face twitches.
• ひくつく
  godan verb, intransitive verbDescribes something twitching with small, repeated movements, such as a facial muscle or a body part jumping involuntarily. A straightforward verb for a twitching motion, though less common than alternatives.
• ピクつく
  godan verb, intransitive verbDescribes a small, sharp twitch or jerk, most characteristically of the ears, but also other body parts moving with a quick flick. Good for brief involuntary twitches like an ear flicking at a sound.
• チック
  nounThis is the medical term for a tic — a habitual, involuntary spasm such as eye-blinking or head-jerking. For everyday 'twitch' of a muscle it is seldom the word you want; reach for it only when the tic itself is meant.
• ピクピク動くピクピクうごく
  expression, godan verbDescribes moving with repeated small jerks, wiggles, or twitches — the whole movement is a series of quick little motions. Suits something visibly jerking or wiggling rather than a single muscle spasm.

For involuntary muscle spasms use 「引きつる」; for small repeated twitches use 「ひくつく」 or 「ピクつく」 (especially of ears); for the medical tic sense use 「チック」; 「ピクピク動く」 describes jerky, wiggling movement.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 引きつるひきつるto have a cramp
• ひくつくto twitch
• ピクつくto twitch (e.g. of ears)
• チックtic
• ピクピク動くピクピクうごくto jerk
• 痙攣けいれんconvulsion
• 引きつりひきつりspasm
• 引っ攣りひっつりspasm