How to Say ‘Is it a sharp, stabbing feeling?’ in Japanese
キリキリする感じですか。
kirikiri suru kanji desu ka
[kee-ree-KEE-ree soo-roo kahn-jee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Japanese describes pain with sound-like words plus する. キリキリ means a sharp, twisting pain, and ズキズキ (zukizuki) means "throbbing".
Phrase Breakdown
キリキリする
kirikiri suru
to have a sharp, stabbing pain
キリキリ is a sound-symbolic word for sharp, piercing pain. The Japanese r is a light tap: ki-ri-ki-ri.
お腹がキリキリする。
My stomach has a sharp pain.
Words in this phrase
キリキリ
kirikiri
[kee-ree-KEE-ree]
sharp, stabbing (pain)
Onomatopoeia for a sharp, piercing or twisting pain.
お腹がキリキリ痛みます。
My stomach has a sharp pain.
する
suru
[soo-roo]
to do
A very common verb meaning 'to do' that combines with many nouns.
面接の前に準備をする。
I do preparation before the interview.
感じですか。
kanji desu ka
does it feel like…?
感じ means 'feeling' or 'sense'. It is used to ask about the nature of a sensation.
こんな感じですか。
Is it like this?
Words in this phrase
感じ
kanji
[kahn-jee]
feeling; impression; sense
Often used to ask about the general vibe or impression of something.
職場はどんな感じですか。
What is the workplace like?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
What Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager