Japanese word

脈

Pronunciation

Romajimyaku

Meaning

  • nounpulse

Example

運動の後で脈が速くなります。un dō no ato de myaku ga haya ku na ri ma su

My pulse gets faster after exercise.

Illustration for 脈 (pulse)

More examples

医師は診察の前に脈を取ります。i shi wa shin satsu no mae ni myaku o to ri ma su

The doctor takes your pulse before the examination.

Core concept

Names the rhythmic movement felt in a blood vessel as the heart sends blood through the body.

Common phrases

  • 脈を取るmyaku o to ru

    take one's pulse

  • 脈が遅いmyaku ga oso i

    have a slow pulse

  • 脈が速いmyaku ga haya i

    have a fast pulse

Similar words

脈拍myakuhaku: The rhythm and speed of heartbeats as felt in an artery.
鼓動kodō: The repeated movement produced by the beating of the heart.

Definition in Japanese

心臓の拍動によって血管に生じる周期的な動き。shin zō no haku dō ni yo tte kek kan ni shō ji ru shū ki teki na ugo ki

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 脈 (myaku, "pulse") uses the kanji 脈 (myaku, "vein or pulse"), a Chinese-derived character whose sense extends from a vein to the beat felt in it.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 脈がある (myaku ga aru) can figuratively mean that someone is likely to return another person's romantic interest.

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