よぎる

• Reading: よぎる
• Romaji: yogiru
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To cross one's mind; to flash through; to pass briefly across. Describes a thought, feeling, or shadow that moves quickly through consciousness or vision.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb written in hiragana. It derives historically from 横切る (よこぎる — to cross sideways), with the sense of something passing swiftly and involuntarily. The subject is typically an emotion, thought, or shadow, and the object is often 心 (heart/mind) or 頭 (head).

Examples

1. 別れ際に、ふと不安な予感が心をよぎった。 As we parted, a vague sense of unease suddenly crossed my mind.
2. 懐かしい思い出が走馬灯のようによぎっていく。 Nostalgic memories flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.
3. 最悪の事態が頭をよぎったが、気持ちを落ち着かせた。 The worst-case scenario crossed my mind, but I managed to calm myself down.

Usage Guide

Context: introspection, literary, emotions, narrative

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Shortened and intransitivised form of 横切る (よこぎる — to cut across). Over time よこぎる was reduced to よぎる and came to be used metaphorically for thoughts and feelings crossing the mind, rather than physical crossing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General