Translation guide
Expressing strong surprise or shock in Japanese. The most common and versatile word is 驚く (odoroku), but there are many nuanced expressions for different degrees and flavors of astonishment.
To express that you are surprised or astonished by something unexpected.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to be surprised/astonished'. Can be used in many contexts.
そのニュースを聞いて驚いた。
I was astonished to hear the news.
彼の才能には驚かされる。
I am astonished by his talent.
A very common, slightly more casual and onomatopoeic way to say 'to be surprised/astonished'. Often used for sudden surprises.
急に大きな音がしてびっくりした。
I was startled by a sudden loud noise.
プレゼントをもらってびっくりした。
I was astonished to receive a present.
Transitive verb meaning 'to surprise/astonish someone'. Often used in passive form 驚かされる.
彼の行動はみんなを驚かせた。
His actions astonished everyone.
To express a stronger degree of astonishment, often leaving you speechless or overwhelmed.
Means 'to be flabbergasted/astonished'. Stronger than 驚く, often used for shocking news.
その値段を聞いて仰天した。
I was astonished when I heard the price.
To be astonished in a negative way, often with a sense of being appalled or disgusted. Implies 'I can't believe it'.
彼の無責任さにあきれた。
I was astonished by his irresponsibility.
To be stunned, dumbfounded, or in a daze from astonishment. Often used when you can't react.
突然の知らせに呆然とした。
I was stunned by the sudden news.
To express that you are astonished in a positive way, often with admiration or awe.
To be impressed/admiringly astonished. Often used for someone's skill or effort.
彼の努力には感心した。
I was astonished by his effort.
To marvel at, to be filled with wonder and astonishment. More formal/literary.
その美しさに驚嘆した。
I was astonished by its beauty.
To express that you are caught off guard or astonished by something unforeseen.
To be taken by surprise, caught off guard. Often used when someone does something unexpected.
彼の質問に不意を突かれた。
I was taken aback by his question.
Similar to 不意を突かれる, but emphasizes being hit where you are vulnerable or off guard. Slightly more literary.
その指摘に虚を突かれた。
I was astonished by that pointed remark.
Both mean 'to be surprised/astonished'. 驚く is slightly more formal and can be used in writing and speech. びっくりする is more colloquial and often implies a sudden, startling surprise. In casual conversation, びっくりする is very common.
While there are many words for 'astonished', using overly literal or rare words like 愕然とする (がくぜんとする) in everyday speech can sound unnatural. Stick to common words like 驚く or びっくりする unless you need a specific nuance.