Translation guide
The English word "astonishing" describes something that causes great surprise or wonder. In Japanese, this feeling is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey amazement, shock, or being deeply impressed. The most natural choice depends on whether you are describing a fact, an event, or your personal reaction.
To describe something that is so good, beautiful, or impressive that it causes amazement and admiration.
A formal, written modifier meaning 'astonishing' or 'surprising'. Used before nouns to describe facts, achievements, or qualities that are remarkably impressive.
彼女の才能は驚くべきものだ。
Her talent is astonishing.
He solved the problem with astonishing speed.
A na-adjective meaning 'astonishing', 'miraculous', or 'phenomenal'. Often used for achievements, records, or abilities that seem almost unbelievable.
彼は驚異的な記憶力を持っている。
He has an astonishing memory.
Literally 'to open one's eyes wide'. Used as a set phrase meaning 'astonishing' or 'eye-opening', often for spectacular sights or remarkable scenes.
目を見張るような景色だった。
It was an astonishing view.
Commonly means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Can convey 'astonishing' when the degree of excellence is emphasized, but is less intense than the other options.
素晴らしい成果だ。
That's an astonishing result.
To describe news, facts, or events that are so surprising they are almost unbelievable, often with a negative or neutral connotation.
Also used for shocking or unbelievable facts. The context determines whether the nuance is positive or negative.
驚くべきことに、彼はその事実を知らなかった。
Astonishingly, he didn't know that fact.
Literally 'unbelievable'. Very common in speech to express astonishment at something shocking or unexpected.
信じられない！そんなことが本当にあったの？
Astonishing! Did that really happen?
A verb meaning 'to be astonished' or 'to be flabbergasted'. Stronger and more dramatic than 驚く, often used for shocking news.
その知らせを聞いて仰天した。
I was astonished to hear the news.
To express your own feeling of being astonished, often as an immediate reaction.
The basic verb for 'to be surprised/astonished'. Use 驚いた as an exclamation or to describe your reaction.
そのニュースには本当に驚いた。
I was truly astonished by the news.
驚いた！もう終わったの？
Astonishing! You're already done?
A more casual, onomatopoeic verb for 'to be surprised/astonished'. Very common in daily conversation.
値段を聞いてびっくりした。
I was astonished when I heard the price.
Both mean 'astonishing', but 驚くべき is more common and can be used for both positive and negative surprises. 驚異的 emphasizes an almost miraculous or phenomenal quality, and is almost always positive.
English speakers often want to use 'astonishing' as a strong compliment, but in Japanese, directly saying 驚くべき才能 (astonishing talent) can sound overly dramatic or written. In casual speech, すごい (amazing) or 信じられない (unbelievable) are more natural for expressing strong admiration.
To be dumbfounded or taken aback. Used when you are so astonished that you are momentarily speechless.
彼の突然の告白にあっけに取られた。
I was astonished by his sudden confession.