Translation guide
Expressing amazement in Japanese involves choosing the right word based on the nuance: surprise, admiration, or being overwhelmed. Common verbs like 驚く (odoroku) and 感心する (kanshin suru) cover most situations, while more intense or literary options exist for stronger feelings.
景色に驚きました。
I was amazed by the view.
あなたの腕前に感心しました！
I'm amazed at your skill!
To express being surprised or astonished by something unexpected.
The most common and versatile verb for 'be amazed/surprised'. Can be used for both positive and negative surprises.
彼の才能に驚いた。
I was amazed by his talent.
そのニュースを聞いて驚きました。
I was surprised to hear the news.
A more casual, onomatopoeic expression for being startled or amazed. Often used in spoken Japanese.
プレゼントをもらってびっくりした。
I was amazed when I got the present.
A formal, literary term for being filled with wonder or admiration. Used in writing or formal speeches.
その美しさに驚嘆した。
I marveled at its beauty.
To express being amazed in a positive way, often admiring someone's skill, effort, or quality.
To be impressed or admire, often with a nuance of being moved by someone's actions or character.
彼の努力に感心した。
I was impressed by his effort.
To admire or marvel at something, often used for beauty or excellence. Slightly more formal than 感心する.
その絵の素晴らしさに感嘆した。
I marveled at the splendor of the painting.
Literally 'to groan', but used idiomatically to mean being so impressed that one groans in admiration. Casual and expressive.
To express being so amazed that one is left speechless, often due to something shocking or unbelievable.
To be amazed in a negative sense, often meaning 'to be appalled' or 'to be disgusted'. Implies disbelief at someone's foolishness.
Often carries a negative connotation. Use with care.
彼の無責任さに呆れた。
I was amazed (appalled) at his irresponsibility.
To be at a loss for words, stunned into silence. Can be used for both positive and negative amazement.
あまりの光景に絶句した。
I was speechless at the sight.
To be dumbfounded or stunned, often with a sense of being lost or bewildered.
突然の知らせに茫然とした。
I was stunned by the sudden news.
驚く is the standard verb for 'be surprised/amazed' and can be used in any register. びっくりする is more colloquial and often implies a sudden, startled reaction. In formal writing or speech, stick to 驚く.
English 'amazed' can be positive or negative, but some Japanese equivalents are strongly negative. For example, 呆れる (akireru) means 'to be disgusted/amazed at someone's stupidity'. Don't use it for positive amazement.
I was blown away by his performance.