Translation guide
The English phrase "be nonplussed" means to be so surprised and confused that you are unsure how to react. In Japanese, this state is expressed through various words and phrases that convey bewilderment, perplexity, or being at a loss.
To be so surprised or confused that you don't know what to do or say.
Literally 'to be at a loss for direction', this is a common phrase for being completely bewildered and not knowing what to do next.
突然の知らせに途方に暮れた。
I was nonplussed by the sudden news.
A formal word meaning to be perplexed or embarrassed, often used when faced with an unexpected situation.
彼の質問に困惑した。
I was nonplussed by his question.
Similar to 困惑する, but often implies a stronger sense of being flustered or embarrassed.
彼女の反応に当惑した。
I was nonplussed by her reaction.
A very natural, everyday phrase meaning 'I don't know what to do'. It captures the helpless confusion of being nonplussed.
あまりのことにどうしていいかわからなかった。
I was so nonplussed I didn't know what to do.
To be so surprised that you are temporarily unable to speak.
Literally 'to lose words', this is the most direct way to say you were rendered speechless by shock or surprise.
その光景に言葉を失った。
I was nonplussed by the sight.
To be dumbfounded or stunned, often with a nuance of standing there in a daze.
彼は呆然として立ち尽くした。
He stood there nonplussed.
To be flabbergasted, often with mouth agape. Stronger and more literary than 呆然.
その無礼な態度に唖然とした。
I was nonplussed by his rude attitude.
To be mentally confused or unable to make sense of something.
A general word for mental confusion or disorder. Can be used when nonplussed by complex information.
説明が複雑で混乱した。
I was nonplussed by the complicated explanation.
A casual phrase meaning 'I don't get it' or 'it makes no sense'. Expresses the confusion aspect of being nonplussed.
彼の行動はわけがわからなかった。
I was nonplussed by his behavior.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'nonplussed'. Translating it literally as ノンプラスド will not be understood. Use the phrases and words above depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Both mean perplexed, but 当惑 often implies a stronger sense of being flustered or embarrassed, while 困惑 is more about mental confusion. In many contexts they are interchangeable.