Translation guide
The English phrase "be overawed" means to be so impressed or intimidated by someone or something that you feel subdued, nervous, or unable to act naturally. In Japanese, this feeling is often expressed through verbs and adjectives describing being overwhelmed, daunted, or losing one's nerve in the face of greatness or authority.
To describe being so impressed or intimidated by a person (e.g., a boss, a celebrity, an expert) that you feel nervous, small, or unable to act naturally.
This is the most direct and common way to express being overawed. It means to be overwhelmed or overpowered by someone's presence, ability, or atmosphere. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
彼の存在感に圧倒されて、何も言えなかった。
I was so overawed by his presence that I couldn't say anything.
To describe being so impressed by something magnificent (e.g., nature, art, a performance) that you feel a sense of wonder or reverence.
Again, this is the most versatile word. It can be used for being overwhelmed by beauty, scale, or excellence.
その絵の美しさに圧倒されて、しばらく動けなかった。
I was overawed by the beauty of the painting and couldn't move for a while.
I was completely overawed in the presence of the president.
This word specifically means to be mentally overwhelmed or daunted by someone's force of personality or intensity. It implies a loss of confidence or nerve.
面接官の鋭い質問に気圧されて、うまく答えられなかった。
I was overawed by the interviewer's sharp questions and couldn't answer well.
This means to be intimidated or overawed by someone's authority or domineering manner. It often carries a negative connotation of being oppressed or coerced.
上司の威圧的な態度に威圧されて、反論できなかった。
I was overawed by my boss's intimidating attitude and couldn't argue back.
This phrase describes being flustered or overwhelmed to the point of recoiling or being at a loss for words. It's often used when someone is overawed by a strong personality or unexpected situation.
彼の剣幕にたじたじになって、何も言い返せなかった。
I was overawed by his fury and couldn't say anything back.
This means to be deeply impressed or filled with admiration. It's a more formal word, often used when acknowledging someone's superior skill or character.
彼の知識の深さに感服した。
I was overawed by the depth of his knowledge.
This is a formal, literary phrase meaning to feel awe or reverence. It's used for things that inspire a mix of fear and respect, like nature or a great person.
雄大な自然に畏敬の念を抱いた。
I was overawed by the majestic nature.