Translation guide
How to express the idea of catching someone off guard in Japanese, from surprising them to taking advantage of their unpreparedness.
To do or say something unexpected that surprises someone, often when they are not ready.
A common phrase meaning to take someone by surprise or catch them off guard. Used in both physical and psychological contexts.
彼の質問に不意を突かれた。
I was caught off guard by his question.
敵の不意を突いて攻撃した。
We attacked, catching the enemy off guard.
Similar to 不意を突く, but emphasizes exploiting a weak point or a moment of inattention. Slightly more strategic.
相手の虚を突いて得点した。
I scored by catching my opponent off guard.
To do something completely unexpected, taking someone by surprise. Often used for actions or ideas that defy expectations.
彼の意表を突く発言に、会場が静まり返った。
The room fell silent at his remark that caught everyone off guard.
To make someone let their guard down, often deliberately, before catching them off guard. Implies a setup.
わざと負けて相手を油断させた。
I deliberately lost to catch my opponent off guard later.
To describe the state of being surprised or unprepared for something.
Passive form of 不意を突く. The most direct way to say you were caught off guard.
突然の訪問に不意を突かれた。
I was caught off guard by the sudden visit.
Passive of 虚を突く. Emphasizes being caught at a weak moment.
寝ているところを虚を突かれた。
I was caught off guard while sleeping.
To be flustered or taken aback by something unexpected. Casual and vivid.
To flinch or recoil from surprise. More physical, often used when startled.
To ask or say something that surprises someone, often revealing their true feelings or catching them in a lie.
A question that catches someone completely off guard. Often used in interviews or debates.
記者の意表を突く質問に、大臣は言葉を詰まらせた。
The minister was caught off guard by the reporter's unexpected question and faltered.
A surprise question, like a sneak attack. 不意打ち means 'surprise attack'.
面接で不意打ちの質問をされて困った。
I was thrown by a question that caught me off guard in the interview.
不意を突く is the general term for catching someone off guard. 虚を突く emphasizes exploiting a specific opening or moment of weakness. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 虚を突く sounds more tactical.
不意を突かれて動揺した。
I was caught off guard and flustered.
守備の虚を突かれて失点した。
We conceded a goal after being caught off guard in defense.
Avoid directly translating 'catch off guard' word-for-word. Phrases like ガードを外す are not natural in Japanese for this meaning. Use the idiomatic expressions above.
いきなり名前を呼ばれて面食らった。
I was caught off guard when someone suddenly called my name.
彼の剣幕にたじろいだ。
I was caught off guard by his ferocity.