Translation guide
Expresses extreme surprise, shock, or astonishment. Japanese uses various words and phrases depending on the nuance—from stunned speechlessness to exaggerated shock.
To be so surprised that you are temporarily unable to speak or react.
Describes being dumbfounded or taken aback, often by something unexpected. Literally 'taken by surprise'.
そのニュースを聞いて、あっけにとられた。
I was flabbergasted when I heard the news.
A state of being stunned or dumbfounded, often with a blank expression. Can be used as a suru-verb (呆然とする).
彼は呆然として立ち尽くした。
He stood there flabbergasted.
Literally 'to lose words'. Used when you are so shocked you cannot speak.
あまりの光景に言葉を失った。
I was flabbergasted by the sight.
General strong surprise, not necessarily speechless.
Common word for surprise. Often used with する (びっくりする). Can be intensified with とても or すごく.
その値段を聞いてびっくりした。
I was flabbergasted by the price.
General verb for 'to be surprised'. Can be used in various tenses.
Means to be greatly astonished or flabbergasted. Slightly more dramatic than 驚く.
その結果に仰天した。
I was flabbergasted by the result.
Surprise mixed with dismay or disapproval.
Literally 'to receive a shock'. Commonly used for emotional shock.
彼の言葉にショックを受けた。
I was flabbergasted by his words.
Describes being stunned or aghast, often with a negative connotation. Used as 愕然とする.
その知らせに愕然とした。
I was flabbergasted by the news.
びっくり is the most common and casual way to express surprise. 驚く is slightly more formal and can be used in writing. あっけにとられる specifically implies being dumbfounded or taken aback, often with a sense of being unable to react.
びっくりした！
I'm surprised! (casual)
驚きました。
I was surprised. (polite)
あっけにとられて何も言えなかった。
I was flabbergasted and couldn't say anything.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'flabbergasted'. Avoid trying to translate it directly; instead, choose the phrase that best fits the context and intensity.
彼の突然の告白に驚いた。
I was flabbergasted by his sudden confession.