Translation guide
Expressing the idea of catching someone off guard, doing something unexpected, or launching a surprise attack.
To surprise someone by doing something they did not expect, often in a social or everyday context.
Literally 'to strike at someone's unpreparedness'. A very common and natural way to say 'take by surprise' in the sense of catching someone off guard.
彼の質問に不意を突かれた。
I was taken by surprise by his question.
不意を突かれて、何も言えなかった。
Taken by surprise, I couldn't say anything.
Literally 'to strike at an opening/vulnerability'. Similar to 不意を突く but emphasizes exploiting a weak point or moment of inattention.
敵の虚を突いて攻撃した。
We attacked, taking the enemy by surprise.
Literally 'to strike at someone's expectations'. Used when something completely unexpected happens, often with a nuance of being clever or unconventional.
彼の意表を突く発言に、会場がどよめいた。
His remark took everyone by surprise, and the room buzzed.
A noun meaning 'surprise attack' or 'sudden unexpected action'. Can be used metaphorically for non-physical surprises.
それは完全に不意打ちだった。
That was a complete surprise.
To attack or capture someone/something when they are not prepared, often in a military, sports, or strategic sense.
The standard term for a surprise attack in military or strategic contexts. Can also be used metaphorically.
敵陣を奇襲した。
We launched a surprise attack on the enemy camp.
彼らは夜明けに奇襲をかけた。
They took them by surprise at dawn.
A more descriptive phrase: 'to attack, taking someone by surprise'. Combines 不意を突く with 攻撃する.
不意を突いて攻撃するのが彼らの戦法だ。
Their tactic is to attack by surprise.
To express that someone was surprised or caught unprepared by an event or action.
Passive form of 不意を突く. The most natural way to say 'I was taken by surprise'.
突然の訪問に不意を突かれた。
I was taken by surprise by the sudden visit.
Passive of 虚を突く. Emphasizes being caught at a vulnerable moment.
守備の虚を突かれて失点した。
We conceded a goal after being caught off guard in defense.
Passive of 意表を突く. Used when something completely unexpected happens to you.
彼の答えに意表を突かれた。
I was taken by surprise by his answer.
不意を突く focuses on the element of unpreparedness or catching someone off guard, while 驚かせる simply means 'to surprise' or 'to startle'. Use 不意を突く when the surprise comes from the timing or unexpectedness of an action.
彼を驚かせようと思って、隠れた。
I hid, thinking to surprise him.
彼の質問に不意を突かれた。
I was taken by surprise by his question.
Do not translate 'take by surprise' literally as 驚きで取る or similar. It is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases listed above.