wonder, be surprised, frightened, amazed
驚 centers on a sudden, strong emotional reaction to something unexpected: being surprised, amazed, or frightened. The core idea is a startled response that can range from wonder to fear.
驚 combines 敬 (respect, awe) with 馬 (horse), suggesting a horse startled into a state of alarm or awe. The 敬 component likely contributes both sound and the idea of a strong emotional reaction.
A respectful 敬 horse 馬 is easily startled: imagine a dignified horse suddenly rearing up in surprise, capturing both wonder and fright.
For キョウ, picture a startled horse in Kyoto (京都, きょうと): the horse is amazed by the bustling city, and Kyoto -> キョウ.
to be surprised; to be taken aback; to be amazed; to be astonished; to be shocked
surprise; astonishment; wonder; amazement
astonishment; amazement; surprise; fright; shock
wonder; miracle; amazement; prodigy
to surprise; to frighten; to create a stir
wonder; admiration; being struck with admiration
to get a big surprise; to be astonished; to have one's breath taken away; to be taken aback
surprise; amazement
surprise
night terror
prodding the unknown may bring about unnecessary trouble; brushing a patch of grass may startle a snake
to take by surprise; to startle; to shock
surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly
to surprise; to frighten; to create a stir
to be astonished; to be amazed
do not be surprised; lo and behold; wait for it
astonishing; amazing; surprising; wonderful
to a surprising degree; to a remarkable extent; surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly
being very surprised; being utterly astonished; being shocked
pleasant surprise