びっくり

び

っ

く

り

Common wordJLPTN4Freq.FrequencyTop 5,000

Meanings

noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb, adverb

usually written using kana aloneonomatopoeic or mimetic word

Mimetic word expressing sudden surprise or fright. Can be used as a noun, a suru-verb, or adverbially.

彼かの女じょの変かわりようにびっくりしている。

I'm amazed at how much she has changed.

noun-modifying (irregular)

usually written using kana aloneonomatopoeic or mimetic word

Prenominal use, modifying a noun to indicate something unexpected or surprising.

びっくりUsage75%
gikun (meaning-based reading) or jukujikun
Standard kana spelling; the word is usually written in kana.
ビックリUsage23%
kana-only spelling
Katakana variant, often used for emphasis or in informal writing.
吃驚びっくりUsage2%
rarely-used kanji formgikun (meaning-based reading) or jukujikun
Rare kanji form; a jukujikun reading. Not commonly used.
喫驚びっくり
rarely-used kanji formgikun (meaning-based reading) or jukujikun
Rare kanji form; a jukujikun reading. Not commonly used.

驚おどろく
A more formal and general verb for 'to be surprised'. びっくり is more colloquial and mimetic.
ドキッと
Mimetic word for a sudden shock or start, often with a negative connotation. びっくり is broader and can be positive or neutral.

Mimetic word; the exact origin is uncertain, but it likely imitates the sound or feeling of a sudden jump or start.