Translation guide
The English word "astonishing" describes something that causes great surprise or wonder. In Japanese, this feeling is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey amazement, shock, or being deeply impressed. The most natural choice depends on whether you are describing a fact, an event, or your personal reaction.
astonishing (modifier, formal/written)
astonishing (reaction, casual)
To describe something that is so good, beautiful, or impressive that it causes amazement and admiration.
A formal, written modifier meaning 'astonishing' or 'surprising'. Used before nouns to describe facts, achievements, or qualities that are remarkably impressive.
Her talent is astonishing.
He solved the problem with astonishing speed.
A na-adjective meaning 'astonishing', 'miraculous', or 'phenomenal'. Often used for achievements, records, or abilities that seem almost unbelievable.
He has an astonishing memory.
Literally 'to open one's eyes wide'. Used as a set phrase meaning 'astonishing' or 'eye-opening', often for spectacular sights or remarkable scenes.
It was an astonishing view.
Commonly means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Can convey 'astonishing' when the degree of excellence is emphasized, but is less intense than the other options.
That's an astonishing result.
To describe news, facts, or events that are so surprising they are almost unbelievable, often with a negative or neutral connotation.
Also used for shocking or unbelievable facts. The context determines whether the nuance is positive or negative.
Astonishingly, he didn't know that fact.
Literally 'unbelievable'. Very common in speech to express astonishment at something shocking or unexpected.
Astonishing! Did that really happen?
A verb meaning 'to be astonished' or 'to be flabbergasted'. Stronger and more dramatic than 驚く, often used for shocking news.
I was astonished to hear the news.
To express your own feeling of being astonished, often as an immediate reaction.
The basic verb for 'to be surprised/astonished'. Use 驚いた as an exclamation or to describe your reaction.
I was truly astonished by the news.
Astonishing! You're already done?
A more casual, onomatopoeic verb for 'to be surprised/astonished'. Very common in daily conversation.
I was astonished when I heard the price.
To be dumbfounded or taken aback. Used when you are so astonished that you are momentarily speechless.
I was astonished by his sudden confession.
Both mean 'astonishing', but 驚くべき is more common and can be used for both positive and negative surprises. 驚異的 emphasizes an almost miraculous or phenomenal quality, and is almost always positive.
astonishing fact (neutral/shocking)
astonishing recovery (miraculous)
English speakers often want to use 'astonishing' as a strong compliment, but in Japanese, directly saying 驚くべき才能 (astonishing talent) can sound overly dramatic or written. In casual speech, すごい (amazing) or 信じられない (unbelievable) are more natural for expressing strong admiration.