Translation guide
Expressing strong surprise or shock in Japanese. The most natural way depends on the degree of formality, the speaker's gender, and whether the astonishment is positive or negative.
Express being astonished in everyday conversation, often as an immediate reaction.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be surprised/astonished'. Used for both positive and negative surprises. Can be used by anyone.
それには本当にびっくりした。
I was really astonished by that.
I was startled by a sudden loud noise.
Standard verb for 'be surprised/astonished'. Slightly more formal than びっくりする, but still common in speech and writing.
彼の才能には驚いた。
I was astonished by his talent.
Emphatic version of びっくりする, meaning 'be flabbergasted' or 'be utterly astonished'. More dramatic and less common.
そのニュースを聞いてびっくり仰天した。
I was absolutely astonished when I heard the news.
Express being astonished in formal situations, news reports, or writing.
Literally 'it is a surprising thing'. Used to comment on astonishing facts or events in a formal tone.
彼が辞任したのは驚くべきことだ。
It is astonishing that he resigned.
Means 'to marvel at' or 'be astonished in admiration'. Often used for impressive achievements or beauty.
観客はその演技に驚嘆した。
The audience was astonished by the performance.
Means 'to be stunned' or 'dumbfounded', often with a negative connotation. Stronger than 驚く.
その知らせに愕然とした。
I was stunned by the news.
Describe being in a state of astonishment, often using adjectives or stative expressions.
The te-iru form of 驚く, meaning 'is astonished/surprised'. Describes the ongoing state.
彼はその結果に驚いている。
He is astonished by the result.
Casual equivalent of 驚いている, meaning 'is surprised/astonished'.
彼女はまだびっくりしている。
She is still astonished.
Express being astonished in a negative way, such as shock or dismay.
Literally 'receive a shock'. Very common for expressing emotional shock or dismay.
その言葉にショックを受けた。
I was shocked by those words.
Means 'to be dumbfounded' or 'stunned', often implying speechlessness.
あまりの光景に呆然とした。
I was astonished by the sight and stood speechless.
びっくりする is more colloquial and often used for sudden, momentary surprise. 驚く can be used in both casual and formal contexts and may imply a deeper or more lasting astonishment. In writing, 驚く is preferred.
びっくりして飛び上がった。
I jumped in surprise.
彼の無知に驚いた。
I was astonished at his ignorance.
English 'be astonished' can sound formal. In casual Japanese, using びっくりする is much more natural than trying to directly translate 'astonished' with a stiff equivalent. Reserve 驚嘆する or 愕然とする for very specific contexts.
彼がそこにいるのを見てびっくりした。
I was astonished to see him there.
彼女はその知らせに驚いた。
She was astonished by the news.