Translation guide
This English phrase describes a state of total confusion, not knowing what to do, or being utterly unable to understand or respond. Japanese has several common expressions that capture this feeling, ranging from everyday spoken phrases to more formal or written ones.
Expressing that you have no idea how to handle a situation, are stuck, or have run out of options.
A very common phrase meaning to be at a loss, not knowing what to do, often with a nuance of being helpless or bewildered.
I was completely at a loss at the sudden news.
He was at a loss, not knowing what to do.
Literally 'hands up', this is a casual, spoken way to say you're stuck and have given up trying to figure something out.
This problem is too difficult; I'm completely at a loss.
A straightforward, neutral phrase meaning 'I don't know what to do'. Very common in everyday speech.
In this situation, I'm completely at a loss.
Means to be perplexed or bewildered. Slightly more formal/written than 途方に暮れる, but still common.
The employees were completely at a loss over his sudden resignation.
Literally 'can't put out hands or feet', meaning you are utterly helpless and can't do anything about a situation. Often used when facing a superior opponent or an insurmountable problem.
The opponent was too strong; I was completely at a loss.
Expressing total confusion or lack of comprehension, often when faced with something puzzling or inexplicable.
A very common, slightly casual phrase meaning 'I have absolutely no idea' or 'I don't understand at all'.
I'm completely at a loss with this manual.
A colloquial, onomatopoeic phrase meaning something is completely incomprehensible, like gibberish. Often used for foreign languages or technical jargon.
Means 'I have no clue' or 'I can't even guess'. Used when you have no idea about something.
I'm completely at a loss as to why he's angry.
Expressing that you are so surprised, shocked, or moved that you cannot find the right words to say.
Literally 'to lose words', this is the most direct equivalent for being speechless or at a loss for words.
I was completely at a loss for words at the beauty.
A more conversational way to say 'I don't know what to say'. Very natural in spoken Japanese.
Means 'I have no words to reply with', often used when you are so overwhelmed or proven wrong that you can't respond.
途方に暮れる emphasizes a helpless, stuck feeling, often in a difficult situation. 困惑する is more about mental perplexity and is slightly more formal. In casual speech, どうしていいかわからない is the most neutral and common.
Do not translate 'be completely at a loss' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 完全に失っている are not natural. Use the expressions above depending on the nuance.
His talk was full of technical terms; I was completely at a loss.
A more formal expression meaning 'to be at a loss to understand', often used when something is illogical or hard to accept.
I am completely at a loss to understand his behavior.
I was completely at a loss for words at the sudden gift.
I was completely at a loss for words at his sound argument.