Translation guide
Expresses being so shocked or surprised that one is momentarily speechless or unable to react. Japanese offers several nuanced expressions depending on the degree of shock, formality, and whether the reaction is internal or visible.
To be so surprised or shocked that you cannot speak or react for a moment.
A common, neutral phrase meaning to be stunned or dumbfounded, often with a sense of blank amazement.
その知らせを聞いて、呆然とした。
I was dumbfounded when I heard the news.
Literally 'to lose words.' Emphasizes being so shocked that you cannot speak.
彼の突然の告白に、言葉を失った。
I was dumbfounded by his sudden confession.
A noun or する-verb meaning to be dumbfounded or flabbergasted, often with a nuance of being agape.
その光景に唖然とした。
I was dumbfounded by the sight.
Idiom meaning 'one's open mouth won't close,' expressing utter astonishment or disbelief.
彼の無礼な態度に、開いた口が塞がらなかった。
I was dumbfounded by his rude attitude.
A formal, literary compound meaning to be stunned and at a loss, often used in writing.
彼は茫然自失の体で立ち尽くした。
He stood there dumbfounded and at a loss.
To be so shocked that you are completely overwhelmed, often with a physical reaction.
Literally 'to have one's liver pulled out,' meaning to be extremely surprised or flabbergasted.
そのマジックに度肝を抜かれた。
I was dumbfounded by that magic trick.
Literally 'to lose one's hips,' meaning to be so shocked that one collapses or is unable to stand.
幽霊を見て腰を抜かした。
He was so dumbfounded by the ghost that he collapsed.
Literally 'to doubt one's eyes,' used when you see something so shocking you can't believe it.
To be so surprised that you are temporarily unable to speak, often in a conversational context.
To be at a loss for words, often due to shock or embarrassment. Common in spoken and written Japanese.
あまりの驚きに絶句した。
I was so surprised I was dumbfounded.
Idiom meaning 'unable to say the next phrase,' i.e., so shocked you can't continue speaking.
彼の返答に二の句が継げなかった。
I was dumbfounded by his reply and couldn't say anything.
呆然 (ぼうぜん) suggests a blank, dazed state. 唖然 (あぜん) emphasizes being agape with shock. 絶句 (ぜっく) focuses on the inability to speak, often in conversation.
Avoid directly translating 'be dumbfounded' as ダムファウンデッドされる or similar. Use the natural Japanese expressions above.
I was dumbfounded by the sight; I couldn't believe my eyes.