Translation guide
The English phrase "be nonplussed" means to be so surprised and confused that you are unsure how to react. In Japanese, this state is expressed through various words and phrases that convey bewilderment, perplexity, or being at a loss.
To be so surprised or confused that you don't know what to do or say.
Literally 'to be at a loss for direction', this is a common phrase for being completely bewildered and not knowing what to do next.
I was nonplussed by the sudden news.
A formal word meaning to be perplexed or embarrassed, often used when faced with an unexpected situation.
I was nonplussed by his question.
Similar to 困惑する, but often implies a stronger sense of being flustered or embarrassed.
I was nonplussed by her reaction.
A very natural, everyday phrase meaning 'I don't know what to do'. It captures the helpless confusion of being nonplussed.
I was so nonplussed I didn't know what to do.
To be so surprised that you are temporarily unable to speak.
Literally 'to lose words', this is the most direct way to say you were rendered speechless by shock or surprise.
I was nonplussed by the sight.
To be dumbfounded or stunned, often with a nuance of standing there in a daze.
He stood there nonplussed.
To be flabbergasted, often with mouth agape. Stronger and more literary than 呆然.
I was nonplussed by his rude attitude.
To be mentally confused or unable to make sense of something.
A general word for mental confusion or disorder. Can be used when nonplussed by complex information.
I was nonplussed by the complicated explanation.
A casual phrase meaning 'I don't get it' or 'it makes no sense'. Expresses the confusion aspect of being nonplussed.
I was nonplussed by his behavior.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'nonplussed'. Translating it literally as ノンプラスド will not be understood. Use the phrases and words above depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Both mean perplexed, but 当惑 often implies a stronger sense of being flustered or embarrassed, while 困惑 is more about mental confusion. In many contexts they are interchangeable.