Translation guide
Expresses the state of being physically unable to move, often due to fear, shock, or medical conditions. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on the cause and context.
My legs became paralyzed due to an accident.
Describes the ongoing state of being paralyzed.
He is paralyzed from the waist down.
Expresses being unable to move due to intense fear, surprise, or emotional shock.
Literally 'become unable to move from fear'. A natural way to describe being paralyzed by fear.
I was paralyzed with fear.
Refers to sleep paralysis, but used metaphorically to mean being frozen in place as if by a supernatural force.
Means to stiffen or become rigid, often from tension or fear. More literary.
She stiffened with fear.
Describes a situation where a system, organization, or process comes to a halt.
The English phrase 'be paralyzed' is often translated as 麻痺する, but in casual conversation about fear, it's more natural to use 動けなくなる (become unable to move) or 固まる (freeze up).
Due to the sudden event, I was paralyzed and couldn't move.