Translation guide
Expresses a state of shock, amazement, or being temporarily unable to react, often due to surprise or disbelief.
To be so surprised that you are momentarily unable to speak or react.
Describes being dumbfounded or stunned, often with a blank expression. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
その知らせを聞いて、呆然とした。
I was stunned when I heard the news.
Emphasizes being so shocked that you are left speechless, often with your mouth open. Slightly more literary than 呆然とする.
彼の無礼な態度に唖然とした。
I was stunned by his rude attitude.
Literally 'to lose words'. Used when you are so stunned you cannot find the words to respond.
あまりの美しさに言葉を失った。
I was stunned by its beauty and lost for words.
Means 'to receive a shock'. Often used when stunned by bad news or a sudden event.
彼の突然の死に衝撃を受けた。
I was stunned by his sudden death.
To be filled with wonder or admiration, often to the point of being speechless.
General term for being deeply moved or impressed. Can be used for positive stunning experiences.
その演奏に感動して、しばらく動けなかった。
I was so stunned by the performance that I couldn't move for a while.
Means 'to be overwhelmed'. Used when stunned by something grand or powerful.
その景色の壮大さに圧倒された。
I was stunned by the magnificence of the scenery.
To be temporarily unable to think or react due to a physical impact or shock.
Means 'to faint' or 'lose consciousness'. Used when stunned to the point of blacking out.
彼はボールが頭に当たって気絶した。
He was stunned when the ball hit his head and passed out.
Describes a dizzy, stunned feeling, often from a hit or shock.
頭を打って、しばらくくらくらした。
I hit my head and was stunned for a while.
Means 'to be dazed' or 'spaced out'. Can be used after a physical shock.
事故の後、しばらくぼんやりしていた。
After the accident, I was stunned and dazed for a while.
呆然 (ぼうぜん) implies a blank, dazed state, while 唖然 (あぜん) emphasizes being speechless with shock. 呆然 is more common in everyday speech.
呆然と立ち尽くす
stand stunned and dazed
唖然として口が塞がらない
stunned and speechless
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to be stunned' in all contexts. Use the phrases above depending on the nuance. Avoid literal translations like スタンされる, which is not standard Japanese.
A formal, literary term for being stunned and at a loss, often used in writing.
彼は茫然自失の体で立ち尽くしていた。
He stood there stunned and bewildered.