Translation guide
How to express being taken aback in Japanese, from mild surprise to shock.
Expressing a sudden, mild surprise or being startled by something unexpected.
The most common and versatile way to say 'to be surprised' or 'startled'. Can be used in casual and polite contexts.
I was taken aback when someone suddenly called out from behind me.
A slightly more formal verb meaning 'to be surprised'. Often used in writing or polite speech.
I was taken aback when I heard the news.
Describes the moment of being startled or taken aback, often with a sudden realization or gasp.
I was taken aback by his words.
Expressing a stronger reaction of shock, being at a loss for words, or dumbfounded.
Means to be dumbfounded or taken aback, often by something so unexpected that you are momentarily speechless.
I was taken aback by his sudden confession.
To be stunned or dumbfounded, often with a sense of blank amazement. Slightly more literary.
I was taken aback by the sight.
Literally 'to lose words', meaning to be so taken aback that you cannot speak.
I was so taken aback by the rudeness that I was lost for words.
Reacting to something unpleasant or offensive that catches you off guard.
To be taken aback or bewildered, often by someone's unexpected behavior or a difficult situation. Casual.
I was taken aback by his blunt question.
To flinch or recoil, being taken aback by something intimidating or shocking.
To flinch or be daunted, often used when one is taken aback and hesitates.
Expressing being pleasantly surprised or awestruck.
びっくりする is more colloquial and commonly used in daily conversation. 驚く is slightly more formal and often appears in written language or polite speech. Both can be used for positive and negative surprises.
I was taken aback when I received a present.
I was taken aback by the result.
Do not try to translate 'taken aback' literally into Japanese. Phrases like '後ろに取られる' are nonsensical. Use the expressions provided instead.
彼の剣幕にたじろいだ。
I was taken aback by his fury.
I was taken aback by the opponent's intensity.