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.
急に後ろから声をかけられてびっくりした。
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.
その知らせを聞いて驚きました。
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.
彼の言葉にはっとした。
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.
彼の突然の告白にあっけにとられた。
I was taken aback by his sudden confession.
To be stunned or dumbfounded, often with a sense of blank amazement. Slightly more literary.
その光景に呆然とした。
I was taken aback by the sight.
Literally 'to lose words', meaning to be so taken aback that you cannot speak.
あまりの無礼さに言葉を失った。
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.
彼の率直な質問に面食らった。
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.
To be impressed or admire, often used when taken aback by someone's skill or kindness.
彼の知識の深さに感心した。
I was taken aback by the depth of his knowledge.
To be moved or touched emotionally, often by something beautiful or heartwarming.
その景色の美しさに感動した。
I was taken aback by the beauty of the scenery.
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.
プレゼントをもらってびっくりした。
I was taken aback when I received a present.
その結果に驚きました。
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.