Translation guide
Expressing shock or astonishment so great that one is temporarily unable to speak or react. Japanese offers several vivid expressions, from colloquial exclamations to more formal descriptions of being at a loss for words.
To be so surprised or shocked that you cannot speak or react immediately.
A common phrase meaning to be stunned or dumbfounded, often implying a blank, vacant expression. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
その知らせを聞いて、呆然とした。
I was dumbfounded when I heard the news.
Informal, spoken reactions to express being dumbfounded or flabbergasted.
呆然 (ぼうぜん) is more about being stunned and blank, while 唖然 (あぜん) emphasizes being speechless due to shock or outrage. 呆然 is more common in everyday use.
事故の現場を見て呆然とした。
I was stunned when I saw the accident scene.
彼の失礼な発言に唖然とした。
I was dumbfounded by his rude remark.
Direct translations like 'ダムファウンデッド' do not exist in Japanese. Use the natural expressions provided instead.
A more literary or emphatic term for being dumbfounded, often used in the form 唖然とする. Conveys a stronger sense of being struck speechless.
彼の無礼な態度に唖然とした。
I was dumbfounded by his rude attitude.
Literally 'to lose words'. A natural way to say you were so shocked you couldn't speak. Works in both casual and formal situations.
あまりの驚きに言葉を失った。
I was so surprised I was at a loss for words.
A four-character compound meaning to be stunned and bewildered, completely at a loss. Very formal and literary.
突然の解雇に茫然自失した。
I was dumbfounded by the sudden dismissal.
Literally 'my open mouth won't close'. A vivid, colloquial phrase used when you are so shocked or appalled that you are speechless.
あの値段を見て、開いた口が塞がらなかった。
I was dumbfounded when I saw that price.
To be taken aback or dumbfounded, often by something unexpected. Common in casual conversation.
彼の突然の告白にあっけにとられた。
I was dumbfounded by his sudden confession.
An onomatopoeic phrase describing a blank, dumbfounded expression. Very casual and often used in spoken language or manga.
説明が難しくて、ポカンとしてしまった。
The explanation was so difficult I was left dumbfounded.