Translation guide
Expressing shock, fear, or disgust at something terrible. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the feeling is fear, moral shock, or physical disgust.
Feeling sudden fear or terror at something frightening or dangerous.
A common phrase for a sudden chill of fear or horror. Often used for scary stories or dangerous situations.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was horrified when I heard that story.
To feel terror or dread. More formal and intense than ぞっとする.
Feeling strong disapproval and shock at something morally wrong or unacceptable.
Feeling revulsion at something gross, bloody, or physically unpleasant.
ぞっとする is for fear-based horror (ghosts, danger). あきれる is for moral shock (rudeness, irresponsibility). Don't mix them up.
幽霊の話にぞっとした。
I was horrified by the ghost story.
彼の態度にあきれた。
I was horrified by his attitude.
English 'horrified' covers fear, moral shock, and disgust. Japanese has no single exact equivalent. Choose based on the type of horror.
彼はその光景に恐怖した。
He was horrified by the sight.
To shudder with fear. Literary and dramatic.
その残酷な事件に戦慄した。
I shuddered with horror at the brutal incident.
To be appalled or disgusted by someone's bad behavior. Often implies exasperation.
彼の無責任さにあきれた。
I was horrified by his irresponsibility.
To be indignant or outraged. Stronger moral anger.
その不正に憤慨した。
I was horrified by the injustice.
To be stunned or dumbfounded, often by something shocking.
彼の言葉に呆然とした。
I was horrified by his words.
Feeling sick or disgusted. Very common for physical revulsion.
その虫を見て気持ち悪くなった。
I felt horrified looking at that bug.
To feel nauseated. Stronger physical reaction.
その光景に吐き気を催した。
The sight horrified me so much I felt sick.
To feel disgusted or sick. Casual and often used for anger or annoyance too.
あの映像にはむかついた。
That footage horrified me.