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.
I was horrified when I heard that story.
To feel terror or dread. More formal and intense than ぞっとする.
He was horrified by the sight.
To shudder with fear. Literary and dramatic.
I shuddered with horror at the brutal incident.
Feeling strong disapproval and shock at something morally wrong or unacceptable.
To be appalled or disgusted by someone's bad behavior. Often implies exasperation.
I was horrified by his irresponsibility.
To be indignant or outraged. Stronger moral anger.
I was horrified by the injustice.
To be stunned or dumbfounded, often by something shocking.
I was horrified by his words.
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.
I was horrified by the ghost story.
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.
The sight horrified me so much I felt sick.
あの映像にはむかついた。
That footage horrified me.