Translation guide
Describes a state of being mentally unfocused, confused, or stunned, often due to shock, fatigue, or distraction. Japanese uses various mimetic words, adverbs, and set phrases to convey this feeling.
To describe a state of mental blankness or daydreaming, often due to tiredness or lack of focus.
A mimetic adverb/verb meaning to be spaced out, absent-minded, or staring vacantly. Very common and neutral.
彼は窓の外をぼんやり見ていた。
He was staring out the window in a daze.
疲れていて、会議中ずっとぼんやりしていた。
I was tired and spaced out the whole meeting.
Describes dozing off or being half-asleep, often while sitting. Implies drowsiness rather than mental absence.
電車でうとうとしていたら、乗り過ごした。
I was dozing on the train and missed my stop.
Literally 'the sky above', meaning one's mind is elsewhere, not paying attention. Often used when someone is distracted or daydreaming.
話を聞いているようで、上の空だった。
She seemed to be listening, but her mind was elsewhere.
To describe a state of being mentally stunned or dazed after a sudden shock, bad news, or a blow.
To be stunned, dumbfounded, or in a daze from shock. Often used after hearing unexpected news or experiencing something overwhelming.
突然の知らせに、彼女は茫然としていた。
She was in a daze after the sudden news.
事故の後、茫然として何も考えられなかった。
After the accident, I was stunned and couldn't think of anything.
Similar to 茫然, meaning dumbfounded or stupefied. Often used in the form 呆然とする.
Mimetic word for being in a daze, either from shock or simply spacing out. More casual than 茫然.
To describe a physical sensation of dizziness or faintness that makes one feel dazed.
To feel dizzy or lightheaded, often from standing up too fast, heat, or illness.
立ち上がったら、くらくらした。
I felt dizzy when I stood up.
Dizziness or vertigo. Often used with がする.
急に目眩がして、座り込んだ。
I suddenly felt dizzy and sat down.
To describe a state of being mesmerized or in a trance-like daze, often from fascination.
To be entranced, fascinated, or in a dreamy daze, usually from beauty or pleasure.
彼女は美しい音楽にうっとりしていた。
She was in a daze, entranced by the beautiful music.
Ecstasy or trance; a more literary or intense term for being in a rapturous daze.
彼は恍惚とした表情で絵を見つめていた。
He gazed at the painting with a look of ecstatic daze.
ぼんやり is for everyday spacing out or daydreaming. 茫然 is for a stronger, shock-induced daze. Using 茫然 for mild distraction sounds overly dramatic.
授業中ぼんやりしていた。
I was spacing out during class.
事故の知らせに茫然とした。
I was stunned by the news of the accident.
彼は呆然と立ち尽くしていた。
He stood there in a daze.
頭を打って、しばらくぼーっとしていた。
I hit my head and was dazed for a while.