Translation guide
How to express that an action or reaction occurs because of surprise, or how to describe doing something while surprised.
Describing an action or reaction that happens because the person is surprised.
The te-form of 驚く (to be surprised) used adverbially to mean 'in surprise' or 'surprisedly'. This is the most direct and common way to express doing something in surprise.
彼は驚いて飛び上がった。
He jumped up in surprise.
I was so surprised I couldn't speak.
The te-form of びっくりする (to be startled/surprised), a more colloquial and vivid alternative to 驚いて. Often used in casual speech.
びっくりしてコーヒーをこぼした。
I spilled my coffee in surprise.
A more literary expression meaning 'so surprised that...' or 'in one's surprise'. Used to emphasize the intensity of the surprise leading to an action.
驚きのあまり言葉を失った。
I was at a loss for words in my surprise.
Saying something because you are surprised.
Literally 'say in surprise'. A straightforward way to describe speaking while surprised.
彼女は驚いて「本当？」と言った。
She said in surprise, 'Really?'
Means 'unintentionally' or 'without thinking', often used when someone blurts out something in surprise. It implies the action was spontaneous due to surprise.
思わず「えっ」と声が出た。
I let out an 'eh?' in surprise.
Describing a facial expression or gaze that shows surprise.
Means 'with a surprised face'. Used to describe someone's expression when they are surprised.
彼は驚いた顔で私を見た。
He looked at me in surprise.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'with eyes wide open (in surprise)'. Vividly describes a surprised expression.
子供たちは目を丸くしてマジックを見ていた。
The children watched the magic trick in surprise, their eyes wide.
驚いて is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. びっくりして is more colloquial and often implies a sudden, startled surprise. Use びっくりして in casual conversation and 驚いて in writing or polite speech.