Translation guide
The process of turning into stone, either literally (e.g., fossilization) or figuratively (e.g., being paralyzed with fear).
The process by which organic material is converted into stone through mineralization.
The standard scientific term for petrification or fossilization into stone.
この森の木々は長い時間をかけて石化した。
The trees in this forest petrified over a long period of time.
Literally 'petrification action/process'; used in geological contexts.
石化作用によって恐竜の骨が保存された。
Dinosaur bones were preserved through petrification.
A state of being so frightened or shocked that one cannot move, as if turned to stone.
To become stiff or rigid, often from fear or tension. Commonly used for 'petrified' in the figurative sense.
彼女は恐怖で硬直した。
She was petrified with fear.
Literally 'to freeze', used metaphorically for being paralyzed by shock or fear.
その知らせを聞いて、彼はその場に凍りついた。
Upon hearing the news, he was petrified on the spot.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'become unable to move like a stone'. More literal and less common than the above.
突然の大きな音に、彼は石のように動けなくなった。
At the sudden loud noise, he became petrified, unable to move.
The magical or supernatural transformation of a living being into stone.
To turn someone/something into stone. Often used in fantasy contexts.
メデューサは見た者を石に変える。
Medusa turns those who look at her into stone.
To cause petrification; a more technical-sounding term used in games and stories.
その魔法は敵を石化させる効果がある。
That spell has the effect of petrifying enemies.
While 石化 (sekika) is the direct translation for petrification, it is rarely used for the figurative sense of being paralyzed with fear. Instead, use expressions like 硬直する (kōchoku suru) or 凍りつく (kōritsuku).