Translation guide
Expressing that something is surprising, upsetting, or offensive in a way that causes a strong emotional reaction.
Describing an event, news, or situation that is both unexpected and emotionally disturbing.
The most direct equivalent for 'shocking' in the sense of something that hits you emotionally. Used for news, events, or revelations.
そのニュースは衝撃的だった。
The news was shocking.
彼の突然の死は衝撃的でした。
His sudden death was shocking.
Loanword from English, often used in media or casual contexts. Sounds slightly less formal than 衝撃的.
ショッキングな映像が流れた。
Shocking footage was shown.
Literally 'should be surprised at', used for something astonishing or appalling. More formal and often written.
驚くべき事実が明らかになった。
A shocking fact came to light.
Describing behavior, language, or content that is considered highly inappropriate or indecent.
To be appalled or disgusted by someone's behavior. Often used in the form あきれた (appalled) or あきれるほど (to a shocking degree).
彼の無礼な態度にはあきれた。
I was shocked by his rude attitude.
あきれるほどひどい話だ。
It's a shockingly terrible story.
Expresses strong disapproval or disbelief; 'outrageous', 'unthinkable'. Often used as an exclamation.
Old-fashioned or formal expression of moral outrage; 'outrageous', 'scandalous'. Often used by authority figures.
Describing a sudden physical sensation or visual impact that is startling.
To be startled or taken aback, often by a sudden sight or sound. Emphasizes the momentary shock.
突然の大きな音にぎょっとした。
I was shocked by the sudden loud noise.
General word for being surprised or startled. Can be used for both positive and negative shocks, but often implies a physical jolt.
彼女の変わりようにびっくりした。
I was shocked by how much she had changed.
Used informally to emphasize that something is of very poor quality or a terrible outcome.
Means 'terrible', 'awful'. In context, it can convey that something is shockingly bad.
その映画はひどかった。
That movie was shocking (terrible).
Literally 'unbelievable', used when something is so bad or surprising that you can't believe it.
彼のミスは信じられない。
His mistake is shocking.
衝撃的 is the standard word for 'shocking' in emotional or news contexts. ショッキング is a loanword often used in fashion, art, or media (e.g., ショッキングピンク 'shocking pink'), and can sound slightly more sensational or casual.
衝撃的な事件
a shocking incident
ショッキングなデザイン
a shocking design
While ショック is used as a noun (e.g., ショックを受ける 'to be shocked'), the adjective form ショックな is not standard. Use 衝撃的 or ショッキング instead.
とんでもないことを言うね。
You're saying something shocking.
その行為はまったくけしからん。
That behavior is absolutely shocking.