Translation guide
To cause someone to suddenly feel surprised or alarmed, often with a physical reaction. Japanese expresses this through verbs that focus on the act of surprising someone, the state of being startled, or the suddenness of the event.
Expressing the action of causing a sudden surprise or fright in another person.
The most common and direct transitive verb meaning 'to startle' or 'to surprise' someone. Can be used for both mild and strong surprises.
Don't startle me from behind.
He deliberately startled me.
A causative form of 'びっくりする' (to be surprised), meaning 'to make someone surprised/startled'. Very common in casual speech.
He suddenly shouted and startled everyone.
Can mean 'to startle' but often carries a nuance of threatening or intimidating. Use carefully to avoid implying menace.
Often implies a threat, so '驚かす' is safer for neutral startling.
He often startles people from behind.
Describing the experience of being suddenly surprised or alarmed.
General verb for 'to be surprised/startled'. Covers a wide range from mild surprise to shock.
I was startled by the loud noise.
A more colloquial and emphatic way to say 'to be startled/surprised'. Often used for sudden, jump-out-of-your-skin reactions.
I was startled when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder.
Describes a sudden, sharp realization or startle, often with a gasp. More about a mental jolt than a physical jump.
I was startled awake by a noise.
Describing something that causes a startle reaction.
Focusing on the physical reaction of jerking or flinching due to sudden surprise.
Literally 'to jump up', used when someone is so startled they physically jump.
I jumped when my name was suddenly called.
Onomatopoeic verb for a sudden flinch or start, often a small, involuntary movement.
I flinched at the loud noise.
Describes being startled with a sense of shock or alarm, often with wide eyes.
I was startled by the sudden scream.
Both mean 'to startle someone', but 驚かす is more standard and can be used in writing, while びっくりさせる is more colloquial and emphasizes the resulting surprise. 驚かす can also imply a milder surprise, whereas びっくりさせる often suggests a stronger reaction.
English can use 'startle' as a noun (e.g., 'gave me a startle'), but Japanese does not have a direct noun equivalent. Use verb phrases like 驚かされた or びっくりした to express the same idea.
She was startled by the unexpected visitor.