Translation guide
Describes something that causes sudden surprise, alarm, or shock. In Japanese, this is often expressed with adjectives like 驚くべき or verbs like 驚かせる, depending on whether the focus is on the quality of the thing or the effect it has.
Describing a fact, event, or thing that is very surprising or shocking in nature.
An adjective meaning 'surprising' or 'astonishing'. Used to describe something that should surprise you. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼の行動は驚くべきものだった。
His behavior was startling.
Startlingly, he passed the exam.
Means 'shocking' or 'startling' in a way that has a strong emotional impact. Often used for news or revelations.
そのニュースは衝撃的だった。
The news was startling.
A casual, conversational phrase meaning 'startling' or 'surprising'. Literally 'the kind that makes you surprised'.
びっくりするような音がした。
There was a startling noise.
A more literary or formal expression meaning 'startling' or 'dumbfounding'. Implies being struck with astonishment.
その光景は人々を愕然とさせた。
The sight was startling to people.
Describing something that startles you suddenly, like a loud noise or unexpected appearance.
A verb phrase meaning 'to startle' or 'to make someone jump'. Focuses on the sudden, momentary shock.
突然の大きな音が彼女をぎょっとさせた。
The sudden loud noise startled her.
Means 'to startle' or 'to make someone catch their breath'. Often used for sudden realizations or surprises.
その知らせは彼をはっとさせた。
The news startled him.
A colloquial onomatopoeic expression for a sudden startle, like a heart skip. Casual.
後ろから声をかけられてドキッとした。
I was startled when someone called out from behind.
Describing an action done in a startling manner, or to a startling degree.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'startlingly' or 'surprisingly'. Used to modify adjectives or verbs.
彼女は驚くほど美しかった。
She was startlingly beautiful.
Literally 'to the extent that one is startled'. Emphasizes the sudden shock aspect.
ぎょっとするほど大きな音だった。
It was a startlingly loud noise.
驚くべき is a more general 'surprising/astonishing', while 衝撃的 implies a stronger emotional shock, like 'shocking' or 'traumatic'. Use 衝撃的 for news that deeply disturbs you.
English 'startling' can often be translated simply as 驚く (to be surprised) in Japanese, depending on context. For example, 'I was startled' is usually 驚いた, not a passive form of 'startle'. Avoid direct translations like スタートリング.
驚いた！
That startled me!