Translation guide
Expressing the idea of catching someone off guard, doing something unexpected, or launching a surprise attack.
To surprise someone by doing something they did not expect, often in a social or everyday context.
Literally 'to strike at someone's unpreparedness'. A very common and natural way to say 'take by surprise' in the sense of catching someone off guard.
I was taken by surprise by his question.
Taken by surprise, I couldn't say anything.
Literally 'to strike at an opening/vulnerability'. Similar to 不意を突く but emphasizes exploiting a weak point or moment of inattention.
We attacked, taking the enemy by surprise.
Literally 'to strike at someone's expectations'. Used when something completely unexpected happens, often with a nuance of being clever or unconventional.
His remark took everyone by surprise, and the room buzzed.
A noun meaning 'surprise attack' or 'sudden unexpected action'. Can be used metaphorically for non-physical surprises.
That was a complete surprise.
To attack or capture someone/something when they are not prepared, often in a military, sports, or strategic sense.
The standard term for a surprise attack in military or strategic contexts. Can also be used metaphorically.
We launched a surprise attack on the enemy camp.
They took them by surprise at dawn.
A more descriptive phrase: 'to attack, taking someone by surprise'. Combines 不意を突く with 攻撃する.
To express that someone was surprised or caught unprepared by an event or action.
Passive form of 不意を突く. The most natural way to say 'I was taken by surprise'.
I was taken by surprise by the sudden visit.
Passive of 虚を突く. Emphasizes being caught at a vulnerable moment.
We conceded a goal after being caught off guard in defense.
Passive of 意表を突く. Used when something completely unexpected happens to you.
I was taken by surprise by his answer.
不意を突く focuses on the element of unpreparedness or catching someone off guard, while 驚かせる simply means 'to surprise' or 'to startle'. Use 不意を突く when the surprise comes from the timing or unexpectedness of an action.
I hid, thinking to surprise him.
I was taken by surprise by his question.
Do not translate 'take by surprise' literally as 驚きで取る or similar. It is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases listed above.
Their tactic is to attack by surprise.