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Kotomora

驚

wonder, be surprised, frightened, amazed

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes22

Readings

On'yomi

  • キョウ

Kun'yomi

  • おどろ.く
  • おどろ.かす

Meaning

驚 centers on a sudden, strong emotional reaction to something unexpected: being surprised, amazed, or frightened. The core idea is a startled response that can range from wonder to fear.

Most common words using 驚

20 of 27
  • 驚くおどろく
    N4

    to be surprised; to be taken aback; to be amazed; to be astonished; to be shocked

  • 驚きおどろき
    N1

    surprise; astonishment; wonder; amazement

  • 驚愕きょうがく

    astonishment; amazement; surprise; fright; shock

  • 驚異きょうい
    N1

    wonder; miracle; amazement; prodigy

  • 驚かすおどろかす
    N2

    to surprise; to frighten; to create a stir

  • 驚嘆きょうたん

    wonder; admiration; being struck with admiration

  • 驚くほどおどろくほど

    to a surprising degree; to a remarkable extent; surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly

  • 驚異的きょういてき
    N1

    wonderful; astounding; marvellous

  • あっと驚くあっとおどろく

    to get a big surprise; to be astonished; to have one's breath taken away; to be taken aback

  • 一驚いっきょう

    surprise; amazement

  • 吃驚きっきょう

    surprise

  • 夜驚症やきょうしょう

    night terror

  • 打草驚蛇だそうきょうだ

    prodding the unknown may bring about unnecessary trouble; brushing a patch of grass may startle a snake

  • 耳目を驚かすじもくをおどろかす

    to take by surprise; to startle; to shock

  • 驚いたことにおどろいたことに

    surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly

  • 驚かせるおどろかせる

    to surprise; to frighten; to create a stir

  • 驚き入るおどろきいる

    to be astonished; to be amazed

  • 驚くなかれおどろくなかれ

    do not be surprised; lo and behold; wait for it

  • 驚くべきおどろくべき

    astonishing; amazing; surprising; wonderful

  • 驚倒きょうとう

    being very surprised; being utterly astonished; being shocked

Explore all words using 驚 →

Study

Etymology

驚 combines 敬 (respect, awe) with 馬 (horse), suggesting a horse startled into a state of alarm or awe. The 敬 component likely contributes both sound and the idea of a strong emotional reaction.

Meaning mnemonic

A respectful 敬 horse 馬 is easily startled: imagine a dignified horse suddenly rearing up in surprise, capturing both wonder and fright.

Reading mnemonic

For キョウ, picture a startled horse in Kyoto (京都, きょうと): the horse is amazed by the bustling city, and Kyoto -> キョウ.