きょとん

きょ

と

ん

JLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

adverb taking the 'to' particle

blankly; vacantly; dazedly; in puzzlement

onomatopoeic or mimetic word

Describes a facial expression or state of being momentarily stunned, confused, or at a loss, often with a blank stare. Typically used with する or とした.

突とつ然ぜんの質しつ問もんに、彼かれはきょとんとした顔かおをした。
At the sudden question, he looked blankly puzzled.
猫ねこは大おおきな音おとにきょとんとしていた。
The cat was staring vacantly at the loud noise.

See all 8 example sentences ›

Usage patterns

〈人ひと〉がきょとんとするfor someone to look blank/puzzled
急きゅうに名な前まえを呼よばれて、彼かれはきょとんとした。
When his name was suddenly called, he looked blank with surprise.
きょとんとした顔かおa blank, puzzled expression
子こ供どもはきょとんとした顔かおで私わたしを見み上あげた。
The child looked up at me with a blank, puzzled expression.
〈人ひと〉をきょとんとさせるto leave someone looking blank/puzzled
その質しつ問もんは彼かの女じょをきょとんとさせた。
The question left her looking blank and confused.