also: ぱかん
adverb taking the 'to' particle
vacantly; blankly; absentmindedly
Describes a state of mental absence or distraction, often with a blank facial expression. Commonly used with する or と.
彼は窓の外をぽかんと見ていた。
He was staring blankly out the window.
adverb taking the 'to' particle
openmouthed; gaping; flabbergasted
Describes a shocked or stunned state where one's mouth hangs open. Often used with する or と.
その知らせを聞いて、彼はぽかんと口を開けた。
Hearing the news, he stood there with his mouth wide open.
adverb taking the 'to' particle
Mimetic sound for a light, hollow impact, such as hitting a wooden surface. Less common than the mental-state senses.
彼は机をぽかんと叩いた。
He thumped the desk with a whack.
He was suddenly spoken to and stood there blankly for a moment.
Seeing the sight, the children gaped with their mouths hanging open.
She was looking this way with a blank expression on her face.
He stood vacantly in the middle of the road.