あっけにとられる

あ

っ

け

に

と

ら

れ

る

Meanings

1

expression, ichidan verb

be taken aback; be astonished; be dumbfounded

usually written using kana alone

Describes a sudden, often speechless surprise at something unexpected or shocking.

彼かれの突とつ然ぜんの告こく白はくに、私わたしはあっけにとられた。
I was taken aback by his sudden confession.

あまりの光こう景けいに、みんなあっけにとられて何なにも言いえなかった。

Everyone was so dumbfounded by the sight that they couldn't say anything.

Written forms

呆あっ気けにとられる
Kanji form using 呆気; rarely used in modern writing.
呆あっ気けに取とられる
Alternate kanji form with 取られる; rarely used.
あっけに取とられる
Mixed kana-kanji form; rarely used.

Kanji

呆be amazed, disgusted, shocked
気spirit, mind, air
取take, fetch, take up

Similar words

びっくりする
A more general and casual expression for surprise; あっけにとられる implies a stronger, often speechless astonishment.
呆然ぼうぜんとする
Similar in meaning but often emphasizes a blank, dazed state; あっけにとられる focuses more on the sudden shock.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain; あっけ may be related to 呆気 (surprise, amazement), and とられる is the passive of 取る (to take), literally 'to be taken by surprise'.