Hello there! If you’re looking to express “shocked” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey this feeling in Mandarin Chinese. So let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Shocked” in Chinese
If you want to express shock in a formal setting, such as during business meetings, official conversations, or academic discussions, you can use the following phrases:
1. 惊讶 (jīngyà)
Usage: This is the most common term for “shocked” in Chinese and is suitable for various situations. It implies a sense of surprise and disbelief, often associated with unexpected events or news.
Example: 当他听到这个消息时，他感到非常惊讶。
(Dāng tā tīng dào zhè gè xiāoxī shí, tā gǎndào fēicháng jīngyà.)
Translation: He was extremely shocked when he heard this news.
2. 吃惊 (chījīng)
Usage: This term is commonly used to denote surprise and shock. It conveys a sudden, unexpected reaction to something unusual or extraordinary.
Example: 他看到她的反应时，感到非常吃惊。
(Tā kàn dào tā de fǎnyìng shí, gǎndào fēicháng chījīng.)
Translation: He was greatly shocked by her reaction.
3. 惊奇 (jīngqí)
Usage: This term conveys a sense of astonishment or marveling at something extraordinary or remarkable.
Example: 孩子们看到那个神奇的魔术时，都感到非常惊奇。
(Háizimen kàn dào nàgè shénqí de móshù shí, dōu gǎndào fēicháng jīngqí.)
Translation: The children were all amazed by that magical trick.
Informal Ways to Say “Shocked” in Chinese
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions widely used in casual conversations, among friends, or in less formal settings. These phrases will help you convey your shock in a more relaxed way:
1. 好吓人 (hǎo xiàrén)
Usage: This phrase literally means “so scary” or “terrifying.” It is used to express a strong sense of shock or fright.
Example: 电影结尾好吓人！
(Diànyǐng jiéwěi hǎo xiàrén!)
Translation: The ending of the movie was so shocking!
2. 彻底震惊 (chèdǐ zhènjīng)
Usage: This phrase is used to describe being completely and thoroughly shocked.
Example: 这个发现让我彻底震惊。
(Zhège fāxiàn ràng wǒ chèdǐ zhènjīng.)
Translation: This discovery completely shocked me.
3. 吓呆了 (xià dāi le)
Usage: This expression is often used to describe being so shocked or scared that one becomes temporarily stunned or frozen.
Example: 他听到那个超乎想象的消息时，吓呆了。
(Tā tīng dào nàgè chāohū xiǎngxiàng de xiāoxī shí, xià dāi le.)
Translation: He was so shocked upon hearing that unimaginable news that he became stunned.
Conclusion
Wow! We’ve covered quite a range of phrases to express “shocked” in Chinese. Remember, in formal settings, you can rely on words like 惊讶 (jīngyà) or 吃惊 (chījīng). In informal contexts, 好吓人 (hǎo xiàrén), 彻底震惊 (chèdǐ zhènjīng), or 吓呆了 (xià dāi le) will be more commonly used.
Language is a living thing, and regional variations may exist. However, the phrases covered in this guide are widely understood across Chinese-speaking regions.
Remember, the more you practice incorporating these phrases into your Mandarin Chinese vocabulary, the more confident you’ll become in expressing shock like a native speaker. Keep exploring and have fun with your language journey!
