Welcome to our guide on how to express the feeling of being “surprised” in Japanese. In this comprehensive article, we will explore various formal and informal ways to convey surprise, along with some useful tips and examples. So, let’s dive in and discover the rich world of expressing surprise in the beautiful Japanese language!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Surprised”
When it comes to expressing surprise formally in Japanese, there are a few phrases and words commonly used. Let’s take a look at them:
1. 驚きました (odorokimashita)
This is the polite past tense form of the verb “驚く (odoroku),” which means “to be surprised.” By adding “ました (mashita)” at the end, we create a formal expression of surprise. It can be used in various situations, both professional and casual.
2. びっくりしました (bikkuri shimashita)
“びっくりする (bikkuri suru)” is a commonly used verb in Japanese that means “to be surprised” or “to be amazed.” By appending “しました (shimashita)” to the stem of the verb, we create the formal past tense expression of surprise.
3. おどろき (odoroki) or おどろきの表情 (odoroki no hyōjō)
If you want to refer to the expression or look of surprise, you can use the word “おどろき (odoroki)” or “おどろきの表情 (odoroki no hyōjō).” These phrases are appropriate in sophisticated or formal contexts.
Informal Ways to Say “Surprised”
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions for conveying surprise in Japanese. These phrases are more suited for casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues:
1. びっくりだ (bikkuri da)
“だ (da)” is the informal form of the copula “です (desu).” By combining it with “びっくり (bikkuri)” – the base form of the verb “びっくりする (bikkuri suru)” – we get an informal expression that simply means “I’m surprised.”
2. びっくりした (bikkuri shita)
Similar to the previous expression, “した (shita)” is the informal past tense form of “する (suru).” Combining it with “びっくり (bikkuri),” we can convey the meaning of “I was surprised.”
Useful Tips for Expressing Surprise in Japanese
1. Non-Verbal Cues
Non-verbal cues play a significant role in expressing surprise in Japanese culture. Raised eyebrows, widened eyes, and an open mouth are commonly associated with the expression of surprise. So, remember to utilize these non-verbal cues alongside verbal expressions when communicating your surprise in Japanese.
2. Adding Intensifiers
If you want to convey a stronger sense of surprise, you can add intensifiers to your expressions. Some common intensifiers to use include “とても (totemo)” meaning “very,” “すごく (sugoku)” meaning “extremely,” or “めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha)” meaning “totally” or “absolutely.” For instance, you can say “とても驚きました (totemo odorokimashita)” or “すごくびっくりした (sugoku bikkuri shita)” to emphasize your level of surprise.
3. Exclamation Particles
To add an exclamation factor to your surprise, you can incorporate specific exclamation particles. Two common ones are “なんて (nante)” and “なんと (nanto).” For example, you can say “なんて驚きました (nante odorokimashita)” or “なんとびっくりした (nanto bikkuri shita)” to convey a sense of astonishment.
Examples
Now, let’s look at some examples to see these phrases and expressions in context:
Example 1:
Speaker A: あの映画、見た？ (Ano eiga, mita?)
Speaker B: ええ、見た。すごくびっくりしたよ！ (Ee, mita. Sugoku bikkuri shita yo!)
Speaker A: ほんとうに？なんで？ (Hontō ni? Nande?)
Speaker B: まったく予想外の結末があったから。 (Mattaku yosōgai no ketsumatsu ga atta kara.)Translation:
Speaker A: Did you watch that movie?
Speaker B: Yeah, I watched it. I was extremely surprised!
Speaker A: Really? Why?
Speaker B: Because there was a completely unexpected ending.
Example 2:
Speaker A: 明日、サプライズパーティがあるんだ。内緒だよ！ (Ashita, sapuraizu pāti ga arun da. Naisho da yo!)
Speaker B: えっ、本当に？びっくりした！楽しみ！ (Eh, hontō ni? Bikkuri shita! Tanoshimi!)
Speaker A: お楽しみに！ (O-tanoshimi ni!)Translation:
Speaker A: There’s a surprise party tomorrow. Keep it a secret!
Speaker B: Wow, really? I’m surprised! I’m looking forward to it!
Speaker A: Enjoy!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to express the feeling of being “surprised” in Japanese. Remember to choose the appropriate level of formality based on the situation, whether it’s formal or informal. Additionally, incorporating non-verbal cues, intensifiers, and exclamation particles can help you effectively convey your surprise. Keep practicing these expressions and immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture to further enhance your skills. Happy learning!
