びっくりした
bikkuri shita
The Japanese phrase for "you scared me" is びっくりした (bikkuri shita).
This expression is used when someone surprises or startles you suddenly. While the English phrase "you scared me" focuses on the person who caused the fright, the Japanese expression focuses on the speaker's own state of being startled.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the onomatopoeic noun びっくり, which means surprise or shock and the past tense of the verb する, which means to do. Literally, it translates to "was surprised".
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the level of formality, you can add ます to the end of the phrase to create the polite form びっくりしました.
How do you pronounce it?
bikkuri shita
Did you know?
- While English speakers often blame the person who startled them by saying 'You scared me', saying something similar in Japanese could sound like you are accusing the other person of doing something wrong. Focusing on your own reaction with びっくりした keeps the interaction polite and natural.
- The word びっくり is part of a category of Japanese words called 'gitaigo', which are mimetic words that describe a state or condition rather than a sound.
- Japanese has many different onomatopoeic words for surprise depending on the nuance. For example, ドキッ is used specifically when your heart actually skips a beat due to a sudden shock.
Examples in context
- あっ、びっくりした。You scared me.Tatoeba #12167707 by small_snow, translation #2255183 by CK
- びっくりした！いきなり後ろから脅かさないでよ！You scared me! Don't sneak up on me from behind!This sentence shows the phrase びっくりした used in a context of being startled from behind.Tatoeba #894825 by bunbuku, translation #895146 by szaby78
- うわびっくりした！ いきなり大声出さないでよ。Woah, you scared me! Don't just suddenly speak so loudly like that!This sentence uses びっくりした when reacting to someone speaking loudly and suddenly.Tatoeba #3631686 by tommy_san, translation #10765322 by end
- おっ！驚きました！Oh! I got scared!
- ヤバい！ビビった！Oh no! I got scared!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is studying at a cafe when Yota approaches her silently.
- 結衣 Yuiあ、びっくりした！A, bikkuri shita!Ah, you scared me!
- 陽太 Yotaごめん、気づかなかった？Gomen, kizukanakatta?Sorry, did you not notice me?
- 結衣 Yui全然気づかなかったよ。Zenzen kizukanakatta yo.I didn't notice you at all.
- 陽太 Yota静かに近づきすぎたね。Shizuka ni chikazuki sugita ne.I approached too quietly, didn't I?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
