驚き — meaning in English: surprise

odoroki · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for surprise

やつ

Yatsu

規律

kiritsu

驚き

odoroki

生活

seikatsu

預金

yokin

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 驚き (odoroki) when expressing astonishment or amazement in everyday conversations. For example, someone might exclaim '驚きだ！' (Odoroki da!) after witnessing a spectacular performance or an unexpected event, like a surprise birthday party.

Synonyms & nuances

While 驚き (odoroki) conveys a sense of surprise, the word びっくり (bikkuri) is another popular synonym that feels more casual and often evokes a sudden shock. You might choose 驚き when expressing a more profound amazement, while びっくり might be used in lighter, day-to-day contexts.

Culture

The word 驚き (odoroki) shares its roots with the verb 驚く (odoroku), which means 'to be surprised.' In Japanese culture, the expression of surprise can be a reflection of one's emotions and social etiquette, often leading to deeper discussions about feelings and reactions. Interestingly, Japanese pop culture often depicts characters exclaiming '驚き!' in anime and manga, making it a relatable expression for many fans.

FAQ

Q.What does 驚き mean in English?

驚き (odoroki) translates to 'surprise' in English, encapsulating a feeling of astonishment or amazement.

Q.How do you use 驚き in a sentence?

You can use 驚き in sentences like '彼の話には驚きがある' (Kare no hanashi ni wa odoroki ga aru), meaning 'There is surprise in his story.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes in using 驚き?

A common mistake is using 驚き when a lighter reaction is required; in casual contexts, it's often better to use びっくり (bikkuri) instead.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000