びっくり
It means to be surprised or startled by something unexpected.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! びっくり (bikkuri) means you are surprised. Like when someone jumps out and says 'Boo!' and you jump! It's a feeling when something happens fast and you don't expect it. You can say 'I am surprised!' using びっくりする (bikkuri suru). It's a fun word for a sudden feeling!
びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverb that means 'surprised' or 'startled'. It's used when something happens suddenly and you didn't expect it. The most common way to use it is with the verb する (suru) to make びっくりする (bikkuri suru), which means 'to be surprised'. For example, 'The loud noise surprised me' would be 「大きな音にびっくりした。」(Ōkina oto ni bikkuri shita.) It's a very common word for everyday surprises.
びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverb used to express a feeling of being surprised or startled, often due to something sudden or unexpected. The core phrase is びっくりする (bikkuri suru), meaning 'to be surprised'. You can use it in various contexts: 「突然の出来事にびっくりした。」(Totsuzen no dekigoto ni bikkuri shita.) - 'I was surprised by the sudden event.' It conveys a stronger, more immediate reaction than just being 'interested'. Think of it as a sudden jolt of surprise.
As an adverb, びっくり (bikkuri) describes a state of being suddenly surprised, startled, or even shocked. It's frequently used in the verb phrase びっくりする (bikkuri suru). The nuance lies in the suddenness and often involuntary nature of the reaction. For instance, 「彼の予想外の行動にびっくりした。」(Kare no yosōgai no kōdō ni bikkuri shita.) - 'I was surprised by his unexpected behavior.' It can range from mild surprise to significant shock, depending on context. It's more about the immediate reaction than a prolonged state of astonishment.
びっくり (bikkuri), functioning as an adverb, denotes a sudden, often involuntary, reaction of surprise, astonishment, or alarm. Its common collocation is with する (suru) as びっくりする (bikkuri suru). The word captures the abruptness of the stimulus and the resultant psychological and physiological response. Consider its use in describing unexpected news: 「その朗報にびっくりしたが、同時に嬉しかった。」(Sono rōhō ni bikkuri shita ga, dōji ni ureshikatta.) - 'I was surprised by the good news, but happy at the same time.' It implies a break in expectation, leading to a noticeable reaction.
びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverbial expression signifying a sudden, sharp onset of surprise, shock, or alarm, often with an onomatopoeic resonance suggesting an abrupt event. Its primary verbalization is びっくりする (bikkuri suru). The term encapsulates a visceral reaction to the unexpected, differentiating itself from more passive forms of surprise. Its usage can range from a minor startle to profound astonishment. For example, in a literary context: 「夜半の物音にびっくりして飛び起きた。」(Yahan no mono'oto ni bikkuri shite tobiokita.) - 'Startled by a noise in the middle of the night, I jumped up.' It highlights the immediacy and often physical manifestation of surprise, rooted in the sudden disruption of equilibrium.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverb meaning surprised or startled.
- It's most commonly used with する as びっくりする (bikkuri suru).
- It emphasizes a sudden and often involuntary reaction.
- It can be used for both positive and negative surprises.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word びっくり (bikkuri). It's a super useful adverb in Japanese that captures that feeling of being taken by surprise. Think about a time something totally unexpected happened – maybe a friend jumped out at you, or you saw something amazing. That sudden feeling of surprise or being startled? That's びっくり!
It's not just about being a little surprised; びっくり often implies a more intense, sudden reaction. It can range from a mild jump to a gasp of shock. It’s all about that moment when your expectations are completely upended, and you react with surprise. We'll explore how to use it in different situations and what makes it such a fun word to learn!
The word びっくり (bikkuri) is believed to have originated from the onomatopoeic sound of something rapidly expanding or bursting, like a sudden pop or crack. Imagine a balloon suddenly bursting – that sudden, sharp sound could be represented by びっくり.
Over time, this sound-based expression evolved to describe the feeling associated with such sudden events. It became a way to express the physical and emotional reaction of being startled or surprised. While its exact etymological roots are a bit fuzzy, the connection to suddenness and sound is strong. It's a fantastic example of how languages can develop expressive words from sensory experiences, making communication more vivid and relatable. Think of it as the sound of surprise itself!
びっくり (bikkuri) is primarily used as an adverb, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe the manner of surprise. You'll often hear it paired with verbs like する (suru - to do) to form びっくりする (bikkuri suru), meaning 'to be surprised' or 'to be startled'. This is the most common way to express the feeling.
For example, you might say 「突然の物音にびっくりした」(Totsuzen no mono'oto ni bikkuri shita) – 'I was startled by the sudden noise.' It can also be used more directly, like 「その知らせにびっくりしたよ!」(Sono shirase ni bikkuri shita yo!) – 'I was surprised by that news!' Remember, it emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of the surprise. It's generally used in everyday conversation and informal writing, but can be adapted for more formal contexts by using the verb form びっくりする.
While びっくり (bikkuri) itself is quite direct, it's often part of common expressions that convey surprise or shock:
- びっくり仰天 (Bikkuri gyōten): This is a more emphatic way to say you are extremely surprised or astonished. It combines the feeling of being startled with 'gyōten', which means to be stunned or shocked. Example: 「彼の突然の告白にびっくり仰天した。」(Kare no totsuzen no kokuhaku ni bikkuri gyōten shita.) - 'I was utterly astonished by his sudden confession.'
- 目を丸くしてびっくりする (Me o maruku shite bikkuri suru): Literally 'to be surprised with eyes rounded like circles'. This describes the physical reaction of wide-eyed surprise. Example: 「その値段を聞いて、思わず目を丸くしてびっくりした。」(Sono nedan o kiite, omowazu me o maruku shite bikkuri shita.) - 'Hearing that price, I was involuntarily surprised with wide eyes.'
- 度肝を抜かれる (Dōgimo o nukareru): This idiom means to be completely shocked or taken aback, to have your 'gallbladder' (representing courage or spirit) pulled out. While it doesn't explicitly contain びっくり, it describes a similar, often more intense, level of surprise. Example: 「そのパフォーマンスは観客の度肝を抜いた。」(Sono pafōmansu wa kankyaku no dōgimo o nuita.) - 'The performance completely shocked the audience.'
The word びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverb, meaning it describes how an action is performed or modifies an adjective. Its most common grammatical form is used with the verb する (suru) to create びっくりする (bikkuri suru), which translates to 'to be surprised' or 'to be startled'.
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is Key! It's pronounced 'bick-koo-ree'. The 'kk' sound is a 'geminate consonant', meaning it's a doubled consonant. You need to pause slightly before the 'k' sound, making it shorter and sharper than a single 'k'. This distinction is important in Japanese. The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with a slight emphasis on the 'kk'. Rhyming words are rare for this specific sound pattern, but words ending in '-ri' like 'suguri' (berry) or 'hikari' (light) share the final sound.
Fun Fact
The 'kk' sound in 'bikkuri' is a geminate consonant, meaning it's pronounced with a slight pause, mimicking the suddenness of the surprise itself!
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'BICK-koo-ree', with a clear, short pause before the second 'k' sound.
Similar to UK, the emphasis is on the second syllable, and the doubled 'kk' is crucial.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'kk' as a single 'k'.
- Putting stress on the wrong syllable.
- Not pausing correctly for the doubled consonant.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy to read in context
easy to write with correct verb form
common and natural to say
frequently heard
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Masu-form, Te-form, Past-form)
びっくりします (bikkuri shimasu), びっくりして (bikkuri shite), びっくりした (bikkuri shita)
Causative Form
友達をびっくりさせる (to surprise a friend)
Particles (に, を, と)
音にびっくり (surprised by sound), 私をびっくりさせた (surprised me)
Examples by Level
猫がいた!びっくり!
Cat was there! Surprise!
Simple exclamation.
ドアが開いた。びっくりした。
Door opened. Surprised.
Past tense verb.
プレゼント!わあ、びっくり!
Present! Wow, surprise!
Interjection.
大きな音。びっくり。
Big noise. Surprise.
Noun + Adverb.
犬が走った。びっくり!
Dog ran. Surprise!
Simple sentence + exclamation.
先生が来た。びっくりした。
Teacher came. Surprised.
Verb + Adverb.
電気がない。びっくり!
Electricity is out. Surprise!
State + Adverb.
友達が来た。びっくりした。
Friend came. Surprised.
Past tense verb.
突然の訪問者にびっくりした。
Sudden visitor surprised.
Adjective + Noun + Particle + Verb.
そのニュースを聞いて、みんなびっくりした。
That news hearing, everyone surprised.
Noun + Particle + Verb.
大きな声にびっくりして、飛び上がった。
Big voice by surprised, jumped up.
Noun + Particle + Verb + Verb.
予想外の結果に、私はとてもびっくりした。
Unexpected result by, I very surprised.
Adjective + Noun + Particle + Adverb + Verb.
サプライズパーティーに、彼は本当にびっくりしていた。
Surprise party at, he really surprised was.
Noun + Particle + Adverb + Verb.
暗闇で急に何かが動いたので、びっくりした。
Darkness in suddenly something moved because, surprised.
Clause + Verb.
彼の変な顔を見て、思わずびっくりした。
His strange face seeing, involuntarily surprised.
Noun + Particle + Verb.
その物語の結末は、読者をびっくりさせるだろう。
That story's ending, reader(s) surprise will.
Future tense verb.
突然の雷鳴に、子供たちはびっくりして泣き出した。
Sudden thunderclap by, children surprised cried.
Noun + Particle + Verb.
彼の予想外の成功に、業界全体がびっくりした。
His unexpected success by, industry whole surprised.
Adjective + Noun + Particle + Noun.
その映画の衝撃的な展開に、観客はびっくりした。
That movie's shocking development by, audience surprised.
Noun + Particle + Noun.
彼女の突然の辞任の知らせに、同僚たちは皆びっくりしていた。
Her sudden resignation news by, colleagues they all surprised were.
Noun + Particle + Pronoun.
古いアルバムを見つけて、昔の友達の写真にびっくりした。
Old album finding, old friends' photos by surprised.
Verb + Noun + Particle.
予想外のプレゼントに、彼は顔を赤らめてびっくりした。
Unexpected present by, he face reddened surprised.
Adjective + Noun + Particle + Verb.
そのニュースはあまりにも信じられなかったので、しばらくびっくりしていた。
That news was too unbelievable so, for a while surprised was.
Adjective + Clause.
突然の停電で、家中の人々がびっくりしてしまった。
Sudden power outage by, everyone in the house surprised became.
Noun + Particle + Verb.
彼の突然の昇進の知らせは、社内に衝撃を与え、皆をびっくりさせた。
His sudden promotion news, within the company shock gave, everyone surprised made.
Causative form.
その芸術家の並外れた才能に、批評家たちは舌を巻き、時にびっくりした。
That artist's extraordinary talent by, critics tongues rolled, sometimes surprised.
Adjective + Noun + Particle.
予期せぬ遅延により、多くの乗客が空港でびっくりしていた。
Unexpected delay due to, many passengers at the airport surprised were.
Adjective + Noun + Particle.
その科学者の画期的な発見は、学界全体をびっくりさせるものだった。
That scientist's groundbreaking discovery, academic world whole surprise-causing thing was.
Noun + Particle + Noun.
長年連絡のなかった友人からの突然のメッセージに、彼は内心びっくりしていた。
Years contact no friend from sudden message by, he inwardly surprised was.
Adjective + Noun + Particle.
そのホラー映画の予想外の展開は、観客を度肝を抜くほどびっくりさせた。
That horror movie's unexpected plot, audience 'gallbladder-pulling-out' level surprised made.
Idiomatic expression.
彼女の冷静な対応は、予期せぬ危機的状況においても、周りの人々をびっくりさせるほどだった。
Her calm response, unexpected crisis situation even in, surrounding people surprised to the extent was.
Adjective + Noun + Particle.
その歴史的発見のニュースは、考古学者たちを大いにびっくりさせた。
That historical discovery's news, archaeologists greatly surprised made.
Noun + Particle + Adverb.
彼の冷静沈着な態度は、極限状況下においても周囲を唖然とさせ、時にびっくりさせるほどであった。
His calm demeanor, extreme situations even under, surroundings dumbfounded made, sometimes surprised to the extent was.
Complex sentence structure.
その芸術家の意表を突く作品群は、美術界に衝撃を与え、多くの評論家を当惑させ、そしてびっくりさせた。
That artist's unexpected artwork collection, art world shock gave, many critics confused, and surprised made.
Multiple verbs and objects.
予期せぬ政変の報は、国民を動揺させ、社会全体に広範なびっくりを引き起こした。
Unexpected political change's news, citizens disturbed made, society whole widespread surprise caused.
Abstract nouns and causative verbs.
その科学者の革新的な理論は、長年の定説を覆すものであり、学術界に大きなびっくりをもたらした。
That scientist's innovative theory, long-held established theory overturned was, academic world great surprise brought.
Figurative language and nuanced vocabulary.
長らく疎遠だった旧友からの電報は、予想外の感動と共に、彼に深いびっくりをもたらした。
Long estranged old friend from telegram, unexpected emotion along with, him deep surprise brought.
Literary tone and emotional depth.
そのホラー映画の、観客の心理を逆手に取るような展開は、巧妙に計算されており、度肝を抜くほどのびっくりを誘発した。
That horror movie's, audience psychology against-hand take like plot, skillfully calculated was, 'gallbladder-pulling-out' level surprise induced.
Complex sentence with descriptive clauses.
彼女の驚くべき回復力は、医学専門家たちをも当惑させ、その驚異的な進歩に思わずびっくりした。
Her astonishing recovery ability, medical experts even confused made, that wondrous progress involuntarily surprised.
Formal vocabulary and sophisticated phrasing.
その古代遺跡から発見された遺物は、当時の技術水準を遥かに超えており、考古学者たちを大いにびっくりさせ、新たな歴史観を提示するものであった。
That ancient ruin from discovered artifacts, that era's technological standard far surpassed, archaeologists greatly surprised made, new historical perspective present was.
Formal and academic language.
彼の演説は、聴衆の予想を遥かに超える洞察に満ちており、その知的な深淵に皆、畏敬の念と共に、しばしびっくりした。
His speech, audience's expectations far surpassed insight filled was, that intellectual abyss everyone, awe along with, for a while surprised.
Elevated vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
その芸術家の、既存の美学の枠組みを根底から覆すような作品群は、美術界に革命をもたらし、多くの批評家をして、その革新性に唖然とさせ、そして驚嘆の念と共に、ある種のびっくりを禁じ得なかった。
That artist's, existing aesthetics' framework fundamentally overturn like artwork collection, art world revolution brought, many critics made, that innovativeness dumbfounded, and admiration along with, a certain surprise could not help but feel.
Complex sentence with multiple subordinate clauses and nuanced expressions.
予期せぬ国際情勢の急激な変化は、世界中の人々に動揺を広げ、地政学的な均衡に対する広範な、そしてしばしば不穏なびっくりを引き起こした。
Unexpected international situation's rapid change, world's people disturbance spread, geopolitical balance towards widespread, and often unsettling surprise caused.
Sophisticated vocabulary and abstract concepts.
その科学者の、長らく信じられてきたパラダイムを覆す独創的な理論は、学術界に静かなる、しかし根源的なびっくりをもたらし、新たな研究領域の開拓を促した。
That scientist's, long believed paradigm overturn original theory, academic world quiet, but fundamental surprise brought, new research fields' pioneering encouraged.
Academic and philosophical language.
長きにわたる沈黙を破り、かつての恩師から届いた手紙は、懐かしさと共に、人生の思わぬ転換点を示唆しており、彼に深い、そして内省的なびっくりをもたらした。
Long silence breaking, former mentor from arrived letter, nostalgia along with, life's unexpected turning point suggesting was, him deep, and introspective surprise brought.
Literary style, emotional depth, and reflective tone.
その映画監督の、観客の知覚を巧みに操る叙事的構成は、単なる驚愕を超え、人間の心理の深淵に触れるような、計算され尽くしたびっくりを観客に体験させた。
That film director's, audience perception skillfully manipulate narrative structure, mere astonishment beyond, human psychology's abyss touch like, meticulously calculated surprise audience experienced.
Film theory terminology and complex narrative analysis.
彼女の、医学的常識を覆すほどの驚異的な回復力は、担当医たちをして、その生体メカニズムの解明に不可解なびっくりを覚えさせ、新たな治療法の可能性を示唆するものであった。
Her, medical common sense overturn to the extent wondrous recovery ability, attending doctors made, that biological mechanism's elucidation incomprehensible surprise feel, new treatment methods' possibility suggesting was.
Medical terminology and sophisticated phrasing.
その古代文明の遺跡から発掘された、我々の理解を遥かに超える精巧な工芸品は、考古学界に静かなる、しかし決定的なびっくりをもたらし、人類史の系譜に対する我々の認識を根本的に問い直す契機となった。
That ancient civilization's ruins from excavated, our understanding far surpassed exquisite artifacts, archaeological world quiet, but decisive surprise brought, human history's lineage towards our perception fundamentally re-examine opportunity became.
Formal, academic, and historically significant language.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"びっくり仰天 (Bikkuri gyōten)"
To be extremely surprised or astonished.
その知らせに<strong>びっくり仰天</strong>した。
neutral/emphatic"目を丸くしてびっくりする (Me o maruku shite bikkuri suru)"
To be surprised with wide eyes.
その値段を聞いて、思わず<strong>目を丸くしてびっくりした</strong>。
neutral"度肝を抜かれる (Dōgimo o nukareru)"
To be utterly shocked or taken aback.
そのパフォーマンスは観客の<strong>度肝を抜いた</strong>。
informal/idiomatic"肝をつぶす (Kimo o tsubusu)"
To be scared stiff or extremely startled.
突然の訪問者に<strong>肝をつぶした</strong>。
informal"腰を抜かす (Koshi o nuku kasu)"
To be so surprised or shocked that one's legs give way.
そのニュースを聞いて<strong>腰を抜かした</strong>。
informal"あっけにとられる (Akke ni torareru)"
To be taken aback or dumbfounded by something unexpected.
彼の予想外の発言に<strong>あっけにとられた</strong>。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to be surprised'.
びっくり often implies a more sudden, sharp, or startling reaction. 驚く is more general and can be less intense.
突然の物音に<strong>びっくりした</strong>。(Sudden noise startled me.) vs. その知らせに<strong>驚いた</strong>。(I was surprised by the news - could be less sudden).
Both describe a strong reaction to something unexpected.
唖然 implies being stunned, dumbfounded, and often speechless. びっくり is more about the immediate startle or shock.
彼の説明に<strong>唖然とした</strong>。(I was dumbfounded by his explanation.) vs. 彼の登場に<strong>びっくりした</strong>。(I was startled by his appearance.)
Both can be reactions to unexpected events.
感動 means being deeply moved emotionally (touched, inspired). びっくり is about surprise or shock.
その物語に<strong>感動した</strong>。(I was deeply moved by that story.) vs. その結末に<strong>びっくりした</strong>。(I was surprised by the ending.)
Both can describe a strong emotional response.
興奮 means excitement or agitation. びっくり is surprise or shock, which might lead to excitement but isn't the same.
試合に勝って<strong>興奮した</strong>。(I was excited about winning the game.) vs. 相手の強さに<strong>びっくりした</strong>。(I was surprised by the opponent's strength.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + に + びっくりする
突然の音<strong>にびっくりした</strong>。
Adjective + Verb + びっくりする
嬉しい知らせを聞いて<strong>びっくりした</strong>。
びっくりする + ほど/くらい + Adjective/Verb
<strong>びっくりするほど</strong>美味しかった。
びっくりした + Noun
<strong>びっくりした顔</strong>をしていた。
Subject + は/が + Object + を + びっくりさせる
彼の冗談<strong>は私をびっくりさせた</strong>。
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
'Bikkuri' is an adverb. To express the action of being surprised, you need the verb form 'bikkuri suru'.
'Bikkuri' implies a sudden, strong reaction. For less intense surprise, 'odoroku' is often more appropriate.
'Bikkuri suru' is to be surprised; 'bikkuri saseru' is to surprise someone else.
The doubled 'kk' requires a distinct pause, making it shorter and sharper than a single 'k'.
To modify a noun with surprise, use the past tense form 'bikkuri shita' (surprised).
Tips
Sound Association
Remember the sharp 'kk' sound in 'bikkuri'. Imagine a sudden 'pop!' sound, like a surprise popping out. Associate the sound with the feeling of being startled.
When to Use 'Bikkuri'
Use 'bikkuri suru' when something happens suddenly and unexpectedly, causing a noticeable reaction. Think loud noises, sudden appearances, or shocking news.
Expressing Surprise
In Japan, a sudden gasp or a slight jump is a common physical reaction to being 'bikkuri'. It's a very natural and common expression.
Verb Form is Key
Always remember to use 'bikkuri' with the verb 'suru' (to do) to form 'bikkuri suru' (to be surprised). 'Bikkuri' alone isn't a complete verb.
Master the 'kk'
Practice saying 'bikkuri' slowly, focusing on the slight pause and emphasis on the 'kk'. This is crucial for clear pronunciation.
Avoid Noun Confusion
Don't treat 'bikkuri' as a noun. If you want to talk about 'surprise', use the noun 驚き (odoroki).
Onomatopoeia Power
'Bikkuri' is likely derived from onomatopoeia, showing how sounds can become words for feelings and actions!
Sentence Mining
Find examples of 'bikkuri suru' in manga, anime, or dramas. Write down the sentences and the context. This helps you see how it's used naturally.
Positive Surprises Count Too!
You can be 'bikkuri' happy! For example, if you receive an unexpected gift, you can say 「プレゼントにびっくりした!」(Purezento ni bikkuri shita!)
Adjective Form
To describe a noun as 'surprised', use the past tense form: びっくりした顔 (bikkuri shita kao - a surprised face).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'BICKering' couple suddenly seeing something shocking, making them go 'BICK-kuri!'
Visual Association
Picture a jack-in-the-box ('bikkuri bako') popping out suddenly.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to react with a 'Bikkuri!' sound the next time something unexpected happens.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: Likely onomatopoeic, imitating a sudden bursting or popping sound.
Kultureller Kontext
Generally not culturally sensitive, but the intensity of the surprise can vary greatly.
In English, we might use 'Wow!', 'Whoa!', 'Surprise!', 'Shocked!', or 'Startled!' depending on the intensity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Everyday conversation
- 「わー、びっくりした!」 (Wow, I was surprised!)
- 「何があったの?びっくりした顔してるよ。」 (What happened? You look surprised.)
- 「急に名前を呼ばれてびっくりした。」 (I was surprised when my name was suddenly called.)
Watching movies/TV
- 「この展開、びっくりだね!」 (This plot twist is surprising!)
- 「最後のシーンでびっくりした。」 (I was surprised by the last scene.)
- 「まさか、そんなことが起こるなんてびっくりだ。」 (I'm surprised that such a thing would happen.)
Reacting to news
- 「そのニュースにびっくりしたよ。」 (I was surprised by that news.)
- 「本当?それはびっくりだね!」 (Really? That's surprising!)
- 「予想外の結果にびっくりした。」 (I was surprised by the unexpected result.)
Describing events
- 「突然の雷にびっくりした。」 (I was startled by the sudden thunder.)
- 「サプライズパーティーにびっくりした。」 (I was surprised by the surprise party.)
- 「彼の変装にびっくりした。」 (I was surprised by his disguise.)
Conversation Starters
"「最近、何かびっくりしたことあった?」 (Did anything surprising happen to you recently?)"
"「この映画の展開、すごくびっくりするよ。もう観た?」 (The plot of this movie is really surprising. Have you seen it yet?)"
"「昔、こんなことがあってびっくりしたんだ…」 (Once upon a time, something like this happened and I was surprised...)"
"「今日のニュースで一番びっくりしたのは何?」 (What was the most surprising thing in the news today?)"
"「サプライズって好き?びっくりするようなことされるのはどう?」 (Do you like surprises? How do you feel about being surprised?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were genuinely surprised (bikkuri). What happened, and how did you react?
Write about a time you surprised someone else (bikkuri saseru). What did you do, and what was their reaction?
Think about something you thought would surprise you, but didn't. Why wasn't it surprising?
Imagine you receive a completely unexpected piece of news. Write a short story about it, including your 'bikkuri' reaction.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 Fragenびっくりする emphasizes a sudden, often involuntary, startle or surprise. 驚く is a more general term for being surprised and can be less intense or sudden.
No, びっくり itself is an adverb. You need to use it with する (suru) to form the verb びっくりする (to be surprised).
You use the causative form: びっくりさせる (bikkuri saseru).
Not necessarily. While it often implies a startle, you can be びっくり by something positive too, like a surprise party or a gift.
The double 'kk' (geminate consonant) indicates a slight pause before the 'k' sound, making it sharper and shorter. This often mimics the suddenness of the surprise itself.
びっくり仰天 (bikkuri gyōten) is a common expression meaning 'to be extremely astonished'.
While びっくりする is common in spoken Japanese, in very formal writing, you might opt for more formal synonyms like 驚嘆する (keitō suru) or 仰天する (gyōten suru).
びっくり is a more immediate, often physical, reaction of surprise or startle. あっけにとられる implies being dumbfounded or taken aback, often to the point of speechlessness, and might involve a slightly longer processing time.
Teste dich selbst
突然の訪問者に ______ した。
The sentence describes being surprised by a sudden visitor.
What does 「びっくりする」 mean?
びっくりする is the verb form for 'to be surprised'.
「びっくり」 is primarily used as a verb.
びっくり is an adverb. It is most commonly used with the verb する to form びっくりする (to be surprised).
Word
Bedeutung
These pairs show different forms and related expressions of surprise.
The correct sentence is 「大きな音にびっくりした。」(Ōkina oto ni bikkuri shita.) - I was surprised by the loud noise.
その予想外の展開に、観客は ______ した。
The context of an 'unexpected development' calls for the word 'surprised'.
Which phrase best describes a sudden, involuntary reaction of alarm?
びっくりする specifically denotes a sudden, often involuntary, reaction to something unexpected or alarming.
「びっくり」 can be used to describe a prolonged state of astonishment.
びっくり emphasizes the suddenness of the reaction, not a prolonged state. For that, words like 驚嘆 (keitō) might be used.
その芸術家の意表を突く作品は、多くの評論家をして ______ を禁じ得なかった。
The context implies a strong, speechless reaction to unexpected art, fitting 'azen' (dumbfounded/stunned), which is related to the feeling of 'bikkuri'.
長年の定説を覆す発見は、学界に大きな ______ をもたらした。
A discovery overturning established theories would cause 'shōgeki' (shock/impact), a strong form of surprise.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Mastering びっくり (bikkuri) adds a vivid and dynamic element to expressing sudden surprise in Japanese.
- びっくり (bikkuri) is an adverb meaning surprised or startled.
- It's most commonly used with する as びっくりする (bikkuri suru).
- It emphasizes a sudden and often involuntary reaction.
- It can be used for both positive and negative surprises.
Sound Association
Remember the sharp 'kk' sound in 'bikkuri'. Imagine a sudden 'pop!' sound, like a surprise popping out. Associate the sound with the feeling of being startled.
When to Use 'Bikkuri'
Use 'bikkuri suru' when something happens suddenly and unexpectedly, causing a noticeable reaction. Think loud noises, sudden appearances, or shocking news.
Expressing Surprise
In Japan, a sudden gasp or a slight jump is a common physical reaction to being 'bikkuri'. It's a very natural and common expression.
Verb Form is Key
Always remember to use 'bikkuri' with the verb 'suru' (to do) to form 'bikkuri suru' (to be surprised). 'Bikkuri' alone isn't a complete verb.
Beispiel
突然の音にびっくりした。
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ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.