At the A1 level, you usually learn basic words for feelings like 'happy' (ureshii) or 'sad' (kanashii). '驚くべき' (odorokubeki) might be a bit difficult because it is formal. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'Wow!' or 'Very surprising.' Imagine you see a giant cake; you might say it's an 'odorokubeki cake.' Just remember it goes before the word it describes. It's like saying 'A surprising [thing].' Don't worry about the grammar too much yet; just remember it as a single block that means 'Amazing/Surprising.'
For A2 learners, '驚くべき' is a step up from 'bikkuri' (surprised). While 'bikkuri' is what you feel, '驚くべき' is what the thing *is*. You will start seeing this word in simple news stories or short articles. It often describes things that are very big, very fast, or very new. For example, 'odorokubeki news' (surprising news). Notice that the ending 'beki' doesn't change like other adjectives you've learned. It always stays 'beki' when it's in front of a noun. Try using it when you want to sound a little more serious than just saying 'sugoi.'
At the B1 level, you should understand that '驚くべき' is an attributive adjective. This means its main job is to modify a noun (e.g., 驚くべき事実 - a surprising fact). You'll notice it's common in written Japanese, like newspapers and textbooks. It carries a nuance that the surprise is objective—anyone would be surprised by it. You should also learn the phrase '驚くべきことに' (odorokubeki koto ni), which means 'Surprisingly...' and can start a sentence. This is a great way to improve your writing and make it sound more professional.
B2 learners should be comfortable using '驚くべき' in formal contexts. You should be able to distinguish it from similar words like '驚異的な' (kyouiteki na - phenomenal) or '目覚ましい' (mezamashii - striking). '驚くべき' specifically points to the 'worthiness of surprise.' It is often used to introduce evidence or results in a logical argument. For example, in a business report, you might write about '驚くべき成長' (remarkable growth). Pay attention to how it sets a formal tone for the rest of the sentence. You should also recognize its classical roots in the 'beki' auxiliary.
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic weight of '驚くべき.' It is not just an adjective; it's a rhetorical tool. It can be used to create emphasis or to signal a significant shift in a narrative. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as within relative clauses or as part of a formal 'noun + da' predicate (though usually as 'odorokubeki mono da'). You should also understand its relationship to the classical 'beshi' and how that contributes to its authoritative and slightly archaic flavor. It's a word that adds gravitas to your Japanese.
For C2 speakers, '驚くべき' is part of a nuanced vocabulary of evaluation. You should understand the subtle differences between this and other 'beki' adjectives like '恐るべき' (osorubeki - formidable) or '称賛すべき' (shousan subeki - praiseworthy). You can use '驚くべき' to critique literature, discuss historical trends, or engage in high-level academic discourse. At this level, you might also encounter it in its various historical forms in classical texts. You use it not just to describe surprise, but to categorize an event as a historical or scientific anomaly that demands rigorous analysis.

驚くべき en 30 segundos

  • A formal adjective meaning 'surprising' or 'remarkable.'
  • Used before nouns to describe extraordinary facts or results.
  • Objective in tone, unlike the subjective 'bikkuri' (to be surprised).
  • Derived from the verb 'odoroku' and the classical suffix 'beki'.

The Japanese word 驚くべき (odorokubeki) is a powerful attributive adjective used to describe something that is inherently surprising, astonishing, or remarkable. To understand its weight, one must look at its morphological construction. It is formed by the dictionary form of the verb 驚く (odoroku), which means 'to be surprised,' combined with the classical Japanese auxiliary べき (beki). In modern Japanese, ~beki typically functions as a modal of obligation or expectation (meaning 'should' or 'must'), but when attached to certain verbs to form an adjective, it takes on the meaning of 'worthy of' or 'destined to.' Therefore, 驚くべき literally means 'worthy of being surprised at' or 'that which should be surprising.'

Objective Evaluation
Unlike the simple past tense 'odoroki-mashita' (I was surprised), which describes a subjective emotional reaction, 驚くべき is an objective descriptor. It characterizes the noun it modifies as being objectively extraordinary, regardless of the speaker's personal feelings.
Formal Register
This word is frequently found in news reports, academic papers, and formal speeches. It carries a certain level of gravitas that colloquial terms like 'bikkuri' lack. When a scientist discovers a new phenomenon, they call it an 驚くべき発見 (odorokubeki hakken).
Attributive Nature
Crucially, 驚くべき is an attributive adjective, meaning it almost always precedes a noun. You would say 'odorokubeki kekka' (a surprising result), but you would rarely end a sentence with it as 'kore wa odorokubeki da' unless you are aiming for a very literary or archaic tone.

その若手選手は、驚くべきスピードで成長している。
(Sono wakate senshu wa, odorokubeki supiido de seichou shite iru.)
That young athlete is growing at an astonishing speed.

In a broader cultural context, Japanese communication often relies on expressing the 'nature' of things rather than just the 'reaction' to them. By using 驚くべき, the speaker signals to the listener that the fact being presented is outside the norm of everyday expectations. It is often used to emphasize statistics, historical shifts, or unprecedented human achievements. For example, in a business presentation, one might highlight an 驚くべき利益 (odorokubeki rieki)—an astonishing profit—to underscore the success of a strategy.

科学者たちは、火星で驚くべき事実を発見した。
(Kagakusha-tachi wa, Kasei de odorokubeki jijitsu o hakken shita.)
Scientists discovered a surprising fact on Mars.

Positive vs. Negative
While often used for positive achievements, it is neutral in valence. It can describe an 驚くべき事件 (odorokubeki jiken)—a shocking incident—as easily as it describes an 驚くべき才能 (odorokubeki sainou)—an amazing talent.

彼は驚くべき記憶力の持ち主だ。
(Kare wa odorokubeki kiyokuryoku no mochinushi da.)
He is the possessor of a remarkable memory.

Using 驚くべき (odorokubeki) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical constraints and the nouns it typically modifies. Because it is an attributive form, its primary role is to sit directly before a noun to add a layer of 'astonishment' to that noun. It does not take the 'na' or 'i' endings common to other Japanese adjectives; rather, it remains in the 'beki' form.

Common Noun Pairings
You will frequently see it paired with abstract nouns like 結果 (kekka - result), 事実 (jijitsu - fact), 能力 (nouryoku - ability), 進歩 (shinpo - progress), and 変化 (henka - change). These pairings highlight that the scale or nature of the noun is what is surprising.

その新薬は驚くべき効果を発揮した。
(Sono shin'yaku wa odorokubeki kouka o hakki shita.)
The new drug demonstrated a remarkable effect.

When constructing a sentence, place 驚くべき immediately before the noun you wish to emphasize. If you want to say 'The result was surprising,' you have two choices: use the verb form 驚いた (odoita) or the adjective 驚くべき within a noun phrase. For example, 'Kekka wa odorokubeki mono datta' (The result was a surprising thing). Using 'mono' or 'koto' after the adjective allows it to function in the predicate position.

Degree and Emphasis
To add even more emphasis, you can use adverbs before the whole phrase, though 驚くべき itself is already quite strong. Words like 実に (jitsu ni - truly) or 極めて (kiwamete - extremely) can precede it: 'Jitsu ni odorokubeki hakken' (A truly astonishing discovery).

この町は、この10年で驚くべき変貌を遂げた。
(Kono machi wa, kono juunen de odorokubeki henbou o togeta.)
This town has undergone an astonishing transformation in these ten years.

In writing, 驚くべき is often used to introduce a shocking statistic or a turning point in a narrative. It prepares the reader for information that challenges their previous assumptions. For instance, in a history book: 'Sore wa odorokubeki ketsumatsu de atta' (That was a surprising conclusion). Here, the word acts as a stylistic signal of significance.

彼はたった三ヶ月で、驚くべき日本語の上達を見せた。
(Kare wa tatta sankagetsu de, odorokubeki nihongo no joutatsu o miseta.)
In just three months, he showed a remarkable improvement in Japanese.

Syntactic Flexibility
While usually modifying a noun directly, it can also be part of a relative clause. For example: 'Odorokubeki koto ni, kare wa soko ni ita' (To one's surprise, he was there). In this case, 'koto ni' turns the adjective into an adverbial phrase meaning 'surprisingly.'

Identifying the right social context for 驚くべき (odorokubeki) is key to sounding natural. Because of its formal and slightly literary nuance, you won't often hear it in casual conversations between friends at a cafe. Instead, it thrives in environments where information is being formally presented or analyzed.

The News and Media
News anchors and journalists are the primary users of this word. When reporting on a record-breaking heatwave or a sudden political shift, they use 驚くべき to signal the gravity of the event. For example: 'Odorokubeki suuji ga happyou saremashita' (Astonishing figures were announced).
Documentaries and Educational Content
In nature documentaries or science programs, narrators use it to describe the wonders of the natural world. 'Kono seibutsu wa odorokubeki seitaikei o motte imasu' (This creature has a remarkable ecosystem). It adds a sense of awe and intellectual curiosity.

最新の研究で、脳の驚くべき仕組みが明らかになった。
(Saishin no kenkyuu de, nou no odorokubeki shikumi ga akiraka ni natta.)
The latest research has revealed the surprising mechanism of the brain.

You will also encounter 驚くべき in literature and high-end journalism. Authors use it to describe a character's traits or a sudden plot twist. In these contexts, it creates a more vivid and dramatic image than a simple 'bikkuri.' It suggests that the surprise is not just a momentary shock, but something that fundamentally changes one's perspective.

その寺院には、驚くべき彫刻が施されている。
(Sono jiin ni wa, odorokubeki choukoku ga hodokosarete iru.)
That temple features remarkable carvings.

Business and Tech
In the tech world, product launches often use this word to describe 'astonishing' specs or 'remarkable' innovation. 'Odorokubeki pahoomansu' (astonishing performance) is a common marketing phrase in Japanese tech reviews.

Finally, you might hear it in historical dramas (Jidaigeki) or formal speeches by older individuals. Because the ~beki suffix has roots in classical Japanese, it can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or very dignified. Using it correctly in a speech can make you sound very educated and precise.

彼は驚くべき粘り強さで、ついに目標を達成した。
(Kare wa odorokubeki nebarizuyosa de, tsuini mokuhyou o tassei shita.)
With remarkable persistence, he finally achieved his goal.

While 驚くべき (odorokubeki) is a useful word, its specific grammatical nature makes it prone to several common errors by learners of Japanese. Avoiding these will help you maintain a high level of naturalness in your Japanese output.

Confusion with 'Beki' (Should)
The biggest mistake is confusing the adjective 驚くべき with the grammatical structure [Verb] + beki meaning 'should do.' For example, 'Taberu beki' means 'should eat.' However, 'odorokubeki' does not mean 'should be surprised' in the sense of a moral obligation or advice. It is a fixed adjective. You wouldn't say to someone, 'You should be surprised!' using 'Odorokubeki da!' in a casual context.
Incorrect Predicate Use
Learners often try to treat it like a standard 'i-adjective' or 'na-adjective.' Saying 'Sono news wa odorokubeki desu' is technically understandable but sounds 'stiff' or slightly 'translated.' It is much better to say 'Sore wa odorokubeki news desu' (That is surprising news) or 'Odoroku hodo no news desu' (It is news to the extent of being surprising).

Incorrect: その結果は驚くべきだ。
Correct: それは驚くべき結果だ。
(Prefer placing it before the noun.)

Another error is using it for mundane or minor surprises. Since 驚くべき has a strong nuance of 'extraordinary' or 'astonishing,' using it for finding a 100 yen coin on the street or a friend being five minutes late is an overstatement. For these everyday occurrences, 'odoroki' (noun) or 'bikkuri' (colloquial) are much more appropriate.

彼は驚くべきことに、一度も練習せずに優勝した。
(Kare wa odorokubeki koto ni, ichido mo renshuu sezu ni yuushou shita.)
Surprisingly (to a remarkable degree), he won without practicing once.

Register Mismatch
Using 驚くべき in a very casual text message to a sibling might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. It's like saying 'It is a most astonishing fact that you ate my pudding' in English. While funny if intended, it's a register mismatch for normal conversation.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with 恐るべき (osorubeki), which means 'dreadful' or 'formidable.' They look similar because they both use the ~beki suffix, but osorubeki is related to fear (osoreru), while odorokubeki is related to surprise.

Japanese has many ways to express surprise. Choosing between 驚くべき (odorokubeki) and its alternatives depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is a comparison of similar terms.

驚くべき vs. 驚きの (Odoroki no)
驚きの is a more common, slightly less formal way to say 'surprising.' It is the noun 'odoroki' (surprise) plus the particle 'no.' While 驚くべき sounds like a formal evaluation, 驚きの sounds like a catchy headline or a casual observation.
Example: 'Odoroki no yasusa' (Surprising cheapness) vs. 'Odorokubeki shinpo' (Remarkable progress).
驚くべき vs. 驚異的な (Kyouiteki na)
驚異的な means 'phenomenal' or 'miraculous.' It is even stronger than 驚くべき and is often used for records, physical feats, or scientific wonders. It uses the kanji for 'wonder/miracle' (驚異). Use this when the surprise is so great it feels like a marvel.

その選手は驚異的な記録を打ち立てた。
(Sono senshu wa kyouiteki na kiroku o uchitateta.)
That athlete set a phenomenal record.

Other alternatives include 目覚ましい (mezamashii), which specifically means 'remarkable' or 'striking,' usually in the context of progress or improvement. It literally means 'so bright it wakes your eyes up.' If you are talking about someone's sudden improvement in skill, 目覚ましい is often more natural than 驚くべき.

驚くべき vs. 信じられない (Shinjirarenai)
This means 'unbelievable.' It is much more subjective and emotional. When you see something crazy and shout 'Unbelievable!', you say 'Shinjirarenai!' You wouldn't shout 'Odorokubeki!' in that moment.

それは目覚ましい発展だ。
(Sore wa mezamashii hatten da.)
That is a striking/remarkable development.

In summary, 驚くべき occupies a specific niche of 'formally recognized astonishment.' It's the word of choice for historians, scientists, and journalists who want to label a fact as significant and surprising without being overly emotional or colloquial.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'beki' suffix was originally a much more common way to form adjectives in classical Japanese, but 'odorokubeki' is one of the few that survived into modern Japanese as a common standalone adjective.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /o.do.ɾo.kɯ.be.ki/
US /o.do.ɾo.kɯ.be.ki/
Japanese does not use stress accent. It uses pitch accent. In 'odorokubeki', the pitch typically stays relatively flat after an initial low start on 'o'.
Rima con
huzubeki osorubeki shousansubeki mirubeki nasubeki yubeki kikuubeki manabubeki
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Japanese tap.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'ku'; it is often partially devoiced.
  • Stressing the 'be' syllable like an English adjective ending.
  • Confusing the 'ki' ending with a 'na' adjective ending.
  • Mispronouncing the 'o' as 'oh-u' instead of a pure short 'o'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji 驚 is complex, and the 'beki' form requires knowledge of intermediate grammar.

Escritura 4/5

Writing the kanji correctly takes practice, and using the word in the right register is tricky.

Expresión oral 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but harder to use naturally in conversation without sounding too formal.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to recognize in news or formal audio.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

驚く (odoroku) 驚き (odoroki) 〜べき (beki - grammar) 事実 (jijitsu) 結果 (kekka)

Aprende después

驚異的な (kyouiteki na) 目覚ましい (mezamashii) 恐るべき (osorubeki) 特筆すべき (tokuhitsu subeki) 称賛すべき (shousan subeki)

Avanzado

愕然とする (gakuzen to suru) 驚天動地 (kyouten douchi) 瞠目する (doumoku suru) 震撼させる (shinkan saseru)

Gramática que debes saber

Attributive form of 'beki' (Classical Japanese 'beshi')

なすべきこと (Things that should be done)

Adverbial phrase using 'koto ni'

嬉しいことに (Happily...)

Noun modification with dictionary form verbs

食べる時間 (Time to eat)

Expressing degree with 'hodo'

死ぬほど疲れた (Tired to the point of dying)

Compound nouns for formal reporting

経済成長率 (Economic growth rate)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

それは驚くべきニュースです。

That is surprising news.

驚くべき modifies the noun ニュース.

2

驚くべき大きなケーキですね。

It's a surprisingly big cake, isn't it?

驚くべき modifies the phrase 'big cake'.

3

彼は驚くべき力を持っています。

He has surprising strength.

驚くべき describes the noun 力 (strength).

4

驚くべき速さで走ります。

He runs with surprising speed.

速さ (speed) is modified by 驚くべき.

5

これは驚くべき発見です。

This is a surprising discovery.

発見 (discovery) is the noun being modified.

6

驚くべき話を聞きました。

I heard a surprising story.

話 (story) is modified by 驚くべき.

7

彼女は驚くべき才能があります。

She has surprising talent.

才能 (talent) is modified by 驚くべき.

8

驚くべき変化がありました。

There was a surprising change.

変化 (change) is modified by 驚くべき.

1

最新のロボットは驚くべき動きをします。

The latest robots make surprising movements.

動き (movement) is modified by 驚くべき.

2

驚くべきことに、彼はもう着きました。

Surprisingly, he has already arrived.

驚くべきことに is a phrase meaning 'surprisingly'.

3

その映画には驚くべき結末があった。

That movie had a surprising ending.

結末 (ending/conclusion) is modified by 驚くべき.

4

驚くべき安さで服を買いました。

I bought clothes at a surprising cheapness.

安さ (cheapness) is the noun form of the adjective 'yasui'.

5

このカメラは驚くべき性能を持っている。

This camera has surprising performance.

性能 (performance/capability) is modified by 驚くべき.

6

驚くべき方法で問題を解決した。

He solved the problem in a surprising way.

方法 (method/way) is modified by 驚くべき.

7

その選手は驚くべき記録を出した。

That athlete produced a surprising record.

記録 (record) is modified by 驚くべき.

8

驚くべき結果が待っていた。

A surprising result was waiting.

結果 (result) is modified by 驚くべき.

1

その国は驚くべき経済成長を遂げた。

That country achieved remarkable economic growth.

経済成長 (economic growth) is a common collocation.

2

驚くべき事実に、誰もが言葉を失った。

Everyone was speechless at the surprising fact.

事実 (fact) is modified by 驚くべき.

3

この薬には驚くべき副作用があるかもしれない。

This medicine might have surprising side effects.

副作用 (side effect) is modified by 驚くべき.

4

驚くべきことに、犯人は身近な人物だった。

Surprisingly, the culprit was someone close.

Used as a sentence-starting adverbial phrase.

5

彼の粘り強さは、実に驚くべきものだ。

His persistence is truly remarkable.

Used with 'mono da' to function in the predicate.

6

その技術は、驚くべきスピードで進歩している。

That technology is progressing at a remarkable speed.

進歩 (progress) is often used with this adjective.

7

驚くべき数の人々がそのデモに参加した。

A surprising number of people participated in the protest.

数 (number) is modified by 驚くべき.

8

この島には驚くべき生態系が残されている。

A remarkable ecosystem remains on this island.

生態系 (ecosystem) is modified by 驚くべき.

1

それは科学の歴史において驚くべき転換点となった。

That became a remarkable turning point in the history of science.

転換点 (turning point) is modified by 驚くべき.

2

驚くべきことに、その古い建物は地震でも無傷だった。

Surprisingly, that old building was unscathed even in the earthquake.

Contrast between 'old building' and 'unscathed'.

3

彼は驚くべき洞察力で、事件の本質を見抜いた。

With remarkable insight, he saw through to the essence of the case.

洞察力 (insight/discernment) is the noun modified.

4

この新製品は、驚くべき低消費電力を実現している。

This new product achieves remarkably low power consumption.

低消費電力 (low power consumption) is the compound noun.

5

驚くべきほど精巧に作られた偽札が発見された。

Counterfeit bills made with surprising precision were discovered.

驚くべきほど means 'to a surprising extent'.

6

そのピアニストは驚くべき表現力で聴衆を魅了した。

The pianist captivated the audience with remarkable expressive power.

表現力 (expressive power) is modified by 驚くべき.

7

驚くべき一致により、二人の意見は完全に重なった。

By a surprising coincidence, their opinions overlapped perfectly.

一致 (coincidence/agreement) is modified by 驚くべき.

8

そのニュースは驚くべき速さで世界中に広まった。

That news spread throughout the world with astonishing speed.

速さ (speed) is modified by 驚くべき.

1

その作家の処女作は、驚くべき完成度を誇っていた。

The author's debut work boasted a remarkable level of perfection.

完成度 (level of perfection/completion) is the noun.

2

驚くべきことに、その理論は数十年後に証明された。

Surprisingly, that theory was proven decades later.

Used to describe a long-term scientific validation.

3

彼は驚くべき記憶の再生能力を持っていることがわかった。

It was discovered that he possesses a remarkable ability to recall memories.

再生能力 (recall/regeneration ability) is the noun.

4

その遺跡からは驚くべき精巧な装飾品が出土した。

Remarkably exquisite ornaments were excavated from the ruins.

精巧な (exquisite/elaborate) is another adjective in the chain.

5

驚くべき忍耐力で、彼女は逆境を乗り越えた。

With remarkable endurance, she overcame adversity.

忍耐力 (endurance/patience) is modified by 驚くべき.

6

このアルゴリズムは驚くべき精度で予測を行う。

This algorithm performs predictions with remarkable accuracy.

精度 (accuracy/precision) is modified by 驚くべき.

7

その政治家は驚くべき弁論術で反対派を沈黙させた。

The politician silenced the opposition with remarkable oratory skills.

弁論術 (oratory/rhetoric) is the noun.

8

驚くべき執念が、このプロジェクトを成功に導いた。

A remarkable tenacity led this project to success.

執念 (tenacity/obsession) is modified by 驚くべき.

1

宇宙の膨張速度が加速しているという事実は、実に驚くべき発見であった。

The fact that the expansion of the universe is accelerating was a truly astonishing discovery.

Used in a formal scientific context.

2

驚くべきことに、その古文書には現代の科学に通じる記述があった。

Remarkably, that ancient manuscript contained descriptions that relate to modern science.

Highlights an anachronistic surprise.

3

彼の思想の深さは、驚くべき広がりを見せている。

The depth of his thought shows a remarkable breadth.

Abstract usage describing the scope of ideas.

4

その細胞の自己修復機能は、驚くべき巧妙さで制御されている。

The self-repair function of those cells is controlled with remarkable ingenuity.

巧妙さ (ingenuity/cleverness) is the noun.

5

驚くべきは、その若さでこれほどまでの達観を得ていることだ。

What is surprising is that he has attained such a level of philosophical detachment at that young age.

驚くべきは is a formal way to highlight the surprising element.

6

その建築物は、驚くべき幾何学的な調和を保っている。

The building maintains a remarkable geometrical harmony.

幾何学的な (geometrical) modifies harmony alongside odorokubeki.

7

驚くべきことに、彼は自らの過ちを認め、地位を辞した。

Surprisingly, he admitted his own mistakes and resigned from his position.

Describes a rare and surprising act of integrity.

8

その言語の文法体系は、驚くべき複雑さを有している。

The grammatical system of that language possesses a remarkable complexity.

有している (possesses) is a high-level formal verb.

Colocaciones comunes

驚くべき結果
驚くべき事実
驚くべきスピード
驚くべき才能
驚くべき進歩
驚くべき発見
驚くべき変化
驚くべき忍耐力
驚くべき精度
驚くべき安さ

Frases Comunes

驚くべきことに

— Surprisingly... / To one's surprise. Used to start a sentence describing a surprising fact.

驚くべきことに、彼はまだ生きていた。

驚くべきもの

— A surprising thing. Often used at the end of a sentence for emphasis.

その光景は実に驚くべきものだった。

驚くべきは〜だ

— What is surprising is... Used to highlight the most shocking part of a story.

驚くべきは、その犯人の年齢だ。

驚くべきほど

— To a surprising extent. Used like an adverbial phrase.

彼は驚くべきほど冷静だった。

驚くべき一致

— A surprising coincidence or agreement.

二人の話には驚くべき一致があった。

驚くべき展開

— A surprising development or plot twist.

物語は驚くべき展開を迎えた。

驚くべき効果

— A remarkable or surprising effect.

この運動は驚くべき効果がある。

驚くべき数値

— An astonishing figure or statistic.

驚くべき数値が記録された。

驚くべき話

— A surprising story.

驚くべき話を聞かされた。

驚くべき事件

— A shocking or surprising incident.

町で驚くべき事件が起きた。

Se confunde a menudo con

驚くべき vs 恐るべき (osorubeki)

Means 'dreadful' or 'formidable.' It relates to fear, while odorokubeki relates to surprise.

驚くべき vs 言うべき (iu beki)

Means 'should say.' This is a standard 'should' grammar, not a fixed adjective like odorokubeki.

驚くべき vs 驚くほど (odoroku hodo)

Means 'surprisingly' (adverbial). Used to modify adjectives or verbs, e.g., 'odoroku hodo hayai' (surprisingly fast).

Modismos y expresiones

"驚くべき成果を上げる"

— To achieve remarkable results. Often used in business or academic success.

彼は一年で驚くべき成果を上げた。

Formal
"驚くべき変貌を遂げる"

— To undergo an astonishing transformation.

その廃墟は驚くべき変貌を遂げた。

Literary
"驚くべき事実が明るみに出る"

— A surprising fact comes to light.

調査の結果、驚くべき事実が明るみに出た。

Journalistic
"驚くべき記憶力の持ち主"

— A possessor of a remarkable memory.

彼は驚くべき記憶力の持ち主だ。

Neutral
"驚くべき忍耐を示す"

— To show remarkable patience.

彼女は驚くべき忍耐を示した。

Formal
"驚くべき一致を見せる"

— To show a surprising coincidence/agreement.

二人の証言は驚くべき一致を見せた。

Formal
"驚くべき対照をなす"

— To form a striking contrast.

その二つの意見は驚くべき対照をなしている。

Academic
"驚くべき速さで広まる"

— To spread with astonishing speed.

噂は驚くべき速さで広まった。

Neutral
"驚くべき洞察力を発揮する"

— To demonstrate remarkable insight.

彼は交渉で驚くべき洞察力を発揮した。

Formal
"驚くべき精度を誇る"

— To boast remarkable precision.

この機械は驚くべき精度を誇っている。

Technical

Fácil de confundir

驚くべき vs 驚異的 (kyouiteki)

Both mean surprising/amazing.

Kyouiteki is even stronger and implies a 'miracle' or 'wonder.' Odorokubeki is slightly broader and more common in news.

驚異的な回復 (A miraculous recovery).

驚くべき vs 目覚ましい (mezamashii)

Both describe remarkable things.

Mezamashii is almost always positive and refers to progress or achievement. Odorokubeki can be neutral or negative.

目覚ましい発展 (Remarkable development).

驚くべき vs 意外 (igai)

Both mean unexpected.

Igai is used for minor surprises or simple unexpectedness. Odorokubeki is for high-magnitude astonishment.

意外な答え (An unexpected answer).

驚くべき vs 不思議 (fushigi)

Both relate to things that are not normal.

Fushigi means 'mysterious' or 'strange.' Odorokubeki means 'surprising.'

不思議な現象 (A mysterious phenomenon).

驚くべき vs 素晴らしい (subarashii)

Both can describe amazing things.

Subarashii is always positive (wonderful). Odorokubeki focuses on the element of surprise/shock.

素晴らしい演奏 (A wonderful performance).

Patrones de oraciones

B1

それは驚くべき [Noun] だ。

それは驚くべきニュースだ。

B1

驚くべきことに、〜。

驚くべきことに、彼は合格した。

B2

驚くべき [Noun] を遂げる。

日本は驚くべき発展を遂げた。

B2

実に驚くべき [Noun] だ。

実に驚くべき発見だ。

C1

驚くべき [Noun] を誇る。

その建物は驚くべき高さを誇る。

C1

〜は驚くべきものがある。

彼の才能には驚くべきものがある。

C2

驚くべきは、〜ことだ。

驚くべきは、その技術の古さだ。

C2

驚くべき [Noun] を呈している。

状況は驚くべき様相を呈している。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

驚き (odoroki - surprise)
驚異 (kyoui - wonder/miracle)

Verbos

驚く (odoroku - to be surprised)
驚かす (odorokasu - to surprise someone)

Adjetivos

驚きな (odoroki-na - surprisingly - non-standard but used in ads)
驚異的な (kyouiteki na - phenomenal)

Relacionado

仰天 (gyouten - being stunned)
愕然 (gakuzen - being aghast)
腰を抜かす (koshi o nukasu - to be scared stiff/surprised)
目を見張る (me o miharu - to open one's eyes wide)
舌を巻く (shita o maku - to be amazed)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal writing; less common in daily spoken Japanese.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'odorokubeki' as a 'na' adjective (e.g., odorokubeki na news). 驚くべきニュース (odorokubeki news)

    'Odorokubeki' is already in its attributive form. Adding 'na' is incorrect and redundant.

  • Using it for small, personal surprises. びっくりした! (Bikkuri shita!)

    Using 'odorokubeki' for a friend showing up unannounced is too dramatic. Use 'bikkuri' for small personal shocks.

  • Ending a sentence with it directly (e.g., Sono news wa odorokubeki desu). それは驚くべきニュースです。(Sore wa odorokubeki news desu.)

    While not strictly forbidden, it sounds much more natural to follow it with a noun or 'koto/mono.'

  • Confusing it with 'odoroku beki' meaning 'should be surprised.' N/A

    In modern Japanese, 'odorokubeki' is almost exclusively an adjective meaning 'astonishing.' It doesn't carry the moral obligation of 'should.'

  • Confusing 'odorokubeki' with 'osorubeki.' 驚くべき (surprising) vs 恐るべき (dreadful)

    One is for 'wow' (surprise), the other is for 'yikes' (fear/formidability).

Consejos

Pair with Abstract Nouns

Odorokubeki works best with abstract nouns like 'result,' 'fact,' 'speed,' or 'progress.' Using it with concrete objects like 'apple' sounds a bit strange unless it's a very special apple.

The 'Koto ni' Trick

Use 'Odorokubeki koto ni' at the start of a sentence to mean 'Surprisingly...' This is a very useful and natural way to introduce a shocking fact in both writing and speaking.

Formal Register

Keep in mind that this word is formal. If you are just talking to your friends about a surprise, use 'bikkuri shita' or 'odoroki' instead.

Compare with Osorubeki

Don't confuse 'odorokubeki' (surprising) with 'osorubeki' (dreadful). They look similar, but their meanings are very different. One is for amazement, the other for fear.

Literary Flair

In creative writing, use 'odorokubeki' to highlight a turning point. It prepares the reader for something that breaks the rules of the world you've built.

Business Reports

In business, this word is great for highlighting KPIs that exceeded expectations. It sounds more professional than 'sugoi' or 'totemo odoroku.'

Scientific Writing

When writing about a discovery, 'odorokubeki hakken' is a standard phrase used to denote significance in the field.

Objective Surprise

Remember that 'odorokubeki' implies that the thing is *objectively* surprising. It's not just that *you* were surprised; it's that *anyone* would be.

Classical Roots

The 'beki' ending gives the word a sense of 'destiny' or 'natural law.' It's like saying it is the 'natural duty' of this thing to surprise people.

Target Nouns

Memorize 'odorokubeki' together with its common partners like 'kekka' (result) and 'jijitsu' (fact). This will help you use it more fluently.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Odoroku' as someone saying 'Oh, do look!' because they are surprised. Add 'beki' which sounds like 'baked'—the news was so surprising it was like a freshly baked (beki) surprise!

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant exclamation mark (!) made of stone sitting in the middle of a Japanese garden. The stone exclamation mark is 'odorokubeki' because it's a surprising, solid fact.

Word Web

驚く (Verb) 驚き (Noun) 驚くべき (Adjective) 驚くべきことに (Adverb) 驚異 (Wonder) 驚愕 (Shock) 驚かす (Surprise someone) 驚嘆 (Admiration)

Desafío

Try to write three sentences about a famous person using 'odorokubeki.' For example, describe their talent, their speed, or their influence.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'odoroku' (to wake up/be startled) and the classical auxiliary suffix 'beshi' (attributive 'beki').

Significado original: Something that naturally causes one to be startled or awakened to a new fact.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

There are no major sensitivities, but using it for a tragedy requires a serious tone to avoid sounding sensationalist.

English speakers often say 'That's amazing!' for almost anything. In Japanese, 'odorokubeki' is more selective and formal, closer to 'remarkable' or 'extraordinary.'

Commonly used in titles of Japanese translations of Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' as 'Odorokubeki Shinjitsu' (Surprising Truths). Frequently used in NHK documentaries about space or nature. Often appears in the opening lines of mystery novels by authors like Edogawa Ranpo.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Scientific Reports

  • 驚くべき発見があった
  • 驚くべき精度で
  • 驚くべき数値を示した
  • 驚くべき仕組み

News Headlines

  • 驚くべき事実が判明
  • 驚くべき事件の真相
  • 驚くべき経済成長
  • 驚くべき転換点

Documentaries

  • 驚くべき生態系
  • 驚くべき知能
  • 驚くべき適応能力
  • 驚くべき生命力

Business Presentations

  • 驚くべき成果を上げた
  • 驚くべきスピードで拡大
  • 驚くべきコスト削減
  • 驚くべき顧客満足度

Art/Music Reviews

  • 驚くべき表現力
  • 驚くべき完成度
  • 驚くべきテクニック
  • 驚くべき独創性

Inicios de conversación

"最近、何か驚くべきニュースを聞きましたか?"

"あなたの人生で、驚くべき出来事は何でしたか?"

"驚くべき才能を持っている有名人といえば誰ですか?"

"最近のテクノロジーで、驚くべき進歩は何だと思いますか?"

"驚くべき安さでお宝を見つけたことはありますか?"

Temas para diario

今日、ニュースで見た驚くべき事実について書いてみましょう。

もし自分が驚くべき能力を持てるとしたら、どんな能力がいいですか?

最近の自分の成長の中で、驚くべき変化はありましたか?

歴史上の驚くべき発見について、自分の考えを述べてください。

驚くべきことに、今まで知らなかった自分の意外な一面について書いてください。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

You usually use it to describe a person's *qualities* or *actions* (e.g., odorokubeki sainou - surprising talent) rather than the person themselves. To say a person is amazing, 'sugoi' or 'subarashii' is better. However, you can say 'odorokubeki jinbutsu' in a very formal literary context to mean 'a remarkable individual.'

No, it is neutral. You can use it for negative surprises like 'odorokubeki jiken' (a shocking incident) or 'odorokubeki gousu' (a surprising amount of error). It simply indicates the scale of the surprise is large.

'Odoroki no' is more common in marketing and casual headlines (e.g., 'Odoroki no yasusa!' - Surprising cheapness!). 'Odorokubeki' is more formal and used in serious reporting or literature. 'Odorokubeki' sounds more like an objective evaluation.

It's grammatically okay but sounds a bit stiff. It's much more natural to say 'Kore wa odorokubeki koto desu' or 'Kore wa odorokubeki mono desu.' Using a noun like 'koto' (thing) makes the sentence flow better in modern Japanese.

Etymologically, yes. It comes from the idea that something is 'worthy of' being surprised at. However, in modern Japanese, 'odorokubeki' is treated as a fixed adjective. You shouldn't think of it as a moral 'should' like 'you should be surprised.'

Yes, if you are reporting a significant result or a major achievement. For example, 'Odorokubeki seika o ageru koto ga dekimashita' (We were able to achieve remarkable results). It shows that the result was exceptionally good.

It is written as 驚くべき. The kanji 驚 (odoroku) means 'surprise' or 'startle.' The rest is in hiragana.

It is generally considered B1 level. It's a word that intermediate learners start to encounter in news and formal reading materials.

Yes, especially in battle shonen or mystery anime. Characters might use it to describe an opponent's power or a shocking revelation. 'Odorokubeki chikara da!' (It's a surprising power!).

No, that would be 'osorubeki.' While a big surprise can sometimes be scary, 'odorokubeki' focuses on the shock/amazement, not the fear.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write 'Surprising news' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprisingly, he was there' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'A surprising fact was discovered' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'The country achieved remarkable growth' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'He possesses remarkable insight' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprising discovery' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprisingly big cake' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'It was a surprising result' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprisingly high accuracy' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'The news spread at an astonishing speed' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprising story' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprising speed' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprisingly, he arrived' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Remarkable talent' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Remarkable persistence led to success' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprising person' (formal) in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprising change' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Surprisingly, the answer was simple' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Remarkable progress in technology' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'The building has a remarkable structure' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprising news' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly, he came' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'That is a surprising fact' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The results were truly remarkable' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'He showed remarkable progress in a short time' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprising discovery' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly fast' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'A surprising event happened' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'He has a remarkable talent' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly, the truth was different' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprising story' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly big' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly, it was cheap' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Remarkable economic growth' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The precision is remarkable' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprising result' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Surprisingly, she passed' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'A surprising incident occurred' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Remarkable persistence' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The transformation was astonishing' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべきニュースです。 What is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべきことに、彼は勝ちました。 What did he do?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき事実が判明しました。 What was revealed?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: その進歩は実に驚くべきものです。 Is the progress great?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 彼女は驚くべき洞察力を発揮した。 What did she demonstrate?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき発見。 What was made?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき速さ。 What is it describing?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべきことに、間に合いました。 Did they make it in time?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき才能の持ち主。 What kind of person?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき精度で動いています。 How is it moving?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき話。 Is the story surprising?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき安さ。 Is it expensive?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき結果が出ました。 Was the result normal?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき一致が見られます。 Is there a difference?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 驚くべき忍耐力を示しました。 What was shown?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!