B1 verb #4,000 más común 11 min de lectura

衝撃を受ける

To be shocked or receive a strong impact.

shōgeki o ukeru
At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic idea that 'shōgeki o ukeru' means being very, very surprised. Imagine you see something amazing or strange, and you say 'Wow!' In English, you might say 'I am shocked.' At this level, you don't need to worry about all the formal uses. Just remember that 'shōgeki' means a big surprise and 'ukeru' means you feel it. It is like a stronger version of 'odoroku' (to be surprised). You might hear it in simple cartoons or read it in easy news stories. When you see a big explosion or a superhero does something incredible, characters might say they are shocked. Think of it as 'Big Surprise + Me.' It is helpful to know because it appears in many titles of videos or stories. Even if you cannot use it perfectly in a sentence yet, recognizing the word 'shōgeki' will help you understand that something important or big is happening in the story. You can practice by saying it when you see something really cool, like a fast car or a huge cake. It is a 'level up' word from the simple 'sugoi' (great) or 'bikkuri' (surprised).
For A2 learners, 'shōgeki o ukeru' is a great way to express stronger emotions than just 'bikkuri shimashita.' At this level, you are starting to talk about your experiences and feelings in more detail. You can use this phrase when you talk about a movie that had a big twist or a piece of news that everyone is talking about. The grammar is simple: [Thing] ni shōgeki o uketa. For example, 'I looked at the news and was shocked.' (News o mite, shōgeki o uketa). You should also notice that it is often used with 'tsuyoi' (strong) to say 'I received a strong shock.' This makes your Japanese sound more natural and expressive. It is also important to distinguish it from 'shokku' (shock). In Japanese, 'shokku' is usually for sad things, like losing your wallet. 'Shōgeki' is for things that are powerful, whether they are good or bad. If you see a beautiful sunrise that changes how you think about nature, that is a 'shōgeki.' If you hear a secret about a friend, that is also a 'shōgeki.' Practice using it when you describe your hobbies or travel experiences to your friends.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'shōgeki o ukeru' as a formal and impactful expression. This is a key vocabulary item for reading Japanese newspapers and watching news broadcasts. You should understand that this phrase implies a certain level of gravity or significance. It’s not just about being startled; it’s about an event that has enough 'force' to move your mind or society. You will often see it in the passive-like construction where the subject is 'the public' or 'the world.' For example, 'The world was shocked by the discovery.' You should also be able to use it in written Japanese, such as in a blog post or a short essay about a book you read. At this level, you should start using adverbs to qualify the shock, such as 'hidoku' (terribly) or 'kanari' (considerably). You should also be careful with the particle 'ni' to indicate the source. Understanding this phrase helps you bridge the gap between casual conversation and more professional or academic Japanese. It is also a good time to learn the related noun 'shōgeki-teki' (shocking), which is an adjective used to describe events or scenes.
B2 learners should be comfortable using 'shōgeki o ukeru' in various registers, from formal reports to serious discussions. You should recognize that the word 'shōgeki' literally means 'impact' and can be used in physical contexts (like engineering or physics), although the psychological use is more common. At this level, you should be able to compare 'shōgeki o ukeru' with similar phrases like 'kanmei o ukeru' (to be moved) or 'odoroki o kakusenai' (cannot hide one's surprise). You should also understand how it functions in complex sentences, such as 'The announcement was so sudden that I couldn't help but be shocked.' (Amari ni totsuzen no happyō de, shōgeki o kinji-enakatta). You should also look for the word in literature and editorials, where it is used to describe the profound effect of social changes or philosophical realizations. You should be able to explain *why* something was shocking using appropriate conjunctions and descriptive language. Furthermore, you should understand the difference between 'shōgeki o ukeru' (receiving the shock) and 'shōgeki o ataeru' (giving the shock), and use them correctly to describe the dynamics of an event.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'shōgeki o ukeru' in all its applications. This includes its use in high-level literature, legal or technical documents, and sophisticated social commentary. You should understand the metaphorical extensions of the phrase—how a 'shock' can refer to a systemic disruption in an economy or a paradigm shift in science. You should be able to use the phrase to describe subtle psychological states, such as the 'existential shock' one might feel when faced with a profound truth. Your use of the phrase should be precise; you know exactly when to use 'shōgeki' versus 'dageki' (blow/damage) or 'sōzen' (uproar). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions that incorporate the concept of shock, and be able to use the phrase in the negative or conditional to express nuanced hypothetical situations. For example, 'It wouldn't be shocking if...' (Shōgeki o ukeru yō na koto de wa nai). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to paint a detailed picture of the impact an event has on the human psyche or the structure of society. You should also be able to identify the rhetorical effect of using this phrase in a speech to garner empathy or highlight the importance of a topic.
For C2 learners, 'shōgeki o ukeru' is a tool for masterful expression. You should be able to analyze the use of this phrase in classical and modern texts, noting how its usage has evolved. You understand the phonetic weight of the kanji 衝 (collision) and 撃 (strike) and how they contribute to the 'heavy' feel of the word. You can use the phrase in highly formal academic papers to describe the reception of a theory or in creative writing to evoke a visceral reaction in the reader. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as within nested relative clauses or as part of a sophisticated rhetorical question. You are also aware of the sociolinguistic implications of using such a strong word in different Japanese social contexts—knowing when it serves as a powerful statement of fact and when it might be perceived as hyperbole. You can effortlessly switch between 'shōgeki o ukeru' and its more obscure synonyms like 'shinshō o utsu' (to strike the heart) or 'senritsu o oboeru' (to feel a shiver of shock/fear). Your mastery allows you to use the phrase with perfect timing and tone, making your Japanese indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

衝撃を受ける en 30 segundos

  • A formal expression used to describe being profoundly shocked or receiving a significant emotional or psychological impact from an external event or information.
  • Grammatically structured as '[Cause] ni shōgeki o ukeru,' highlighting the passive reception of a powerful surprise that often leaves a lasting impression.
  • Distinct from 'odoroku' (simple surprise) and 'shokku' (often disappointment), it emphasizes the 'force' or 'weight' of the experience, whether positive or negative.
  • Commonly found in news headlines, academic writing, and serious discussions to convey the magnitude of an event's influence on an individual or society.

The Japanese expression 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru) is a powerful and versatile phrase used to describe the experience of being profoundly shocked, startled, or deeply moved by an event, a piece of news, or a creative work. At its core, the phrase is composed of two parts: shōgeki (衝撃), meaning 'shock,' 'impact,' or 'clash,' and ukeru (受ける), the verb 'to receive.' Together, they literally translate to 'receiving an impact.' While this can refer to a physical collision in technical or scientific contexts, in everyday Japanese, it almost always refers to a psychological or emotional state where one's inner peace or expectations are suddenly and forcefully disrupted.

Emotional Depth
This phrase is significantly more intense than the common word びっくりする (bikkuri suru), which is closer to 'being surprised.' When you use 衝撃を受ける, you are implying that the experience has left a lasting impression on you, potentially changing your perspective or leaving you momentarily speechless.

そのニュースを聞いて、日本中が衝撃を受けることになった。
(Upon hearing that news, the whole of Japan ended up being shocked.)

People use this phrase in a variety of scenarios. In a positive light, it might describe the feeling of seeing a masterpiece of art for the first time or hearing a life-changing speech. For instance, a musician might say they 'received a shock' when they first heard a legendary guitarist play, signifying that the experience was a turning point in their career. In a negative or neutral context, it is frequently used in news reporting to describe the public's reaction to scandals, natural disasters, or unexpected political shifts. It conveys a sense of gravity that simpler verbs like 'to hear' or 'to know' cannot capture.

Grammar Note
The particle に is used to indicate the source of the shock. For example, [Source] に衝撃を受ける means 'to be shocked by [Source].'

彼の引退発表に、ファンは大きな衝撃を受けるだろう。
(Fans will likely be greatly shocked by his retirement announcement.)

In contemporary Japanese social media and casual conversation, you might also see the noun form used on its own, such as 衝撃の展開 (shōgeki no tenkai - a shocking development) or 衝撃的な結末 (shōgeki-teki na ketsumatsu - a shocking conclusion). However, the verb phrase 衝撃を受ける remains the standard way to describe the personal experience of the recipient. It suggests a certain level of passivity—the shock is something that happens to you, often without warning. Unlike active verbs where you seek out information, this phrase highlights the impact the information has upon your consciousness.

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While perfectly acceptable in polite conversation (desu/masu form), it is a staple of 'Kaki-kotoba' (written language) and 'Aratamatte' (formal) speech. In very casual settings with friends, you might use 'shokku' (ショック) instead.

初めてその絵画を見た時、私は言葉を失うほどの衝撃を受けることになった。
(When I first saw that painting, I was so shocked that I lost my words.)

科学界に衝撃を受けるような新発見が報告された。
(A new discovery that would shock the scientific community was reported.)

Using 衝撃を受ける correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the appropriate particles. The most common structure is [Noun] に衝撃を受ける. Here, the particle に (ni) acts as the agent or cause of the shock. If you want to describe the intensity of the shock, you can add adjectives like tsuyoi (強い - strong) or ōkina (大きな - large) before the word shōgeki.

Basic Structure
[Subject] は [Cause] に [Adjective] 衝撃を受けた。
Example: 私はその事実に強い衝撃を受けた。(I was strongly shocked by that fact.)

彼女の歌声に衝撃を受ける人は多い。
(There are many people who are shocked (amazed) by her singing voice.)

It is also important to note the tense. Since a 'shock' is usually a discrete event, the past tense 衝撃を受けた (shōgeki o uketa) is extremely common. However, the present tense is used when describing a general truth, a future possibility, or when used in a relative clause to modify a noun. For example, 'shōgeki o ukeru news' would mean 'news that shocks people.'

Modifying the Shock
You can use adverbs like hidoku (ひどく - terribly), motto-mo (最も - most), or kanari (かなり - considerably) to modify the verb 'ukeru', though it is more common to modify the noun 'shōgeki'.

あまりの美しさに、しばらく動けないほどの衝撃を受ける
(I receive such a shock from the sheer beauty that I cannot move for a while.)

When discussing news or social phenomena, the subject is often omitted if it is 'the public' or 'people in general.' For example, 'Sekai ga shōgeki o uketa' (The world was shocked). This personification of 'the world' or 'society' adds a dramatic flair to the reporting. In academic writing, you might see this phrase used to describe the influence of one theory on another, suggesting that the second theory was fundamentally altered or 'hit' by the first.

その事件は社会全体に衝撃を受けるきっかけとなった。
(That incident became the trigger for the entire society to receive a shock.)

昨日、私は自分の無知さに衝撃を受ける経験をした。
(Yesterday, I had an experience where I was shocked by my own ignorance.)

Formal Contexts
In formal speeches, you might hear 'Shōgeki o kinji-enai' (衝撃を禁じ得ない), which means 'cannot help but feel shocked,' a very high-level expression.

Finally, remember that 'ukeru' is a transitive verb that takes 'shōgeki' as its object. Therefore, the particle を (o) is essential. In very casual, fast-paced speech, the 'o' might be dropped, but in any standard or written context, it must be included to maintain grammatical integrity.

The phrase 衝撃を受ける is ubiquitous in Japanese media. If you turn on the NHK news or pick up a newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun, you will encounter it frequently. It is the 'headline' word for anything unexpected. Whether it's a sudden economic crash, a celebrity scandal, or a breakthrough in medical research, journalists rely on this phrase to convey the magnitude of the event's impact on the public consciousness.

News Media
Broadcasters often use it to describe the atmosphere of a scene. 'Genchi no hitobito wa tsuyoi shōgeki o ukete imasu' (The local people are receiving a strong shock/are deeply shocked).

その映像は、世界中に衝撃を受ける結果を招いた。
(That footage brought about a result that shocked the entire world.)

In the world of entertainment and art, critics use shōgeki o ukeru to praise works that are innovative or boundary-pushing. A movie review might state that the audience was 'shocked' by the plot twist, implying that the shock was a positive, thrilling experience. Similarly, in sports commentary, when an underdog defeats a champion, the commentator will inevitably say the sports world has 'received a shock.' It captures that moment of collective disbelief and awe.

Documentaries
In biographical documentaries, subjects often use this phrase to describe their 'aha!' moments. 'When I first visited Africa, I received a shock from the reality of life there.'

彼の天才的な才能に、私はただ衝撃を受けるばかりだった。
(I could do nothing but be shocked by his genius talent.)

In business settings, the phrase might be used during post-mortem meetings or market analysis. If a competitor releases a revolutionary product, a manager might admit, 'We received a shock from their new technology.' This acknowledges the threat and the need for a strategic response. It is a more professional way of saying 'We were surprised' or 'We were caught off guard.' It suggests that the impact was substantial enough to require a change in course.

市場の急激な変化に、多くの企業が衝撃を受けることになった。
(Many companies ended up being shocked by the rapid change in the market.)

教科書で読んだ歴史の事実に、子供たちは衝撃を受ける
(Children are shocked by the historical facts they read in textbooks.)

Daily Conversations
While slightly formal, you will hear it among adults discussing deep topics. 'I was shocked to learn how much the cost of living has risen.'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru) with 驚く (odoroku). While both involve surprise, odoroku is a general term for being surprised by anything—a loud noise, a small gift, or a friend showing up unannounced. Shōgeki o ukeru is reserved for things that have a 'weight' or 'impact.' Using it for a small surprise can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.

Mistake: Over-dramatization
Incorrect: 卵の値段が10円上がったことに衝撃を受けた。
Correct: 卵の値段が上がって驚いた。
Explanation: A 10-yen price hike is usually just a surprise, not a life-altering impact.

× 彼は私の顔を見て衝撃を受ける
○ 彼は私の顔を見て驚く。
(He was surprised to see my face—unless your face is truly terrifying, 'odoroku' is better.)

Another common error is getting the direction of the action wrong. Learners sometimes say 衝撃をする (shōgeki o suru), which is grammatically incorrect. You must either 'receive' the shock (ukeru) or 'give' the shock (ataeru). Similarly, using the wrong particle—like shōgeki o odoroku—is a common slip. Remember that shōgeki is the noun (the shock itself), not the feeling of being shocked.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Shokku'
'Shokku o ukeru' is very common in casual speech, but it usually implies sadness or disappointment (e.g., being dumped). 'Shōgeki o ukeru' is more about the magnitude of the surprise and can be neutral or positive.

× 宝くじが当たってショックを受けた。
○ 宝くじが当たって衝撃を受ける
(Winning the lottery is a positive shock, so 'shokku'—which is mostly negative—is inappropriate.)

Learners also struggle with the transitive nature of the phrase. You cannot say 'I shocked' using this phrase. You must say 'I received a shock.' If you want to say 'The news shocked me,' you should say 'The news gave me a shock' (News ga watashi ni shōgeki o ataeta) or 'I received a shock from the news' (Watashi wa news ni shōgeki o uketa). Switching these up can lead to confusion about who was actually surprised.

Contextual Error
Avoid using this phrase in situations that require extreme delicacy or mourning unless you are describing the public reaction. In a one-on-one condolence, 'shōgeki o uketa' might sound a bit detached or overly formal.

× あなたのお父さんの死に衝撃を受ける
○ お父様のこと、本当に驚きました。お悔やみ申し上げます。
(Using the plain verb form 'ukeru' in a condolence is too blunt; use polite, empathetic language instead.)

To truly master Japanese, it is helpful to know where 衝撃を受ける fits in the spectrum of 'surprise' and 'shock.' There are several related terms, each with its own nuance and level of formality. Understanding these will allow you to choose the most precise word for your situation.

驚く (Odoroku)
The most common verb for 'to be surprised.' It is neutral and can be used for anything from a small surprise to a big one. It lacks the 'impact' nuance of shōgeki.

彼はそのニュースに驚いた。
(He was surprised by the news. - Simple and direct.)

ショックを受ける (Shokku o ukeru)
Used very frequently in casual conversation. However, in Japanese, 'shokku' has a strong connotation of sadness, disappointment, or feeling 'let down.' If you fail an exam, you receive a 'shokku,' not necessarily a 'shōgeki.'

彼女に振られて、彼はショックを受けている。
(He is shocked/depressed because he was dumped.)

For more formal or literary contexts, you might use 愕然とする (gakuzen to suru). This means to be 'dumbfounded' or 'astounded' to the point of being paralyzed. It is much more intense than shōgeki o ukeru and is often used when someone discovers a horrifying truth. Another alternative is 肝を潰す (kimo o tsubusu), an idiom meaning 'to be frightened out of one's wits' (literally: to crush one's liver/gallbladder).

感銘を受ける (Kanmei o ukeru)
This is the positive counterpart. It means 'to be deeply impressed' or 'to be moved.' If you are shocked by a beautiful speech in a way that inspires you, kanmei o ukeru is often more appropriate and sophisticated.

彼のスピーチに、会場全体が感銘を受けた。
(The entire venue was deeply moved by his speech.)

In technical or scientific writing, you might see 打撃を受ける (dageki o ukeru). While shōgeki is a shock or impact, dageki is a 'blow' or 'hit.' This is often used for economic damage (e.g., 'The tourism industry received a blow from the pandemic'). While shōgeki can be used there too, dageki emphasizes the resulting damage more than the initial surprise.

新製品の発表は、競合他社に大きな衝撃を受けるものとなった。
(The announcement of the new product became something that shocked the competitors.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"その報告書の内容に、委員会は衝撃を禁じ得ませんでした。"

Neutral

"多くの人がそのニュースに衝撃を受けました。"

Informal

"あの映画のラスト、マジで衝撃受けたわ。"

Child friendly

"びっくりして、ドカンと衝撃を受けたよ!"

Jerga

"あの展開、衝撃すぎて草。"

Dato curioso

The kanji 衝 (shō) originally depicted a crossroad where people or carts would collide or meet. This gives the 'shock' a sense of being at a crossroads of experience.

Guía de pronunciación

UK ʃoːɡeki o ukeɾɯ
US ʃoʊɡeki oʊ ukeɪru
Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'shōgeki', the pitch typically drops after 'ge'. 'Ukeru' often has a low-high-low pattern.
Rima con
Kōgeki (attack) Mokugeki (witnessing) Shugeki (raid) Gekiteki (dramatic) Tsukeru (to attach) Takeru (to excel) Makeru (to lose) Bakeru (to transform)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'u' as 'oo' in 'food' (it should be shorter and less rounded).
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese syllables should have relatively even length).
  • Failing to pronounce the long 'ō' in 'shōgeki' correctly.
  • Mispronouncing the 'r' in 'ukeru' as a hard English 'r'.
  • Ignoring the particle 'o' entirely.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Escritura 4/5

Writing 'shōgeki' correctly requires practice with complex kanji.

Expresión oral 2/5

The phrase is easy to drop into sentences once learned.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in news and media, easy to recognize.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

驚く (Odoroku) 受ける (Ukeru) 強い (Tsuyoi) ニュース (News) 事実 (Jijitsu)

Aprende después

感銘を受ける (Kanmei o ukeru) 影響を与える (Eikyō o ataeru) 愕然とする (Gakuzen to suru) 想定外 (Sōteigai)

Avanzado

震撼させる (Shinkan saseru - to make tremble/shock) 驚天動地 (Kyōten dōchi - earth-shattering surprise)

Gramática que debes saber

Particle 'ni' for Cause

ニュースに衝撃を受けた。(Shocked by the news.)

Noun Modification with Past Tense

衝撃を受けた人々。(People who were shocked.)

Adverbial use of 'hodo'

言葉を失うほど衝撃を受ける。(To be shocked to the point of losing words.)

Compound Noun Formation

衝撃的 (Shocking) + Noun.

Transitive vs Intransitive Nuance

衝撃を受ける (Receive) vs 衝撃を与える (Give).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

そのニュースに、私は衝撃を受けました。

I was shocked by that news.

The particle 'ni' shows the cause.

2

大きな衝撃を受けました。

I received a big shock.

'Ōkina' (big) describes the shock.

3

テレビを見て衝撃を受ける。

Watching TV and being shocked.

Present tense used for a general action.

4

テストの結果に衝撃を受ける。

To be shocked by the test results.

Common situation for students.

5

彼は衝撃を受けた顔をしています。

He has a shocked face.

'Shōgeki o uketa' modifies 'kao' (face).

6

だれもが衝撃を受けるでしょう。

Everyone will probably be shocked.

'Deshō' expresses a guess.

7

その話に衝撃を受けた。

I was shocked by that story.

Plain past tense.

8

びっくりして衝撃を受ける。

To be surprised and shocked.

Using 'bikkuri' and 'shōgeki' together for emphasis.

1

初めて富士山を見て、その高さに衝撃を受けた。

Seeing Mt. Fuji for the first time, I was shocked by its height.

The 'te-form' indicates the reason.

2

彼女のすごい才能に衝撃を受ける。

I am shocked by her amazing talent.

Positive use of the phrase.

3

昨日の事故のニュースに強い衝撃を受けました。

I was strongly shocked by the news of yesterday's accident.

'Tsuyoi' (strong) adds intensity.

4

その映画の結末に、観客は衝撃を受けた。

The audience was shocked by the ending of that movie.

Focus on the audience's reaction.

5

値段が安すぎて、私は衝撃を受ける。

The price was so low that I was shocked.

'Sugite' (too much) indicates the cause.

6

彼の言葉に衝撃を受けて、何も言えなかった。

I was shocked by his words and couldn't say anything.

Describes the result of the shock.

7

日本の文化に衝撃を受ける外国人は多い。

There are many foreigners who are shocked by Japanese culture.

Relative clause modifying 'gaikokujin'.

8

思わぬ展開に衝撃を受ける。

To be shocked by an unexpected development.

'Omowanu' means unexpected.

1

世界中がその悲しいニュースに衝撃を受けた。

The whole world was shocked by that sad news.

Broad subject: 'Sekai-ju' (the whole world).

2

科学界に衝撃を受けるような発見があった。

There was a discovery that would shock the scientific world.

Used to describe the importance of a discovery.

3

あまりに突然のことに、しばらく衝撃を受けていた。

It was so sudden that I was shocked for a while.

'Te-ita' shows a continuing state.

4

彼の本音を聞いて、私は強い衝撃を受けた。

Hearing his true feelings, I received a strong shock.

'Honne' means true feelings.

5

その光景を見て、言葉にできないほどの衝撃を受ける。

Seeing that sight, I receive a shock that cannot be put into words.

'Kotoba ni dekinai hodo' (to the extent that words fail).

6

新技術の進歩に、業界全体が衝撃を受けている。

The entire industry is shocked by the progress of new technology.

Describes an industry-wide impact.

7

予期せぬ敗北に、チームは大きな衝撃を受けた。

The team was greatly shocked by the unexpected defeat.

'Yoki-senu' means unexpected.

8

現実の厳しさに衝撃を受ける若者は少なくない。

Not a few young people are shocked by the harshness of reality.

'Sukunaku nai' is a double negative meaning 'many'.

1

そのスキャンダルは政界に衝撃を受ける結果となった。

That scandal resulted in shocking the political world.

Describes a causal chain.

2

彼女の引退は、ファンにとって衝撃を受ける出来事だった。

Her retirement was a shocking event for the fans.

'Dekigoto' means event.

3

市場の変動に衝撃を受ける投資家たちが続出した。

Investors who were shocked by market fluctuations appeared one after another.

'Zokushutsu' means appearing in large numbers.

4

未知のウイルスに衝撃を受ける医療現場の混乱。

The confusion in medical settings shocked by an unknown virus.

Noun modification in a formal context.

5

彼は恩師の言葉に、これまでにない衝撃を受けた。

He was shocked by his mentor's words like never before.

'Kore made ni nai' (unprecedented).

6

教科書で学んだ歴史の裏側に衝撃を受ける。

To be shocked by the hidden side of history learned in textbooks.

'Uragawa' means the back side or hidden side.

7

その絵画の圧倒的な迫力に、誰もが衝撃を受ける。

Everyone is shocked by the overwhelming power of that painting.

'Hakuryoku' means power or force.

8

突然の解雇通知に、彼は激しい衝撃を受けた。

He received a violent shock from the sudden dismissal notice.

'Hagashii' (violent/intense) describes the shock.

1

その哲学的な問いに、私は根源的な衝撃を受けた。

I received a fundamental shock from that philosophical question.

'Kongen-teki' (fundamental/radical).

2

伝統が崩れ去る様子を目の当たりにし、衝撃を受ける。

Witnessing the crumbling of tradition, one is shocked.

'Me no Atari ni suru' (to witness firsthand).

3

彼は自らの過ちに気づき、愕然とするほどの衝撃を受けた。

He realized his mistake and was shocked to the point of being dumbfounded.

Combines 'gakuzen' with 'shōgeki'.

4

社会の不条理を突きつけられ、強い衝撃を受ける。

Being confronted with the absurdity of society, I received a strong shock.

'Tsukitsukerareru' (to be confronted with).

5

その革新的な理論は、既存のパラダイムに衝撃を受けるものだ。

That innovative theory is something that shocks the existing paradigm.

Abstract usage in academic context.

6

異文化との遭遇は、時に自己のアイデンティティに衝撃を受ける。

Encounters with different cultures sometimes shock one's own identity.

Psychological depth.

7

彼の冷徹な決断に、周囲は言葉を失うほどの衝撃を受けた。

Those around him were so shocked by his cold-blooded decision that they lost their words.

'Reitetsu' means cold-headed/cold-blooded.

8

その詩の美しさと深さに、魂が揺さぶられるような衝撃を受ける。

I receive a shock that feels like my soul is being shaken by the beauty and depth of that poem.

'Tamashii ga yusaburareru' (soul-shaking).

1

虚構と現実の境界が曖昧になる瞬間に、根源的な衝撃を受ける。

At the moment the boundary between fiction and reality becomes blurred, one receives a fundamental shock.

High-level abstract thought.

2

その凄惨な現場を前にして、彼は筆舌に尽くしがたい衝撃を受けた。

Facing that gruesome scene, he received a shock beyond description.

'Hitsuzetsu ni tsukushi-gatai' (beyond words).

3

文明の終焉を予感させる出来事に、人類は未曾有の衝撃を受けるだろう。

Humanity will likely receive an unprecedented shock from an event that foreshadows the end of civilization.

'Mizō' (unprecedented).

4

権力の腐敗が白日の下に晒され、国民は多大なる衝撃を受けた。

Corruption of power was exposed to the light of day, and the citizens received a great shock.

'Hakujitsu no moto ni sarasareru' (to be exposed publicly).

5

自己の存在意義を根底から覆すような事実に、衝撃を受けることを禁じ得ない。

One cannot help but be shocked by a fact that overturns the very basis of one's existence.

'Kinji-enai' (cannot help but...).

6

宇宙の広大さと自らの矮小さを対比させ、哲学的な衝撃を受ける。

Contrasting the vastness of the universe with one's own smallness, one receives a philosophical shock.

'Waishō' (smallness/insignificance).

7

その静謐な美しさは、騒々しい日常に慣れた心に鮮烈な衝撃を受ける。

That tranquil beauty gives a vivid shock to a heart accustomed to the noisy daily life.

'Senretsu' (vivid/striking).

8

時代の奔流に飲み込まれ、価値観の変容に衝撃を受ける。

Swallowed by the torrent of the times, one is shocked by the transformation of values.

'Honryū' (torrent/mainstream).

Colocaciones comunes

強い衝撃を受ける
大きな衝撃を受ける
精神的な衝撃を受ける
物理的な衝撃を受ける
言葉を失うほどの衝撃
世界中に衝撃を受ける
事実を知って衝撃を受ける
初めての経験に衝撃を受ける
激しい衝撃を受ける
少なからず衝撃を受ける

Frases Comunes

衝撃のニュース

衝撃的なデビュー

衝撃の結末

衝撃を受けるばかりだ

隠しきれない衝撃

衝撃を禁じ得ない

衝撃が走る

衝撃に備える

衝撃を和らげる

衝撃から立ち直る

Se confunde a menudo con

衝撃を受ける vs 驚く (Odoroku)

Odoroku is for general surprise; Shōgeki is for heavy impact.

衝撃を受ける vs ショックを受ける (Shokku o ukeru)

Shokku usually implies sadness/disappointment; Shōgeki can be positive or negative.

衝撃を受ける vs 打撃を受ける (Dageki o ukeru)

Dageki is a 'blow' or 'damage' (often economic); Shōgeki is the 'shock' or 'surprise'.

Modismos y expresiones

"青天の霹靂"

A bolt from the blue; a complete surprise. Used for sudden shocking events.

その人事異動は私にとって青天の霹靂だった。

Literary

"寝耳に水"

A total surprise (literally: water in the sleeping ear).

彼の結婚の話は寝耳に水だった。

Neutral

"腰を抜かす"

To be so shocked or scared that one's legs give way.

幽霊を見て腰を抜かした。

Informal

"開いた口が塞がらない"

To be left speechless with amazement or disgust.

彼のわがままには開いた口が塞がらない。

Neutral

"目が点になる"

To be wide-eyed with surprise (literally: eyes become dots).

彼女の変身ぶりに目が点になった。

Informal/Slang

"度肝を抜く"

To startle or amaze someone greatly.

彼のマジックは観客の度肝を抜いた。

Neutral

"鳩が豆鉄砲を食ったよう"

To look blankly surprised (literally: like a pigeon hit by a bean pea-shooter).

彼は鳩が豆鉄砲を食ったような顔をしている。

Idiomatic

"肝を冷やす"

To be chilled to the bone with fear or shock.

事故になりそうで肝を冷やした。

Neutral

"息を呑む"

To catch one's breath; to be breathless with surprise or beauty.

あまりの美しさに息を呑んだ。

Literary

"言葉を失う"

To be at a loss for words due to shock or awe.

惨状を前に、言葉を失った。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

衝撃を受ける vs 感動する (Kandō suru)

Both involve strong feelings.

Kandō is specifically 'being moved/touched' (positive); Shōgeki is 'being shocked' (neutral/intense).

映画に感動した (Moved by movie) vs 映画に衝撃を受けた (Shocked by movie).

衝撃を受ける vs 感銘を受ける (Kanmei o ukeru)

Both are formal 'ukeru' phrases.

Kanmei is for deep inspiration; Shōgeki is for a sudden, forceful impact.

先生の言葉に感銘を受けた。

衝撃を受ける vs 愕然とする (Gakuzen to suru)

Both mean being very shocked.

Gakuzen is more literary and implies being 'stunned' or 'aghast.'

自分のミスに愕然とした。

衝撃を受ける vs 動揺する (Dōyō suru)

Both describe a disturbed mental state.

Dōyō means to be 'shaken' or 'unsettled' (often showing visible agitation).

悪い知らせに動揺した。

衝撃を受ける vs 震撼する (Shinkan suru)

Both relate to large-scale shock.

Shinkan means 'to tremble' and is used for society-wide shocks (e.g., a city trembling with fear).

世界を震撼させた事件。

Patrones de oraciones

A2

[Noun] に衝撃を受けた。

そのニュースに衝撃を受けた。

B1

[Noun] に強い衝撃を受けた。

彼の才能に強い衝撃を受けた。

B1

[Verb-ru] のを見て衝撃を受ける。

彼が走るのを見て衝撃を受ける。

B2

[Noun] は [Noun] に衝撃を受ける結果となった。

事件は社会に衝撃を受ける結果となった。

B2

あまりの [Noun] に衝撃を受ける。

あまりの美しさに衝撃を受ける。

C1

[Phrase] ほど、[Subject] は衝撃を受けた。

言葉を失うほど、私は衝撃を受けた。

C1

[Noun] に衝撃を受けずにはいられない。

その事実に衝撃を受けずにはいられない。

C2

[Noun] に衝撃を禁じ得ない。

惨状に衝撃を禁じ得ない。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in media; moderately common in daily adult conversation.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'shōgeki o suru' 衝撃を受ける

    You cannot 'do' a shock; you must 'receive' it or 'give' it (ataeru).

  • Using it for minor surprises 驚く (Odoroku)

    Saying you received a 'shōgeki' because a friend called you sounds weirdly dramatic.

  • Confusing it with 'shokku' for sadness ショックを受ける

    If you are sad about a breakup, 'shokku' is the natural choice, not 'shōgeki'.

  • Wrong particle: 'shōgeki o odoroku' 衝撃を受ける / 驚く

    'Shōgeki' is a noun, 'odoroku' is a verb. You can't combine them this way.

  • Redundant passive: 'shōgeki o ukerareru' 衝撃を受ける

    'Ukeru' already describes a passive experience. Adding the passive 'rareru' is redundant.

Consejos

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' for the source of the shock. Using 'de' is sometimes possible but 'ni' is the standard for emotional causes.

Shock vs. Surprise

Reserve 'shōgeki' for things that have a 'weight.' If it wouldn't make you stop in your tracks, 'odoroku' is better.

Positive vs Negative

Remember that 'shōgeki' is neutral. 'Shokku' is almost always negative (sadness). Use 'shōgeki' for awe-inspiring things.

Formal Adverbs

In formal writing, use 'tadamanu' (extraordinary) or 'mizō' (unprecedented) to describe the shock.

Emphasis

Add 'maji de' (casual) or 'hijō ni' (formal) before 'tsuyoi shōgeki' to show how much it affected you.

News Context

When you hear 'shōgeki' on the news, pay attention to the next sentence—it usually explains the social consequences.

Social Media

On Japanese Twitter/X, 'shōgeki' is often used for 'life hacks' or surprising facts about food.

Kanji Breakdown

衝 (collide) + 撃 (strike). Visualizing a collision helps you remember the intensity of the word.

Wait for the Verb

In Japanese, the verb comes at the end. Don't assume the meaning until you hear 'uketa' or 'ataeta'.

Connection

Connect 'shōgeki' to 'shōtotsu' (collision). They share the same first kanji and similar 'force' meanings.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Shōgeki' as 'Show Gekki' (Show a Gekko). Seeing a giant lizard suddenly would give you a 'shōgeki' (shock)! You 'ukeru' (receive) that shock.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant red hammer striking a heart. The heart is you, and the hammer is the news. You are 'receiving' (ukeru) the 'impact' (shōgeki).

Word Web

News Accident Art Talent Sudden Impact Emotional Physical

Desafío

Try to find one news headline today from a Japanese site (like Yahoo Japan) that uses the word '衝撃'. Write it down and translate it.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'shōgeki' (衝撃) is a Sino-Japanese compound (kango). 'Shō' (衝) means to collide, strike, or a thoroughfare. 'Geki' (撃) means to beat, strike, or attack. Together, they form the concept of a forceful strike or impact. The verb 'ukeru' (受ける) is a native Japanese (kunyomi) verb meaning to receive or catch.

Significado original: Originally, 'shōgeki' referred strictly to physical collisions or military strikes. Over time, like many words related to physical force, it was applied metaphorically to psychological states.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese compound + native Japanese verb).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using it for personal tragedies. While not offensive, 'shokku' or more empathetic terms like 'kokoro ga itai' might be better in private mourning.

Similar to 'to be shell-shocked' or 'to be blown away,' but 'shōgeki o ukeru' can be used in more formal settings than 'blown away.'

The 'Shōgeki no Kyo-jin' (Attack on Titan) title shares the kanji 'geki' (撃). Many Japanese documentaries use 'shōgeki' in their titles to attract viewers. Famous novelists like Natsume Soseki used shock-related vocabulary to describe modernization.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

News Reporting

  • 世界中が衝撃を受ける
  • 衝撃の事実が判明
  • 社会に衝撃を与える
  • 衝撃を隠せない

Art & Entertainment

  • 衝撃のデビュー
  • 結末に衝撃を受ける
  • 鮮烈な衝撃
  • 感性を揺さぶる衝撃

Business & Economy

  • 市場が衝撃を受ける
  • 経営陣に衝撃が走る
  • 打撃と衝撃
  • 予測不能な衝撃

Personal Growth

  • 人生観に衝撃を受ける
  • 恩師の言葉に衝撃を受ける
  • 自分の未熟さに衝撃を受ける
  • 衝撃を力に変える

Science & Discovery

  • 定説を覆す衝撃
  • 学会が衝撃を受ける
  • 未知の事象への衝撃
  • 衝撃的な新発見

Inicios de conversación

"最近、何か衝撃を受けるようなニュースはありましたか? (Have there been any shocking news lately?)"

"今までで一番衝撃を受けた映画は何ですか? (What is the most shocking movie you've seen so far?)"

"日本に来て、一番衝撃を受けたことは何ですか? (What shocked you the most when you came to Japan?)"

"彼のあの発言、衝撃を受けませんでしたか? (Weren't you shocked by that statement of his?)"

"衝撃を受けるような本に出会ったことはありますか? (Have you ever encountered a book that shocked you?)"

Temas para diario

今日、ニュースを見て衝撃を受けたことについて書きなさい。 (Write about something in the news today that shocked you.)

あなたの人生で最も衝撃を受けた出来事は何ですか? (What was the most shocking event in your life?)

異文化に触れて衝撃を受けた経験について説明してください。 (Explain an experience where you were shocked by another culture.)

もし自分が衝撃を受けるような事実を知ったら、どう反応しますか? (How would you react if you learned a shocking fact about yourself?)

最近読んだ本や見た映画で、衝撃を受けたシーンはどこですか? (What scene in a recent book or movie shocked you?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, you can. It is often used for being 'blown away' by talent, beauty, or a great idea. Example: 'Her voice gave me a shock (in a good way).'

Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. If you want to sound casual, 'shokku datta' or 'maji de bikkuri shita' are more common.

'Shōgeki o ukeru' is the verb (to be shocked), while 'shōgeki-teki' is the adjective (shocking). Example: 'A shocking (shōgeki-teki na) news.'

No, it can also mean physical impact, like a car hitting a wall. However, in conversation, it is 90% psychological.

No, 'shōgeki' is a noun. You must use it with a verb like 'ukeru' (receive) or 'ataeru' (give).

You can say 'Sekai ga shōgeki o uketa' or 'Sekai-ju ni shōgeki ga hashitta' (A shock ran through the whole world).

No, you can also use 'ataeru' (give), 'hashiru' (run), 'yawarageru' (soften), or 'tomenaeru' (stop).

It is neutral to formal. It is very common in newspapers, which are written in a formal style.

Use the particle 'ni'. Example: 'News ni shōgeki o uketa.'

It might sound a bit too dramatic. For a surprise party, 'bikkuri shita' is much more natural.

Ponte a prueba 98 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '衝撃を受ける' to describe your reaction to a movie.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I was shocked by the news.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I was shocked by his talent' in polite Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What phrase is used in the news to describe a shocking event?

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

/ 98 correct

Perfect score!

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