B1 verb #4,000 가장 일반적인 7분 분량

衝撃を受ける

To be shocked or receive a strong impact.

shōgeki o ukeru
The Japanese expression 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru) is a powerful verb phrase used to describe the experience of being profoundly shocked, deeply moved, or physically struck by a forceful impact. It combines the noun shōgeki (shock, impact, crash) with the transitive verb ukeru (to receive, to undergo). While it can certainly describe the literal physical sensation of a car crash or a physical blow, its most common usage in modern Japanese is metaphorical, referring to emotional or intellectual shock. When you encounter something that completely changes your perspective, challenges your assumptions, or leaves you speechless due to its intensity, this is the phrase you use. It implies a sense of passivity; the shock happens *to* you, and you are the recipient of its force.
Emotional Depth
This phrase is often used when the shock is so great that it leaves a lasting impression on the mind or soul. It is not just a 'surprise' (odoroki), but a 'shock' that vibrates through one's entire being.

そのニュースを聞いて、私は大きな衝撃を受けることになった。(Upon hearing that news, I ended up receiving a great shock.)

Grammatical Structure
The particle 'o' indicates that 'shōgeki' is the object being received. You can modify 'shōgeki' with adjectives like 'tsuyoi' (strong) or 'hageshii' (violent) to intensify the meaning.

彼の引退発表に、ファンは強い衝撃を受けるだろう。(Fans will likely be strongly shocked by the announcement of his retirement.)

Cultural Nuance
In Japanese culture, expressing shock can be a way of showing how much you value or respect the magnitude of an event. It acknowledges the weight of the situation.

新しい技術の進化に、世界中が衝撃を受けるはずだ。(The whole world should be shocked by the evolution of new technology.)

結末の意外さに、観客は衝撃を受けるに違いない。(The audience is bound to be shocked by the unexpectedness of the ending.)

事故の瞬間、車体は激しい衝撃を受ける。(At the moment of the accident, the car body receives a violent impact.)

In summary, 'shōgeki o ukeru' is a versatile and emotive phrase that bridges the gap between physical sensation and psychological experience, making it essential for discussing significant life events and societal shifts. It captures the essence of being 'hit' by something—whether it be a physical object or a profound piece of information.
Using 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. It functions as a standard group 2 verb (ru-verb) phrase, although 'ukeru' itself is the verb being conjugated. You can use it in the past tense (uketa), the negative form (ukenai), or the polite form (ukemasu). Most commonly, it is preceded by a noun or a clause that explains the source of the shock, followed by the particle ni or de.
Source of Shock
Use 'Noun + ni + shōgeki o ukeru' to indicate what caused the shock. For example, 'Kare no kotoba ni shōgeki o uketa' (I was shocked by his words).

初めてその絵を見た時、私は言葉を失うほどの衝撃を受ける。(When I first saw that painting, I received a shock to the point of losing my words.)

Tense and Aspect
The past tense 'uketa' is used to recount an experience, while the continuous 'ukete iru' suggests a state of remaining shocked or being currently impacted.

多くの人々が、その政治的なスキャンダルに衝撃を受けることだろう。(Many people will likely be shocked by that political scandal.)

Passive vs. Active
While 'ukeru' is active in form ('to receive'), the meaning is passive. The shock is the agent acting upon the subject.

地震の際、建物は横方向の衝撃を受ける構造になっている。(During an earthquake, buildings are structured to receive lateral impact.)

科学者は、その実験結果が予想に反していたことに衝撃を受ける。(The scientist is shocked that the experimental results were contrary to expectations.)

彼は、親友が嘘をついていたという事実に衝撃を受ける。(He is shocked by the fact that his best friend was lying.)

By mastering these patterns, you can express a wide range of reactions, from physical physics to deep emotional trauma or revelation. It is a key phrase for any intermediate learner looking to describe complex human experiences.
You will encounter 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru) in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the daily news to dramatic fiction. It is a staple of journalism, used to describe the public's reaction to major events, disasters, or celebrity news. In the world of sports, it describes the reaction to an unexpected loss or a record-breaking performance. In literature and cinema, it is the classic phrase used to describe a protagonist's internal state when they discover a hidden truth.
News Media
Headlines often use this phrase to summarize public sentiment. 'Zensekai ga shōgeki o uketa' (The whole world was shocked) is a common dramatic opener for global news.

突然の訃報に、多くの著名人が衝撃を受ける。(Many celebrities are shocked by the sudden news of the death.)

Literature and Manga
Authors use this to highlight a character's turning point. It emphasizes that the event wasn't just seen, but felt deeply.

主人公は、村が滅びたという知らせに衝撃を受ける。(The protagonist is shocked by the news that the village has been destroyed.)

Everyday Conversation
While slightly formal, it is used among friends to describe a truly mind-blowing experience, like a movie with a crazy twist or a life-changing meal.

テストの点数が予想より低くて、私は衝撃を受ける。(I am shocked that my test score was lower than expected.)

彼女の歌声の美しさに、会場全体が衝撃を受ける。(The entire venue is shocked by the beauty of her singing voice.)

物価の上昇に、家計は大きな衝撃を受ける。(Household finances receive a major shock from the rise in prices.)

Whether you are watching NHK news, reading a popular novel, or chatting with Japanese colleagues about the latest tech trends, you will hear this phrase used to convey the weight of significant, world-altering information or events. It is a vital part of the Japanese vocabulary for expressing reaction and impact.
When using 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru), learners often make a few key errors related to formality, intensity, and particle usage. One common mistake is using it for very minor surprises. Because 'shōgeki' implies a strong impact, using it for something trivial like 'I was shocked I forgot my umbrella' can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For minor surprises, bikkuri suru or odoroku are much more appropriate.
Overuse of 'Shōgeki'
Avoid using this phrase for everyday surprises. It should be reserved for events that have a 'weight' to them. Use 'bikkuri shita' for 'I was surprised' in casual contexts.

× 傘を忘れて衝撃を受ける。 (Incorrect: Being 'shocked' by forgetting an umbrella.)

Confusing 'Ukeru' and 'Ataeru'
Remember that 'ukeru' is receiving. If you are the one *giving* the shock, you must use 'shōgeki o ataeru'. Learners often swap these, saying they 'gave a shock' when they meant they 'felt shocked'.

彼はそのニュースで世界に衝撃を与えた。(He gave/caused a shock to the world with that news.)

Particle Errors
Learners sometimes use 'o' instead of 'ni' for the cause of the shock. It's 'News *ni* shōgeki o ukeru', not 'News *o* shōgeki o ukeru'. The 'o' is reserved for the word 'shōgeki' itself.

× ニュースを衝撃を受ける。 (Incorrect: Receiving shock the news.)

親の離婚に、子供は深い衝撃を受ける。(The child receives a deep shock from the parents' divorce.)

新しい発見に、研究チームは衝撃を受ける。(The research team is shocked by the new discovery.)

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and nuanced. Remember to match the intensity of the phrase to the intensity of the situation.
To expand your vocabulary beyond 衝撃を受ける (shōgeki o ukeru), it's helpful to look at related terms that express surprise or impact with different nuances. Depending on the situation, you might want to sound more casual, more formal, or focus on a specific type of reaction.
ショックを受ける (Shokku o ukeru)
A direct loanword from English 'shock'. It is very common in daily conversation but tends to lean towards negative emotional disappointment rather than a grand 'impact'.
驚く (Odoroku)
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