Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Surprise" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "surprise", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
驚き
おどろき (odoroki)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
驚かす
おどろかす (odorokasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "surprise" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 驚き and 驚かす.
In Japanese, 驚き (おどろき (odoroki)) is typically associated with "surprise; astonishment" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A noun expressing a feeling of surprise or wonder. Related to the verb 驚く.
On the other hand, 驚かす (おどろかす (odorokasu)) maps to "to surprise, to astonish, to shock" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. To cause someone to be surprised. The intransitive verb 驚く. A literal translation of "surprise" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "驚き"
そのニュースは私にとって大きな驚きでした。
That news was a big surprise to me.
Bilingual Context for "驚かす"
彼は誕生日に私たちを驚かせる計画を立てた。
He planned to surprise us on his birthday.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "そのニュースは私にとって大きな ＿＿＿ でした。" (Meaning: "That news was a big surprise to me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "驚き" fits here because it means "surprise; astonishment" in the context of: "That news was a big surprise to me.". "驚かす" represents "to surprise, to astonish, to shock".