synonym Comparative
愕然
VS
呆れる
Differences Between "愕然" and "呆れる"
Option A
愕然
Meaning
astonished, dumbfounded, aghast
Reading
がくぜん (gakuzen)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の突然の引退のニュースを聞いて、ファンは皆、愕然とした。
Upon hearing the news of his sudden retirement, all the fans were aghast.
Option B
呆れる
Meaning
to be amazed, to be astonished, to be disgusted (often implying negative surprise)
Reading
あきれる (akireru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の無責任な行動には呆れてしまう。
I'm astonished by his irresponsible behavior.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(astonished, dumbfounded, aghast)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 愕然: Expresses a sudden and profound shock or astonishment, often due to an unexpected and unpleasant event. It's an adverbial expression (愕然とする). (例: その知らせに愕然とした)
- 呆れる: Expresses a sense of disbelief, astonishment, or exasperation, usually with a negative connotation due to someone's actions, words, or an unexpected situation.
- 愕然: Expresses a sudden and profound shock or astonishment, often due to an unexpected and unpleasant event. It's an adverbial expression (愕然とする). (例: その知らせに愕然とした)
- 呆れる: Expresses a sense of disbelief, astonishment, or exasperation, usually with a negative connotation due to someone's actions, words, or an unexpected situation.
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