🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
慄然
VS
呆然

Differences Between "慄然" and "呆然"

Option A
慄然
Meaning
shuddering with fear, aghast, terrified
Reading
りつぜん (ritsuzen)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼はその恐ろしい光景に慄然とした。
He shuddered with terror at the horrifying sight.
Option B
呆然
Meaning
dumbfounded, aghast
Reading
ぼうぜん (bouzen)
Syllabus Level
C1
Practical Example
私は呆然に興味があります。
I am interested in dumbfounded, aghast.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(shuddering with fear, aghast, terrified)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 慄然: Describes a sudden, intense feeling of fear, horror, or shock. Often used in formal or literary contexts, expressing a strong emotional reaction, not a casual fright. (突然の強い恐怖や嫌悪感を表現する際に用いられ、口語的な「怖い」よりも文学的・堅い表現です。)
- 呆然: Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus. (CEFR C1語彙シラバスにおける重要表現です。)
🦅

Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?

Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!