驚く

おどろく
Alternative writings: 愕く, 駭く
JLPT:N4
Frequency:
1

To be surprised or astonished by something unexpected or striking.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

試験に合格して家族全員が驚いた。

The whole family was surprised when I passed the exam.

彼の早業に観客は驚嘆し、思わず拍手した。

The audience was astonished by his fast skill and spontaneously applauded.

そんな話を聞いて驚く人は多いだろう。

Many people would be surprised to hear such a story.

2

To be frightened or startled; to react with alarm to a sudden or frightening event.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

夜中の物音に驚いて目を覚ました。

I was startled awake by a noise in the middle of the night.

小さな虫が飛んできて彼女は驚いて叫んだ。

A small insect flew by and she screamed in fright.

突然の花火の音に犬が驚いて逃げ出した。

The sudden sound of fireworks startled the dog, and it ran away.

Word Relationships

Masu-Form驚きます
Nai-Form驚かない
Ta-Form驚いた
Te-Form驚いて
Ba-Form驚けば
Volitional Form驚こう
Imperative Form驚け
Potential Form驚ける
Passive Form驚かれる
Causative Form驚かせる
Causative Passive Form驚かせられる