Japanese · Emotions & Feelings
驚く
odoroku
To be surprised / To be astonished
Intermediateverb
Definition
To feel sudden shock or disbelief at something unexpected. The interjection びっくり (bikkuri) is a common casual expression of surprise.
Example
急なニュースに驚きました。
I was surprised by the sudden news.
Etymology
驚く (odoroku) has historical roots in Japanese literature, where it denotes a sudden shock or amazement. The term reflects an emotional response to unexpected situations.
How & Where It’s Used
驚く is used informally, mainly in spoken language to express surprise. It is widely recognized across regions, applicable in various social contexts.