Entry
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A common word used to express a sudden state of surprise, astonishment, or being startled. It is widely used in everyday conversation to react to unexpected news, loud noises, or amazing things.
- startled by a sudden event
- amazed by something exceptional
Sense Map
Startled / Surprised
Reacting to a sudden noise, an unexpected event, or someone jumping out at you.
大きな音にびっくりした。
Amazed / Astonished
Feeling astonished because something exceeded your expectations like talent, price, or taste.
彼の才能にびっくりする。
Usage Note
How to Use
びっくりする
Present or future tense, used to describe the act of being surprised or a tendency to be startled easily.
びっくりした
Past tense, often blurted out instantly as a spontaneous reaction when startled.
びっくりさせる
Causative form, meaning to intentionally surprise or startle someone else.
びっくり + noun
Used as a prefix for surprising objects or events like bikkuribako or jack-in-the-box.
How to Use
Common Phrases
びっくりする
to be surprised
びっくりした
I am surprised! / You startled me!
びっくりさせる
to surprise someone
びっくりするほど
surprisingly / incredibly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden events | neutral | The most common reaction to a loud noise, a sudden blackout, or a prank. |
| Positive admiration | positive | Can be used when you are genuinely amazed by someone's abilities or an unexpectedly good result. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
驚く おどろく / similar | When you want to express surprise in a formal context or in writing. | The word 驚く is a standard, formal verb, while びっくり is colloquial and emphasizes the sudden, spontaneous emotional reaction. | そのニュースに驚いた。 |
ぎょっと ぎょっと / similar | When you are startled by something creepy, unsettling, or grotesque. | The word びっくり is general surprise, whereas ぎょっと implies a sense of fear, disgust, or feeling creeped out. | ヘビを見てぎょっとした。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using bikkuri as a noun for a surprise gift.
Bikkuri is the feeling of surprise. For a surprise party or gift, use the word サプライズ (sapuraizu).
Using bikkuri in a formal business document.
This word is quite casual. Use the standard verb 驚く (odoroku) in formal writing.
Examples
Examples
突然の大きな音にびっくりした。
とつぜんのおおきなおとにびっくりした。
I was startled by the sudden loud noise.
LiteralThe most basic usage for being startled by a sudden event.
友達をびっくりさせるために隠れていた。
ともだちをびっくりさせるためにかくれていた。
I hid in order to surprise my friend.
LiteralCausative form (to make someone surprised).
彼の才能には本当にびっくりする。
かれのさいのうにはほんとうにびっくりする。
I am truly amazed by his talent.
FigurativeUsed figuratively to express deep admiration.
これはびっくりするほど美味しい。
これはびっくりするほどおいしい。
This is surprisingly delicious.
FigurativeUsed to express that something exceeds expectations.
箱を開けたら虫が入っていて、飛び上がるほどびっくりした。
はこをあけたらむしがはいっていて、とびあがるほどびっくりした。
When I opened the box, there was a bug inside, and I was so startled I almost jumped.
LiteralCommonly combined with tobiagaru (to jump) for strong emphasis.
Similar Words
ぎょっと
gyotto
To be suddenly startled or taken aback by an unexpected, unsettling, or creepy encounter. Being startled with a feeling of fear or disgust.
ドキッと
dokitto
It describes the sudden sensation of your heart skipping a beat or jumping due to surprise, fear, or romantic excitement.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement.
ビクッと
bikutto
A sudden physical flinch, jerk, or jump caused by surprise or fear.
Questions
What is the difference between bikkuri and odoroku?
Both mean to be surprised. Bikkuri is more casual, conversational, and emphasizes the sudden emotional jump. Odoroku is a standard verb suitable for formal situations and writing.
Is it natural to just say Bikkuri shita?
Yes. Saying Bikkuri shita immediately after someone scares you or a loud noise happens is the most natural native reaction.
Can bikkuri be used for good things?
Yes, it can express positive amazement, such as bikkuri suru hodo oishii meaning surprisingly delicious.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1226360
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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