Entry
ぎょっと
gyotto
To be suddenly startled or taken aback by an unexpected, unsettling, or creepy encounter.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term captures the moment of a sharp psychological jolt. It is often triggered by seeing something strange, scary, or completely unexpected that makes one jump or feel a brief sense of dread.
- Sharp shock from a scary sight
- Being taken aback by unexpected news
Sense Map
Fright and Unease
A reaction to something creepy or frightening that suddenly appears.
暗闇で猫の目が光ってぎょっとした。
Social Surprise
Being startled by an unexpected interaction or someone's strange behavior.
後ろから声をかけられてぎょっとする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぎょっとする
The standard way to say one feels startled.
ぎょっとした + noun
Used to describe a noun, such as a startled expression.
ぎょっとさせる
Causative form meaning to startle someone else.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぎょっとする
to feel startled
ぎょっとさせる
to startle someone
ぎょっとした顔
a startled face
ぎょっとして立ち止まる
to stop short in surprise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Unexpected encounter | neutral | Used when meeting someone in a place you didn't expect to see them. |
| Disturbing news | negative | Shows a deep shock when receiving troubling information. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっくり びっくり / nearby | General surprise, including positive ones like parties. | Does not necessarily imply fear or discomfort. | 誕生日会でびっくりした。 |
はっと はっと / nearby | Sudden realization or a brief startle. | Focuses on the flash of awareness rather than deep shock. | 自分の間違いにはっと気づく。 |
ぞっと ぞっと / nearby | Shuddering with fear or disgust. | Focuses on the cold shiver rather than the initial jump. | 怖い話を聞いてぞっとする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a surprise birthday gift.
Use bikkuri instead, as gyotto implies an unsettling shock.
Confusing it with simple fear.
Gyotto is the reaction of being startled, not the lasting state of being afraid.
Examples
Examples
夜道で突然猫が飛び出してきて、ぎょっとした。
よみちで とつぜん ねこが とびだしてきて、ぎょっとした。
A cat suddenly jumped out on the night road, and I was startled.
LiteralA physical reaction to something appearing suddenly.
鏡に映った自分の疲れ果てた顔を見て、ぎょっとした。
かがみに うつった じぶんの つかれはてた かおを みて、ぎょっとした。
I was taken aback to see my exhausted face in the mirror.
VisualBeing startled by seeing something that looks strange or unusual.
彼はその恐ろしいニュースを聞いて、ぎょっとした表情を浮かべた。
かれは その おそろしい ニュースを きいて、ぎょっとした ひょうじょうを うかべた。
He had a startled look on his face when he heard that terrifying news.
FigurativeDescribes a facial expression resulting from psychological shock.
知らない人にじっと見つめられて、ぎょっとした。
しらないひとに じっと みつめられて、ぎょっとした。
I was taken aback when a stranger stared at me intently.
LiteralBeing startled by an unpleasant social interaction.
後ろから肩を叩かれて、ぎょっとして振り向いた。
うしろから かたを たたかれて、ぎょっとして ふりむいた。
Someone tapped my shoulder from behind, and I turned around startled.
LiteralShows a reflex movement caused by being startled.
Similar Words
びっくり
bikkuri
The feeling of being suddenly surprised or startled by something unexpected. General surprise.
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.
ぞっと
zotto
A sudden shudder or chill caused by intense fear, horror, or disgust. Shuddering with fear.
Questions
Can I use gyotto for a happy surprise?
It is rarely used that way. It almost always refers to a shock that is unsettling or frightening.
Is it different from bikkuri?
Yes. Bikkuri is general surprise. Gyotto is a sharp, often creepy or negative startle.
When should I use the katakana version?
Use katakana when you want to emphasize the suddenness or intensity of the shock, common in comics or casual chat.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003630
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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