Japanese word

呆然

Pronunciation

Romajibōzen

Meaning

  • adverbstunned

Example

観客は予想外の結果に呆然としています。kan kyaku wa yo sō gai no kek ka ni bō zen to shi te i ma su

The audience is stunned by the unexpected result.

Illustration for 呆然 (stunned)

More examples

突然名前を呼ばれて、彼は呆然と立ち尽くしました。totsu zen na mae o yo ba re te kare wa bō zen to ta chi tsu ku shi ma shi ta

He was stunned and stood motionless when someone suddenly called his name.

Core concept

Describes a state in which surprise or shock leaves a person mentally blank and unable to react.

Common phrases

  • 呆然とするbō zen to su ru

    be stunned

  • 呆然と立ち尽くすbō zen to ta chi tsu ku su

    stand stunned

  • 呆然と見つめるbō zen to mi tsu me ru

    stare blankly

Similar words

唖然azen: Describes a state of being too surprised to speak or respond.
茫然bōzen: Describes a state of losing track of what is happening and becoming unable to think clearly.
ぽかんとpokanto: Describes a state of staring blankly with the mouth slightly open after surprise.

Definition in Japanese

予想外の出来事に驚き、どう反応すればよいか分からずぼんやりしているさま。yo sō gai no de ki goto ni odoro ki dō han nō su re ba yo i ka wa ka ra zu bo n ya ri shi te i ru sa ma

Word origin

呆然 (bōzen) combines 呆 (bō, "dazed or foolish") with 然 (zen, "in that manner"), a common element that presents the preceding quality as a state.

Usage tips

  • 呆然 (bōzen) often appears with とする (to suru), marking a sudden state of blank, unresponsive surprise in everyday descriptions.

Other meanings

  • dumbfoundedadverb
  • in a dazeadverb

Opposites

  • 平然heizencalmna-adjective
  • 冷静reiseicomposedna-adjective

Word lists with this word