Japanese word

戸惑う

Pronunciation

Romajitomadou

Meaning

  • verbbe confused

Example

突然の質問に戸惑います。totsu zen no shitsu mon ni to mado i ma su

I am confused by the sudden question.

Illustration for 戸惑う (be confused)

More examples

複雑な説明を聞いて戸惑いました。fuku zatsu na setsu mei o ki i te to mado i ma shi ta

I was confused after hearing the complicated explanation.

Core concept

Expresses the hesitation that arises when an unexpected event leaves someone unsure of the right response.

Common phrases

  • 説明に戸惑うsetsu mei ni to mado u

    be confused by an explanation

  • 新しい環境に戸惑うatara shi i kan kyō ni to mado u

    be confused by a new environment

  • 予期しない出来事に戸惑うyo ki shi na i de ki goto ni to mado u

    be confused by an unexpected event

Similar words

まごつくmagotsuku: To be unsure how to act and take time to respond.
面食らうmenkurau: To become confused and surprised by something unexpected.
迷うmayou: To be unsure which action or choice to make.

Definition in Japanese

予想外の出来事に出会い、対応の仕方が分からず迷う。yo sō gai no de ki goto ni de a i tai ō no shi kata ga wa ka ra zu mayo u

Word origin

戸惑う (tomadō) is a native Japanese verb whose conventional spelling combines 戸 (to, "door") with 惑う (madō, "lose one's way or become confused").

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 戸惑う (tomadō) commonly describes a temporary response to a sudden question, request, or change rather than long-lasting confusion.

Other meanings

  • be bewilderedverb

Related words

Word lists with this word