Translation and Meaning of: 吃驚 - bikkuri

The Japanese word 「吃驚」, read as "びっくり" (bikkuri), is widely used to express surprise or shock. The etymology of this term is quite interesting, as it is a compound word made up of two distinct kanji: 「吃」, which is usually associated with stuttering or exhaustion, and 「驚」, which means fright or shock. Despite its composition, the use of 「吃驚」 transcends the literal joining of the kanji, adopting a consolidated meaning of surprise.

The origin of the expression 「びっくり」 dates back to the Edo period when it was colloquially used to describe an instinctive reaction to something unexpected. Over time, this word became rooted in the Japanese language as a common interjection to express spontaneous reactions of surprise. Interestingly, the expression has consolidated in spoken language, with the hiragana "びっくり" becoming a more common writing form in everyday communication, while the kanji「吃驚」 is less frequently seen due to its complexity.

In the contemporary context, 「びっくり」 is frequently used in numerous situations, from trivial everyday events to more significant surprises. The expression can be seen in media such as television programs and manga, where it is used to emphasize the characters' reactions to unexpected events. Additionally, there are various variations of this word that express different levels of surprise, such as 「びっくり仰天」 (bikkuri gyouten), which implies an even greater surprise. This diversity illustrates the richness of the Japanese language in capturing emotional nuances with precision.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 驚く (odoroku) - To be surprised or shocked; to feel astonishment.
• びっくりする (bikkuri suru) - To be scared or surprised, usually suddenly.
• ショックを受ける (shokku o ukeru) - To receive an emotional shock, usually in a negative way.
• 意外に思う (igai ni omou) - To think that something is unexpected or surprising.
• 仰天する (gyouten suru) - To be completely surprised, often in an extraordinary way.