サプライズ
Meaning: A surprise — especially a planned romantic gesture like a surprise birthday party, gift, or proposal.
サプライズ is the Japanese adoption of the English word 'surprise' and in romantic contexts refers to planned gestures intended to delight a partner. This includes surprise birthday celebrations, unexpected gifts, flash-mob-style proposals, or showing up unannounced. The concept is heavily promoted in Japanese dating culture, with elaborate サプライズ proposals being especially popular.
Examples
- 誕生日にサプライズでケーキ用意してくれて泣いた。 生日的时候对方偷偷准备了蛋糕,感动哭了。Me preparó una tarta de cumpleaños por sorpresa y me eché a llorar.생일에 서프라이즈로 케이크를 준비해 줘서 울었어.
- サプライズプロポーズの動画見るの好きなんだよね。 我很喜欢看惊喜求婚的视频。Me encanta ver vídeos de pedidas de mano sorpresa.서프라이즈 프러포즈 영상 보는 걸 좋아해.
- サプライズが苦手な人もいるから、相手の性格をよく考えてね。 也有人不喜欢惊喜,所以要好好考虑对方的性格。Hay gente a la que no le gustan las sorpresas, así que piensa bien cómo es tu pareja.서프라이즈를 싫어하는 사람도 있으니까, 상대 성격을 잘 생각해.
Pronunciation
/sa.pu.ɾa.i.zu/
Usage Guide
Context: couples, friends, celebrations, social media
Tone: excited, warm
✓ Do Say
- サプライズ成功して、めっちゃ喜んでくれた! (The surprise worked and they were so happy!)惊喜成功了,对方超级开心!(The surprise worked and they were so happy!)¡La sorpresa salió bien y se puso contentísimo/a!서프라이즈 성공해서 진짜 좋아해 줬어! (The surprise worked and they were so happy!)
- 記念日にサプライズ考えてるんだけど、何がいいかな。 (I'm thinking of a surprise for our anniversary — any ideas?)我想在纪念日搞个惊喜,你觉得什么好?(I'm thinking of a surprise for our anniversary — any ideas?)Estoy pensando en una sorpresa para nuestro aniversario. ¿Alguna idea?기념일에 서프라이즈를 생각 중인데, 뭐가 좋을까. (I'm thinking of a surprise for our anniversary — any ideas?)
✗ Don't Say
- サプライズ嫌いな人に無理にサプライズするのは逆効果 (Forcing a surprise on someone who dislikes surprises will backfire)对不喜欢惊喜的人硬搞惊喜会适得其反(Forcing a surprise on someone who dislikes surprises will backfire)Forzar una sorpresa a alguien que no las soporta es contraproducente서프라이즈를 싫어하는 사람에게 억지로 서프라이즈하면 역효과이다 (서프라이즈를 좋아하지 않는 사람에게 무리하게 하면 오히려 역효과)
Common Mistakes
- Over-planning サプライズ to the point where it becomes about showing off on social media rather than genuinely making the person happy
Origin & History
From English 'surprise,' adopted into Japanese as katakana. Gained popularity in Japanese dating and celebration culture, especially through social media and event planning in the 2000s-2010s.
Cultural Context
Era: 2000s-2010s, influenced by social media culture
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Elaborate surprise proposals and birthday parties are a popular trend.
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