困惑する

• Reading: こんわくする
• Romaji: konwaku suru
• Kanji breakdown: 困 (kon) — be at a loss; 惑 (waku) — confused, misled; する (suru) — irregular verb
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɴ.wa.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be bewildered; to be puzzled; to be perplexed or at a loss.

A Group 3 (irregular する) verb describing a state of confusion and not knowing how to respond. Less severe than 困窮する (to be in poverty) and more cognitive/emotional in nature. Very common in formal and written Japanese. The noun form 困惑 frequently appears in news reports to describe public or official reactions.

Examples

1. 予想外の質問に困惑した様子で、大臣はしばらく黙り込んだ。 Bewildered by the unexpected question, the minister fell silent for a while.
2. 突然の申し出に困惑して、すぐには返事ができなかった。 Perplexed by the sudden offer, I was unable to respond right away.
3. 彼女の態度が急変したことに、周囲は困惑した。 Everyone around her was puzzled by the sudden change in her attitude.

Usage Guide

Context: reactions, social interaction, journalism, emotions

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 困 (kon, be at a loss) and 惑 (waku, be confused/misled) plus する. The noun 困惑 combines two characters both meaning confusion or being at a loss, intensifying the sense of helpless perplexity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal