びっくりする

• Reading: びっくりする
• Romaji: bikkuri suru
• Pronunciation: /bik.kɯ.ɾi.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be surprised; to be startled. To feel shock or astonishment at something unexpected.

An onomatopoeic verb that mimics the feeling of a sudden jolt. Always written in hiragana. Conjugates as a Group 3 (suru) verb. びっくりした is the casual past form commonly heard in conversation. More casual than 驚く (odoroku).

Examples

1. 急に声をかけられてびっくりした。 Someone suddenly called out to me and I was startled.
2. テストの結果を見てびっくりしました。 I was surprised when I saw my test results.
3. そのニュースを聞いて、みんなびっくりしていた。 Everyone was shocked when they heard the news.

Usage Guide

Context: reactions, conversation, storytelling

Tone: expressive

Origin & History

An onomatopoeic/mimetic word (擬態語). The びっくり portion imitates the sensation of a sudden surprise or shock. Combined with する to form a verb.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal