How to say "astonishing" in Japanese

• 驚くべきおどろくべき
  expressionCovers the general sense of astonishing in the sense of amazing or surprising. A neutral, versatile choice for facts, achievements, or discoveries that genuinely make people marvel.
• マーベラス
  na-adjectiveA loanword meaning marvelous or wonderful; its 'astonishing' sense is really 'delightfully wonderful' rather than shocking. A marginal way to say 'astonishing', and seldom the word you want.
• 衝撃的しょうげきてき
  na-adjectiveMatches astonishing only when it means shocking or devastating—news or events that leave people stunned or upset. Not for pleasant amazement; it implies emotional impact, often negative.
• 恐るべきおそるべきCommon
  prenominal modifierUsed for astonishing in the sense of astounding, staggering, or tremendous—something so great or formidable it inspires awe or fear. Suits impressive power, scale, or ability rather than mere surprise.

Choose 「驚くべき」 for general surprise or amazement, 「恐るべき」 for something impressively or fearsomely great, 衝撃的 for shockingly upsetting news, and 「マーベラス」 only as a loanword flavored 'wonderful'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 驚くべきおどろくべきastonishing
• マーベラスmarvelous
• 衝撃的しょうげきてきdevastating
• 恐るべきおそるべきastonishing