How to say "surprise" in Japanese

• 驚きおどろきJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe everyday noun for the feeling itself: the surprise or astonishment you experience or show. When English 'surprise' names an emotion or reaction, this is usually the word you want.
  彼かれが失敗しっぱいしたのは少すこしも驚おどろきではない。↗

  It is no wonder that he failed.
• サプライズCommon
  noun, suru verbThe English loanword, used especially for a surprise that is planned or staged — the 'surprise' of a surprise party — rather than for the emotion of being surprised.
• 驚かすおどろかすJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for surprising someone — startling or frightening them. It can also mean to create a stir, so the surprise it describes is often a shock rather than a pleasant one.
  その靴くつの値段ねだんの高たかさには驚おどろかされた。↗

  I was surprised at how expensive the shoes were.
• 驚愕きょうがくCommon
  no-adjective, suru verb, intransitive verbA strong noun for astonishment or shock — amazement at something astounding or unbelievable. It is heavier than 驚き and is not the word for everyday, casual surprise.
  私は彼かれの勇気ゆうきに驚愕きょうがくした。↗

  I marveled at his courage.
• 意表いひょうCommon
  noun, na-adjectiveRefers to the unexpected itself — what nobody saw coming — rather than to the feeling of surprise. It appears chiefly in set expressions about catching someone off guard or doing something unexpected.

Use 「驚き」 for the feeling of surprise, 「驚かす」 for surprising or startling someone, 「サプライズ」 for a planned surprise, 驚愕 for intense astonishment, and 意表 for the unexpected itself.

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

• 驚きおどろきsurprise
• サプライズsurprise
• 驚かすおどろかすto surprise
• 驚愕きょうがくastonishment
• 意表いひょうsurprise
• 番狂わせばんくるわせunexpected result
• 一驚いっきょうsurprise
• 吃驚きっきょうsurprise
• 驚かせるおどろかせるto surprise
• あっと言わせるあっといわせるto startle
• びっくりsurprise (e.g. surprise party)