当惑|とうわくtouwaku[0]heiban (flat)

Common
Definitions
  1. noun, suru verb, intransitive verbbewilderment; perplexity; embarrassment; confusion
    その問題もんだいは大衆たいしゅうを当惑とうわくさせた。↗
    The problem puzzled the public.
Conjugation
Dictionary form当惑する(とうわくする)
Polite (masu)当惑します(とうわくします)
Negative (nai)当惑しない(とうわくしない)
polite (masen)当惑しません(とうわくしません)
classical zu / nu当惑せず・当惑せぬ(とうわくせず・とうわくせぬ)
Past (ta)当惑した(とうわくした)
polite (mashita)当惑しました(とうわくしました)
Past negative (nakatta)当惑しなかった(とうわくしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)当惑しませんでした(とうわくしませんでした)
Te form当惑して(とうわくして)
Potential当惑できる(とうわくできる)
Passive当惑される(とうわくされる)
Causative当惑させる(とうわくさせる)
Causative passive当惑させられる(とうわくさせられる)
Conditional (ba)当惑すれば(とうわくすれば)
tara当惑したら(とうわくしたら)
Volitional当惑しよう(とうわくしよう)
polite (mashou)当惑しましょう(とうわくしましょう)
Imperative当惑しろ(とうわくしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym困惑こんわくWrittenVery close to 「当惑」: being at a loss over what to do; the two are often interchangeable in written prose, but 「困惑」 puts more weight on the predicament.
  • Related戸惑いとまどいNeutralThe everyday word: being thrown off or at a loss, often because something is unfamiliar or happens suddenly; 「当惑」 is more written/formal and suggests difficulty coping.
  • Antonym平然へいぜんWrittenThe opposite: acting as if nothing were wrong, calm and composed — the antithesis of the being-at-a-loss of 「当惑」. Written/formal in tone.

In everyday speech, 「戸惑う」 is the default. In written prose, 「当惑」 and 「困惑」 both express being at a loss or hard-pressed and are largely interchangeable. 「平然」 is the written opposite: calm and unbothered.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. ある出来事できごとに直面ちょくめんしたり、物事ものごとの解決かいけつにあたったりする際さいに、対応たいおうや決断けつだんに迷まよい途方とほうに暮くれること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android