1.
to be bewildered, to be confused, to be perplexed
To feel lost or confused, not knowing how to respond or act in an unexpected or unfamiliar situation. Often implies momentary disorientation.
突然の質問に戸惑った。
I was bewildered by the sudden question.
初めての海外旅行で戸惑うことが多かった。
I was often confused during my first trip abroad.
彼女は戸惑いながらも、笑顔で答えた。
Though bewildered, she answered with a smile.
Uses noun form 戸惑い
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive). No pair verb. Pattern: Xに戸惑う (be confused by X).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing state of confusion. 戸惑っている = 'is confused' or 'is at a loss.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 変化に戸惑う (be confused by changes)
- 対応に戸惑う (be at a loss how to respond)
- 戸惑いを隠せない (cannot hide one's confusion)
RELATED: The noun form 戸惑い (confusion, bewilderment) is also commonly used.