目(め)を丸(まる)くする

めをまるくする
expression, verb phrase
to be wide-eyed (with surprise); to stare in amazement
expressionemotion
1. to be wide-eyed with surprise; to stare in amazement
To open one's eyes wide due to surprise, shock, or amazement. Describes the physical reaction of eyes becoming round when startled or astonished.
彼女(かのじょ)は値段(ねだん)を聞(き)いて目(め)を丸(まる)くした。
She was wide-eyed when she heard the price.
思(おも)いがけない再会(さいかい)に目(め)を丸(まる)くした。
I stared in amazement at the unexpected reunion.
子供(こども)たちはマジックを見(み)て目(め)を丸(まる)くしていた。
The children were wide-eyed watching the magic show.

Idiom structure

目(め) (eyes) + を + 丸(まる)く (round) + する (to make)

Literally "to make one's eyes round" - describes the widening of eyes in surprise.

Common patterns

〜に目(め)を丸(まる)くする - to be wide-eyed at ~
〜て目(め)を丸(まる)くする - to be wide-eyed upon ~ing

Usage

Indicates genuine surprise, not necessarily positive or negative. Can express:

  • Pleasant surprise (unexpected gift)
  • Shock at something unexpected (high price)
  • Wonder and amazement (magic trick)
  • Disbelief (unexpected news)

Similar words

Register

Neutral. Natural in both spoken and written Japanese.

Related Words

Synonym: びっくり (to be surprised)
Compare: 目(め)を見張(みは)る (to stare in wonder)
Compare: びっくりする (to be surprised)
Compare: 驚(おどろ)く (to be surprised/startled)
general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07000/07448_mewomarukusuru