目(め)を丸(まる)くする

Etymology

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

• 目(め)を見張(みは)る - to stare in wonder (often at something impressive)
• 目(め)を疑(うたが)う - to doubt one's eyes
• びっくりする - to be surprised (general)
• 驚(おどろ)く - to be surprised/startled
• 唖然(あぜん)とする - to be dumbfounded

Register

Neutral. Natural in both spoken and written Japanese.