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.
彼女は値段を聞いて目を丸くした。
She was wide-eyed when she heard the price.
思いがけない再会に目を丸くした。
I stared in amazement at the unexpected reunion.
子供たちはマジックを見て目を丸くしていた。
The children were wide-eyed watching the magic show.
IDIOM STRUCTURE:
目 (eyes) + を + 丸く (round) + する (to make)
Literally "to make one's eyes round" - describes the widening of eyes in surprise.
GRAMMAR:
〜に目を丸くする - to be wide-eyed at ~
〜て目を丸くする - to be wide-eyed upon ~ing
NUANCE:
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 EXPRESSIONS:
- 目を見張る - to stare in wonder (often at something impressive)
- 目を疑う - to doubt one's eyes
- びっくりする - to be surprised (general)
- 驚く - to be surprised/startled
- 唖然とする - to be dumbfounded
REGISTER:
Neutral. Natural in both spoken and written Japanese.