1.
dumbfounded, speechless, stunned
Being so shocked or surprised that one is unable to speak or react.
唖然とする。
To be dumbfounded.
その知らせに唖然とした。
I was stunned by the news.
彼の発言に一同唖然となった。
Everyone was left speechless by his remark.
予想外の展開に唖然として言葉も出なかった。
I was so dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events that I couldn't find any words.
唖然 describes being so shocked or surprised that one is rendered speechless. The character 唖 relates to being mute — literally struck silent.
GRAMMAR:
As a たる-adjective / と-adverb, it primarily appears in these patterns:
- 唖然とする: to be dumbfounded
- 唖然となる: to become speechless
- 唖然として: being dumbfounded (adverbial, modifying a following verb)
- 唖然たる表情: a dumbfounded expression (たる modifying a noun)
USAGE:
Usually triggered by something unexpected, outrageous, or hard to believe. Can describe both genuine shock and exasperated disbelief.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 茫然/呆然: dazed, stunned (more about being mentally blank)
- 愕然: astonished, aghast (stronger shock)
- 唖然 specifically emphasizes being unable to speak due to surprise