きょとん

きょとん
adverb
blankly; with a puzzled look; dumbfounded
descriptive
1. blankly, with a puzzled look, dumbfounded
Describes the expression or state of looking confused and not understanding what is happening, often with wide eyes and a blank face.
きょとんとした顔(かお)をする。
To make a blank, puzzled face.
彼(かれ)はきょとんとして何(なに)も答(こた)えなかった。
He looked dumbfounded and didn't answer anything.
急(きゅう)に名前(なまえ)を呼(よ)ばれて、きょとんとした表情(ひょうじょう)を浮(う)かべた。
Called by name suddenly, she had a blank, puzzled expression.

Onomatopoeic/mimetic word (擬態語(ぎたいご)).

Common patterns

Nuance: きょとん implies innocent bewilderment rather than deep shock. It suggests the person simply doesn't understand what is going on, often in a mildly comical or endearing way. Frequently used to describe children or animals.

general
Added 2026.2.6 9:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10000/10312_kyoton