きょとん
きょとん
adverb
blankly; with a puzzled look; dumbfounded
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.
きょとんとした顔をする。
To make a blank, puzzled face.
彼はきょとんとして何も答えなかった。
He looked dumbfounded and didn't answer anything.
急に名前を呼ばれて、きょとんとした表情を浮かべた。
Called by name suddenly, she had a blank, puzzled expression.
Onomatopoeic/mimetic word (擬態語).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- きょとんとする: to look puzzled/blank
- きょとんとした顔: a puzzled face
- きょとんとした表情: a blank expression
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.