自失(じしつ)

じしつ
noun
daze; absent-mindedness; stupor
formalwrittenemotion
1. daze; absent-mindedness; stupor; being beside oneself
A state of being so shocked, stunned, or overwhelmed that one loses awareness of one's surroundings. Most commonly appears in the set phrase 茫然自失.
彼(かれ)は茫然(ぼうぜん)自失(じしつ)としていた。
He was in a daze, completely stunned.
事故(じこ)の知(し)らせに茫然(ぼうぜん)自失(じしつ)となった。
Upon hearing news of the accident, she was struck dumb with shock.
地震(じしん)で家(いえ)を失(うしな)い、しばらくの間(あいだ)茫然(ぼうぜん)自失(じしつ)の状態(じょうたい)が続(つづ)いた。
After losing his home in the earthquake, he remained in a state of shock for some time.

Almost exclusively used in the four-character compound 茫然(ぼうぜん)自失(じしつ) (stunned and dazed). Rarely appears on its own.

Common patterns

Literally means "losing oneself" — the 自(じ) (self) is 失(しつ) (lost). The word describes a temporary state of mental paralysis caused by shock or grief.

general
Added 2026.3.2 15:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14555_jishitsu