驚異(きょうい)

驚異(きょうい) expresses a sense of wonder and astonishment at something extraordinary. The nuance is positive — awe and admiration rather than fear.

Common collocations

• 驚異的(きょういてき)な: astonishing, phenomenal (na-adjective form)
• 自然(しぜん)の驚異(きょうい): wonders of nature
• 驚異(きょうい)の記録(きろく): an astonishing record
• 驚異(きょうい)に満(み)ちた: filled with wonder

Watch out

• 驚異(きょうい): wonder, marvel (positive)
• 脅威(きょうい): threat, menace (negative)

The kanji 驚(きょう) (surprise) vs. 脅(きょう) (threaten) distinguishes them.

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Somewhat formal and literary. In casual speech, すごい or 驚(おどろ)くべき are more common.