1.
wonder; marvel; amazement
A feeling of astonishment at something extraordinary, or something that inspires such astonishment. Emphasizes awe and admiration rather than fear.
驚異的なスピードだ。
That's an astonishing speed.
自然の驚異に目を見張った。
I marveled at the wonders of nature.
科学の進歩は人々に驚異と希望を与えてきた。
Scientific progress has given people wonder and hope.
驚異 expresses a sense of wonder and astonishment at something extraordinary. The nuance is positive — awe and admiration rather than fear.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 驚異的な: astonishing, phenomenal (na-adjective form)
- 自然の驚異: wonders of nature
- 驚異の記録: an astonishing record
- 驚異に満ちた: filled with wonder
HOMOPHONE WARNING:
- 驚異: wonder, marvel (positive)
- 脅威: threat, menace (negative)
The kanji 驚 (surprise) vs. 脅 (threaten) distinguishes them.
REGISTER:
Somewhat formal and literary. In casual speech, すごい or 驚くべき are more common.