ポカンと

ぽかんと
adverb, onomatopoeia
blankly; absent-mindedly; gaping
informalexpression
1. blankly; absent-mindedly; with a vacant expression
Having a dazed or blank expression, typically because one is stunned, confused, or spacing out. Often describes someone staring with their mouth open.
ポカンと口(くち)を開(あ)けていた。
He was gaping with his mouth open.
突然(とつぜん)のことにポカンとしてしまった。
I was left dazed by the sudden turn of events.
難(むずか)しい説明(せつめい)を聞(き)いて、子(こ)どもたちはポカンとした顔(かお)をしていた。
After hearing the difficult explanation, the children had blank expressions on their faces.

ポカンと is a mimetic adverb describing a blank, dazed, or absent-minded state. It often conveys being stunned into inaction or staring vacantly.

Common collocations

Common patterns

Used as an adverb before verbs, or with する to form a na-adjective-like expression (ポカンとした表情(ひょうじょう)).

Similar words

  • ぼんやり: vaguely, absent-mindedly (broader, less dramatic)
  • きょとん: blankly, with a puzzled look
  • ぽかん: lighter variant (sometimes written without と)

Related Words

Synonym: ぼんやり (vaguely, absent-mindedly)
Synonym: きょとん (blankly, puzzled)
Compare: きょとんと (blankly)
Compare: あんぐり (gaping)
general
Added 2026.3.19 15:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17500/17866_pokanto