1.
to be stunned; to be dumbfounded; to be dazed
To be so shocked or overwhelmed that one cannot think or react. Describes a state of mental blankness caused by surprise, grief, or disbelief.
Describes a state of shock or stupor where one temporarily loses the ability to think or act. The feeling is caused by something sudden and overwhelming — bad news, an accident, an unexpected sight. It implies a visible, physical stillness.
Usage
Most commonly appears in the past tense (呆然とした) or as a modifier (呆然と立つ, 呆然と見つめる). The と particle is essential — 呆然する alone sounds unnatural.
Common collocations
- 呆然と立ち尽くす — to stand stock-still in a daze
- 呆然と見つめる — to stare blankly
- 呆然自失 — stupefied; in a state of shock (four-character compound)