1.
to be emotionally shocked; to be deeply affected
To experience a strong emotional reaction, typically surprise mixed with distress, upon learning unexpected news or witnessing something startling.
そのニュースに衝撃を受けた。
I was shocked by the news.
初めて海外に行った時、文化の違いに衝撃を受けた。
When I went abroad for the first time, I was shocked by the cultural differences.
尊敬していた先輩の突然の退職に、職場全体が衝撃を受けた。
The entire workplace was shocked by the sudden resignation of the senior colleague they admired.
2.
to receive a physical impact; to sustain a shock
To be subjected to a physical force or blow.
頭に衝撃を受けた。
I received a blow to the head.
建物は地震の衝撃を受けて壁にひびが入った。
The building received the impact of the earthquake and cracks appeared in the walls.
強い衝撃を受けると壊れるおそれがありますので、丁寧にお取り扱いください。
It may break if subjected to a strong impact, so please handle with care.
A common expression combining 衝撃 (shock; impact) and 受ける (to receive). The emotional sense (sense 1) is far more common in everyday conversation than the physical sense (sense 2). When used emotionally, it describes a strong, sudden reaction — stronger than 驚く (to be surprised) but not necessarily negative.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大きな衝撃を受ける: to receive a big shock
- ～に衝撃を受ける: to be shocked by ~
- 強い衝撃を受ける: to receive a strong impact
- カルチャーショックを受ける: to experience culture shock
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ショックを受ける: to be shocked — casual equivalent using the loanword
- 驚く: to be surprised — milder, does not necessarily imply emotional distress
- 愕然とする: to be stunned — literary, emphasizes being rendered speechless