Translation and Meaning of: 驚かす - odorokasu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 驚かす (おどろかす). It carries an interesting meaning and is used in situations involving surprise, shock, or even iration. In this article, we will explore what this word really means, how it is written in kanji, its use in everyday Japanese, and some tips for memorizing it effectively. If you want to understand this expression better and how to apply it in conversations, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 驚かす

The word 驚かす (おどろかす) is a Japanese verb that means "to surprise," "to scare," or "to astonish." It is often used when someone does something unexpected that leaves another person shocked or amazed. For example, if you prepare a surprise party for a friend, you could say that you 驚かした (おどろかした) — that is, "surprised" them.

Moreover, this verb can also have a negative connotation depending on the context. If someone suddenly appears and startles another person, that is also 驚かす. The difference between a positive and negative usage usually lies in the intention behind the action and the reaction of the person who receives the shock or surprise.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji for 驚かす is 驚, which by itself carries the idea of surprise or fright. This character is composed of two parts: the radical for "horse" (馬) and the component that represents "fear" or "alarm." Together, they reinforce the notion of something that causes an intense reaction, like a startled horse.

It is worth noting that 驚かす is the transitive form of the verb, meaning it indicates that someone is causing surprise in another person. The intransitive form, 驚く (おどろく), means "to be surprised" or "to be startled." This distinction is important for using the word correctly in sentences.

Tips for memorizing and using 驚かす

An effective way to the meaning of 驚かす is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine someone jumping out from behind a door and shouting "Surprise!" — that's the essence of the verb. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "友達を驚かした" (Tomodachi o odorokashita), which means "I surprised my friend."

Additionally, it is worth noting that 驚かす is not an extremely common word in casual conversations, but it often appears in narratives, stories, and even in animes. If you watch Japanese productions, you have probably heard it in suspenseful scenes or thrilling twists.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 驚かす

• 驚かす - dictionary form
• 驚かせる - causative form
• 驚かされる - ive form
• 驚かせます - polite form
• 驚かそう - Volitive form
• 驚かされす - Honorific form

Synonyms and similar words

• 驚く (odoroku) - To be surprised; to have a reaction of astonishment.
• びっくりさせる (bikkuri saseru) - To cause surprise or astonishment in someone.
• びっくりする (bikkuri suru) - To be surprised or to be in a state of shock, usually used to express a personal reaction.
• ショックを与える (shokku o ataeru) - To cause an emotional shock or deep impact on someone.
• ショックを受ける (shokku o ukeru) - To receive an emotional shock or suffer the consequences of a shocking surprise.