be startled
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 be startled、be surprised、be alarmed
This is a common word for being startled or suddenly surprised by an unexpected sound, event, or piece of news. It often suggests an instant emotional reaction, sometimes with fear or shock.
be startled、be surprised、be alarmed
To be startled or suddenly surprised by something unexpected, often as an immediate reaction.
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ฉันตกใจมาก chǎn tòk cay mâak I was really startled. ฉันตกใจมาก details
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อย่าตกใจนะ yàa tòk cay ná Don’t be startled. อย่าตกใจนะ details
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เขาตกใจเสียงดัง khǎw tòk cay sǐaŋ daŋ He was startled by the loud noise. เขาตกใจเสียงดัง details
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ตกใจหมดเลย tòk cay mòt ləəy That really scared me. ตกใจหมดเลย details
Learning notes
Explanation
ตกใจ is made from ตก “to fall” and ใจ “heart/mind,” giving the image of the heart suddenly dropping. It is used when someone reacts quickly to a loud sound, a sudden appearance, bad news, or an unexpected event. Common modifiers include ตกใจมาก “be very startled” and ตกใจนิดหน่อย “be a little surprised.”
Usage
It is very common in everyday speech. Use it when someone is startled by a sudden voice or noise, shocked by news, surprised by an unexpected situation, or scared by a movie or accident scene.
Caution
For purely happy surprise, ตกใจ can sound too much like fear or shock. In that case, ดีใจ “be happy” or แปลกใจ “be surprised/feel something is unexpected” may fit better.