sửng người
Definition
- Adjective:
- To be stunned; to be dumbfounded; to be taken aback: A state of sudden and profound surprise or shock that causes a momentary inability to react or speak. It describes a person's physical and mental state of being frozen in astonishment.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Nghe tin đó, cô ấy sửng người. (Hearing that news, she was stunned.)
- Tôi sửng người trước vẻ đẹp của khung cảnh. (I was dumbfounded by the beauty of the scene.)
- Anh ấy sửng người, không nói được lời nào. (He was taken aback, unable to say a word.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used to describe a reaction to unexpected, shocking, or overwhelmingly impressive news, sights, or events. It implies a temporary paralysis of normal reaction.
Variants and Related Words
- Sửng sốt (adj): to be astounded; to be shocked. This is a close synonym, often used interchangeably, though it may imply a slightly more intense or lasting shock.
- Mọi người đều sửng sốt trước kết quả. (Everyone was astounded by the result.)
Synonyms
- Stunned: struck with overwhelming shock or amazement.
- Dumbfounded: greatly astonished, so surprised one is unable to speak.
- Flabbergasted: extremely surprised or shocked.
Related Idioms
- Đứng hình: (slang) to freeze like a statue; to be stunned motionless. This is a more modern, colloquial equivalent.
- Anh ta đứng hình vài giây vì ngạc nhiên. (He froze for a few seconds in surprise.)