Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Startled / Agitated: Describes a state of sudden alarm, fluster, or emotional disturbance, often with a visible reaction. It implies being caught off guard, leading to a momentary loss of composure.
   • Panicked / In a flurry: Conveys a stronger sense of hurried, anxious, or disorganized reaction due to surprise or fear.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy thảng thốt khi nghe tin dữ. (She was startled upon hearing the bad news.)
  • Anh ấy trả lời với giọng thảng thốt. (He answered in a panicked voice.)
  • Mọi người thảng thốt chạy ra khỏi tòa nhà. (People ran out of the building in a flurry.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to describe the tone of voice, facial expression, or immediate action following a shock.
  • Ánh mắt thảng thốt: a startled look.
  • Tiếng kêu thảng thốt: a panicked cry.

Variants and Related Words

• Thất thần (adj): stunned, bewildered; often a deeper, more dazed state than .
• Hoảng hốt (adj): frightened, terrified; generally indicates a stronger degree of fear.

Synonyms

• Startled: surprised and slightly alarmed.
• Agitated: disturbed, flustered.
• Panicked: affected by sudden, overwhelming fear.
• Flustered: nervous and confused.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Giật mình thảng thốt: to be utterly startled or jump in fright. Emphasizes the sudden, physical reaction.
  • Tiếng nổ khiến mọi người giật mình thảng thốt. (The explosion made everyone jump in fright.)