Take aback Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /əˈbæk
TAYK uh-BAK
tˈeɪk/ /ɐbˈæk
TAYK uh-BAK
Definition
To surprise or shock someone so much that they are unsure what to say or do for a moment.
Usage & Nuances
Only used in passive voice: 'was taken aback.' Formal/literary but common in conversation. Usually emphasizes unexpectedness or surprise, not always negative. Often used with 'by' ('taken aback by...'). Not the same as 'take back' or 'step back.'
Spanish: sorprender - dejar boquiabiertoPortuguese (BR): surpreender - deixar surpresoPortuguese (PT): surpreender - deixar surpreendidoChinese (Simplified): 使震惊 - 使吃惊Chinese (Traditional): 使震驚 - 使喫驚Hindi: चौंका देना - हैरान कर देनाArabic: يُفاجئ - يُربكBengali: হতবাক করা - বিস্মিত করাRussian: ошеломить - удивитьJapanese: 面食らわせる - 驚かせるVietnamese: làm cho sững sờ - làm cho ngạc nhiênKorean: 깜짝 놀라게 하다 - 충격을 주다Turkish: şaşırtmak - afallatmakUrdu: حیران کر دینا - چونکا دیناIndonesian: membuat terkejut - membuat terperanjat
Example Sentences
I was taken aback by the loud noise.
basic
She was taken aback by his honesty.
basic
They were taken aback when he arrived early.
basic
Honestly, I was taken aback by her question.
natural
We were really taken aback by how well he spoke.
natural
Don’t be taken aback if she says no—it happens.
natural