“吓得”在英语中常见的表达有“be scared to death” (强调极度惊恐的状态,程度较深)、“be frightened out of one's wits” (形象地表达吓得六神无主) 、“be startled” (侧重于因突然的刺激而受惊)等,具体使用哪个取决于语境和想要表达的精确程度:
be scared to death:字面意思是“吓得要死”,形象地表达出极度害怕的状态。
例句:I was scared to death when I saw the ghost in the dark room.(当我在黑暗的房间里看到鬼时,吓得要死。)
be frightened out of one's wits:wits 指“理智;心智”,“be frightened out of one's wits” 表示吓得失去了理智,即惊慌失措。
例句:The sudden explosion frightened the children out of their wits.(突然的爆炸声把孩子们吓得六神无主。)
be startled:侧重于描述因突然的、意外的刺激而产生的受惊反应,通常程度相对较轻一些。
例句:She was startled by the loud noise outside.(外面突然传来的巨大噪音把她吓了一跳。)