Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Flinch" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "flinch", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しりごみ
しりごみ (shirigomi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ひるむ
ひるむ (hirumu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "flinch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しりごみ and ひるむ.
In Japanese, しりごみ (しりごみ (shirigomi)) is typically associated with "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil, to hang back (due to fear or reluctance)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Physically stepping back or emotionally hesitating due to fear, reluctance, or apprehension. Often implies a lack of courage or willingness to proceed with a challenge..
On the other hand, ひるむ (ひるむ (hirumu)) maps to "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil (from fear/difficulty)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when one feels a momentary loss of courage or hesitation when facing a challenge, danger, or fear. It can describe both a physical reaction. A literal translation of "flinch" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しりごみ"
彼は新しい挑戦を前にして、ついしりごみしてしまった。
He inadvertently hesitated in front of a new challenge.
Bilingual Context for "ひるむ"
どんな困難にもひるまず、前向きに進む。
Without flinching from any difficulty, I will move forward positively.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は新しい挑戦を前にして、つい ＿＿＿ してしまった。" (Meaning: "He inadvertently hesitated in front of a new challenge.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しりごみ" fits here because it means "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil, to hang back (due to fear or reluctance)" in the context of: "He inadvertently hesitated in front of a new challenge.". "ひるむ" represents "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil (from fear/difficulty)".