Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Flinch" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "flinch", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たじろぐ
たじろぐ (tajirogu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
怯む
ひるむ (hirumu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "flinch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たじろぐ and 怯む.
In Japanese, たじろぐ (たじろぐ (tajirogu)) is typically associated with "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used when one is intimidated, surprised, or taken aback by something or someone. It describes a momentary withdrawal or hesitation..
On the other hand, 怯む (ひるむ (hirumu)) maps to "to flinch, to cower, to lose courage" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 恐れや威圧感を感じて、気後れしたり、尻込みしたりする様子を表します。精神的な面で使われることが多いです。/ Describes the act of flinching, cowering, or losing courage due to fear or intimidation. Often used in a psychological sense.. A literal translation of "flinch" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たじろぐ"
彼の鋭い質問に、思わずたじろいでしまった。
I inadvertently flinched at his sharp question.
Bilingual Context for "怯む"
彼はどんな困難にも怯むことなく、目標に向かって突き進んだ。
He pushed forward towards his goal without flinching from any difficulty.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の鋭い質問に、思わずたじろいでしまった。" (Meaning: "I inadvertently flinched at his sharp question.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たじろぐ" fits here because it means "to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil" in the context of: "I inadvertently flinched at his sharp question.". "怯む" represents "to flinch, to cower, to lose courage".