How to say "Flinch" in Japanese

When translating "flinch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひるむ and 怯む. In Japanese, ひるむ (ひるむ (hirumu)) is typically associated with "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. 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!