Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hesitate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hesitate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ためらう
ためらう (tamerau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はばかる
はばかる (habakaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hesitate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ためらう and はばかる.
In Japanese, ためらう (ためらう (tamerau)) is typically associated with "to hesitate, to waver" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This verb expresses hesitation or wavering. Often used when someone is unsure about making a decision or taking action, or when feeling reluctant..
On the other hand, はばかる (はばかる (habakaru)) maps to "to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the negative form. A literal translation of "hesitate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ためらう"
彼は返事をためらっている。
He is hesitating to reply.
Bilingual Context for "はばかる"
人目をはばからず大声で笑った。
I laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は返事をためらっている。" (Meaning: "He is hesitating to reply.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ためらう" fits here because it means "to hesitate, to waver" in the context of: "He is hesitating to reply.". "はばかる" represents "to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious".