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
憚る
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 憚る.
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, 憚る (はばかる (habakaru)) maps to "to hesitate, to be afraid of what others might think, to refrain (out of deference)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To hesitate or refrain from doing something, often due to concern about what others might think, social norms, or showing deference. 他人の目や評価を気にして、遠慮したりためらったりすること。 「人目をはばかる」のように使う。. 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 "憚る"
人目を憚ることなく、自分の意見を堂々と述べた。
I boldly stated my opinion without worrying about what others might think.
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.". "憚る" represents "to hesitate, to be afraid of what others might think, to refrain (out of deference)".