Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hesitate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hesitate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はばかる
はばかる (habakaru)
N2 / 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 はばかる and 憚る.
In Japanese, はばかる (はばかる (habakaru)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "人目をはばからず大声で笑った。" (Meaning: "I laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はばかる" fits here because it means "to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious" in the context of: "I laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.". "憚る" represents "to hesitate, to be afraid of what others might think, to refrain (out of deference)".