Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hesitate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hesitate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
躊躇う
ためらう (tamerau)
N2 / 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 躊躇う and はばかる.
In Japanese, 躊躇う (ためらう (tamerau)) is typically associated with "to hesitate; to waver" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when one is uncertain or reluctant to do something, often due to doubt, fear, or shyness. It describes a pause before action or decision..
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 "躊躇う"
彼は答えるのを少し躊躇った。
He hesitated a little before answering.
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: "彼は答えるのを少し躊躇った。" (Meaning: "He hesitated a little before answering.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "躊躇う" fits here because it means "to hesitate; to waver" in the context of: "He hesitated a little before answering.". "はばかる" represents "to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious".