How to say "Hesitate" in Japanese

When translating "hesitate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 躊躇う and 憚る. 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, 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!