Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hesitation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hesitation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
躊躇
ちゅうちょ (chūcho)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
逡巡
しゅんじゅん (shun_jun)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hesitation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 躊躇 and 逡巡.
In Japanese, 躊躇 (ちゅうちょ (chūcho)) is typically associated with "hesitation, wavering" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for delaying action or being reluctant to proceed due to uncertainty or apprehension. Can be used for both small decisions and larger ones..
On the other hand, 逡巡 (しゅんじゅん (shun_jun)) maps to "hesitation; indecision; wavering" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 決断や行動をためらい、なかなか前に進めない状態を指します。「迷う」よりも、よりフォーマルで、しばしば道義的・心理的な葛藤を含むニュアンスがあります。. A literal translation of "hesitation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "躊躇"
彼は返事に少し躊躇したが、結局承諾した。
He hesitated a little in his reply, but eventually agreed.
Bilingual Context for "逡巡"
彼は重要な決断を前にして、長い間逡巡した。
He hesitated for a long time before making an important decision.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は返事に少し ＿＿＿ したが、結局承諾した。" (Meaning: "He hesitated a little in his reply, but eventually agreed.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "躊躇" fits here because it means "hesitation, wavering" in the context of: "He hesitated a little in his reply, but eventually agreed.". "逡巡" represents "hesitation; indecision; wavering".