Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hesitation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hesitation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遠慮
えんりょ (enryo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
忌憚
きたん (kitan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hesitation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遠慮 and 忌憚.
In Japanese, 遠慮 (えんりょ (enryo)) is typically associated with "hesitation, modesty, holding back, declining (due to modesty)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to express not wanting to impose on others or politely declining an offer. Can also describe a reserved attitude..
On the other hand, 忌憚 (きたん (kitan)) maps to "hesitation, reserve, diffidence (almost exclusively used in the negative, e.g., 忌憚のない意見 - frank opinion)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 遠慮やはばかり、ためらいの気持ちを指します。ほとんど「忌憚のない意見」「忌憚なく申しますと」のように、否定形や「〜なく」の形で使われ、遠慮しない、率直な態度を表します。. A literal translation of "hesitation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遠慮"
遠慮なく、どうぞお召し上がりください。
Please, don't hesitate to eat.
Bilingual Context for "忌憚"
忌憚のないご意見をお聞かせください。
Please give us your frank opinion (without hesitation).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ なく、どうぞお召し上がりください。" (Meaning: "Please, don't hesitate to eat.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遠慮" fits here because it means "hesitation, modesty, holding back, declining (due to modesty)" in the context of: "Please, don't hesitate to eat.". "忌憚" represents "hesitation, reserve, diffidence (almost exclusively used in the negative, e.g., 忌憚のない意見 - frank opinion)".