synonym Comparative
あいにく
VS
はばかる
Differences Between "あいにく" and "はばかる"
Option A
あいにく
Meaning
unfortunately, sorry to say, I'm afraid
Reading
あいにく (ainiku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
あいにく、本日は担当者が不在にしております。
Unfortunately, the person in charge is out of the office today.
Option B
はばかる
Meaning
to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious
Reading
はばかる (habakaru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
人目をはばからず大声で笑った。
I laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(unfortunately, sorry to say, I'm afraid)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- あいにく: Used when delivering bad news, declining an invitation, or explaining an unfortunate situation politely. Often precedes a statement of apology or regret.
- はばかる: Often used in the negative form (はばからず) to mean "without hesitation" or "openly," or to describe someone acting without regard for others' opinions. In its positive form, it means to refrain due to others' opinions/presence.
- あいにく: Used when delivering bad news, declining an invitation, or explaining an unfortunate situation politely. Often precedes a statement of apology or regret.
- はばかる: Often used in the negative form (はばからず) to mean "without hesitation" or "openly," or to describe someone acting without regard for others' opinions. In its positive form, it means to refrain due to others' opinions/presence.
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