synonym Comparative
踏みとどまる
VS
返り咲く
Differences Between "踏みとどまる" and "返り咲く"
Option A
踏みとどまる
Meaning
to stand one's ground, to hold one's position, to stop short, to persevere
Reading
ふみとどまる (fumitodomaru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は困難な状況でも、自分の信念を曲げずに踏みとどまった。
He stood his ground without compromising his beliefs, even in difficult circumstances.
Option B
返り咲く
Meaning
to bloom again; to make a comeback; to regain popularity/position/power
Reading
かえりざく (kaerizaku)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は長い雌伏の期間を経て、ついに政界に返り咲いた。
After a long period of biding his time, he finally made a comeback in the political world.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to stand one's ground, to hold one's position, to stop short, to persevere)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 踏みとどまる: Implies resisting pressure to move, change, or give up, often in a difficult or challenging situation. Can be used literally (to stop short) or figuratively (to persevere).
- 返り咲く: Literally 'to bloom again' (like a flower out of season), but more commonly used metaphorically for a person, team, or trend that makes a comeback or regains its former glory, popularity, or position after a period of decline, absence, or defeat. It implies a successful return.
- 踏みとどまる: Implies resisting pressure to move, change, or give up, often in a difficult or challenging situation. Can be used literally (to stop short) or figuratively (to persevere).
- 返り咲く: Literally 'to bloom again' (like a flower out of season), but more commonly used metaphorically for a person, team, or trend that makes a comeback or regains its former glory, popularity, or position after a period of decline, absence, or defeat. It implies a successful return.
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