synonym Comparative
はばかる
VS
思いとどまる
Differences Between "はばかる" and "思いとどまる"
Option A
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.
Option B
思いとどまる
Meaning
to reconsider and stop; to think better of it; to restrain oneself from doing something
Reading
おもいとどまる (omoitodomaru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は会社を辞めようとしたが、思いとどまった。
He was about to quit the company, but he thought better of it.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to hesitate; to be afraid of what others might think; to be self-conscious)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 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.
- 思いとどまる: Implies a decision to stop or not proceed with an action one was considering, often due to a change of mind, reflection, or external influence. It means to hold back at the last minute.
- 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.
- 思いとどまる: Implies a decision to stop or not proceed with an action one was considering, often due to a change of mind, reflection, or external influence. It means to hold back at the last minute.
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