synonym Comparative
はばかる
VS
たじろぐ
Differences Between "はばかる" and "たじろぐ"
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
たじろぐ
Meaning
to flinch, to hesitate, to recoil
Reading
たじろぐ (tajirogu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の鋭い質問に、思わずたじろいでしまった。
I inadvertently flinched at his sharp question.
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.
- たじろぐ: Often used when one is intimidated, surprised, or taken aback by something or someone. It describes a momentary withdrawal or hesitation.
- 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.
- たじろぐ: Often used when one is intimidated, surprised, or taken aback by something or someone. It describes a momentary withdrawal or hesitation.
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