synonym Comparative
はばかる
VS
頭角
Differences Between "はばかる" and "頭角"
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
頭角
Meaning
outstanding ability; pre-eminence; excelling others
Reading
とうかく (tōkaku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は若くしてその分野で頭角を現した。
He distinguished himself in that field at a young age.
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.
- 頭角: Almost always used in the phrase 頭角を現す (tōkaku o arawasu), meaning 'to distinguish oneself' or 'to show one's talents/abilities.' It implies rising above others due to talent. (ほとんどの場合「頭角を現す」という形で使われ、「才能や能力を発揮して他の人よりも抜きん出る」という意味合いを持つ。)
- 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.
- 頭角: Almost always used in the phrase 頭角を現す (tōkaku o arawasu), meaning 'to distinguish oneself' or 'to show one's talents/abilities.' It implies rising above others due to talent. (ほとんどの場合「頭角を現す」という形で使われ、「才能や能力を発揮して他の人よりも抜きん出る」という意味合いを持つ。)
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