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synonym Comparative
おちつく
VS
へこむ

Differences Between "おちつく" and "へこむ"

Option A
おちつく
Meaning
to calm down; to settle down; to feel at home
Reading
おちつく (ochitsuku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
緊張していたが、深呼吸をして落ち着いた。
I was nervous, but I took a deep breath and calmed down.
Option B
へこむ
Meaning
to be dented; to feel down; to be discouraged
Reading
へこむ (hekomu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
車が電柱にぶつかって、ドアがへこんでしまった。
The car hit a utility pole, and the door got dented.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to calm down; to settle down; to feel at home)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- おちつく: Used when a person or situation becomes calm or stable. Can also mean to feel relaxed and at home in a new place.
- へこむ: Can refer to a physical dent or, more commonly, to feeling depressed or discouraged. 物理的にへこむことと、気持ちが落ち込むことの両方に使われます。
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