synonym Comparative
しがみつく
VS
固唾をのむ
Differences Between "しがみつく" and "固唾をのむ"
Option A
しがみつく
Meaning
to cling to, to hold on to tightly
Reading
しがみつく (shigamitsuku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼女は子供が落ちないように、しっかりとしがみついた。
She clung tightly so that her child wouldn't fall.
Option B
固唾をのむ
Meaning
to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)
Reading
かたずをのむ (katazu o nomu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
試合の最終局面で、観客は皆固唾をのんで見守った。
In the final moments of the game, all the spectators watched with bated breath.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to cling to, to hold on to tightly)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- しがみつく: To hold onto something or someone tightly, often out of fear, desperation, or determination. Can also be used figuratively for clinging to a belief or position. (恐怖、必死さ、あるいは決意から、人や物にしっかりと掴まることを指します。比喩的に信念や地位に固執する意味でも使われます。)
- 固唾をのむ: An idiom expressing intense suspense, tension, or concentration, often in anticipation of an outcome. (緊張や期待で息をひそめて成り行きを見守る様子。)
- しがみつく: To hold onto something or someone tightly, often out of fear, desperation, or determination. Can also be used figuratively for clinging to a belief or position. (恐怖、必死さ、あるいは決意から、人や物にしっかりと掴まることを指します。比喩的に信念や地位に固執する意味でも使われます。)
- 固唾をのむ: An idiom expressing intense suspense, tension, or concentration, often in anticipation of an outcome. (緊張や期待で息をひそめて成り行きを見守る様子。)
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