synonym Comparative
照れ隠し
VS
弄ぶ
Differences Between "照れ隠し" and "弄ぶ"
Option A
照れ隠し
Meaning
cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool
Reading
てれかくし (terekakushi)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
人前で褒められた彼は、嬉しさを隠すための_______から、わざとぶっきらぼうな口調で返事をしました。
Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.
Option B
弄ぶ
Meaning
to play with; to trifle with; to toy with; to make fun of
Reading
もてあそぶ (moteasobu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は人の気持ちを弄ぶようなことはしない。
He wouldn't play with people's feelings.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 照れ隠し: Refers to covering up one's shyness, masking embarrassment, or playing it cool by acting angry, indifferent, or changing the subject. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Masking embarrassment! The true essence of my strict, prickly 'Baka! don't come near!' is strictly covering my shyness because you look too handsome! Break through it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『てれかくし（照れ隠し）よ！『バカ！来ないで！』っていう私のツンツンした態度の本質はね、全部あんたが格好よすぎて死にそうだから行う照れ隠しなのよ！優しく見破りなさい！』
- 弄ぶ: Often implies playing with something in a casual or careless manner, or toying with someone's feelings/emotions, or abusing power. Can have a negative connotation. (物事をいい加減に扱う、人の感情や権力などを私利私欲のために利用する、といった否定的な意味合いで使われることが多いです。)
- 照れ隠し: Refers to covering up one's shyness, masking embarrassment, or playing it cool by acting angry, indifferent, or changing the subject. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Masking embarrassment! The true essence of my strict, prickly 'Baka! don't come near!' is strictly covering my shyness because you look too handsome! Break through it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『てれかくし（照れ隠し）よ！『バカ！来ないで！』っていう私のツンツンした態度の本質はね、全部あんたが格好よすぎて死にそうだから行う照れ隠しなのよ！優しく見破りなさい！』
- 弄ぶ: Often implies playing with something in a casual or careless manner, or toying with someone's feelings/emotions, or abusing power. Can have a negative connotation. (物事をいい加減に扱う、人の感情や権力などを私利私欲のために利用する、といった否定的な意味合いで使われることが多いです。)
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