Translation guide
How to express hesitation or reluctance in Japanese, from mild indecision to strong unwillingness.
The speaker is unsure or pauses before acting, often due to doubt or lack of confidence.
A general verb meaning 'to hesitate'. Can be used for momentary pauses before speaking or acting.
彼は返事をためらった。
He hesitated to answer.
ためらわずに言ってください。
Please say it without hesitation.
To be unable to decide between options; to waver. Often used when choosing between two or more things.
どの道を行くか迷っている。
I'm hesitating about which road to take.
Pattern for 'hesitate whether to do something or not'.
彼に話すかどうか迷っている。
I'm hesitating about whether to tell him.
The speaker feels resistance or unwillingness, often due to discomfort, fear, or social pressure.
Literally 'the feeling doesn't advance'. Expresses reluctance or lack of enthusiasm. Very common.
その仕事は気が進まない。
I'm hesitant about that job. (I don't feel like doing it.)
Not in the mood; not keen. Slightly more casual than 気が進まない.
彼はその計画に乗り気ではない。
He's hesitant about the plan. (He's not keen on it.)
The speaker holds back from saying something due to politeness, fear of offending, or shyness.
Hard to say; difficult to bring up. Used when the topic is awkward or embarrassing.
それはちょっと言いにくいです。
That's a bit hard to say. (I'm hesitant to mention it.)
To falter in speech; to mumble or hesitate while speaking.
The speaker pauses to consider risks or consequences before acting.
To become cautious; to act with care. Implies a deliberate hesitation to avoid mistakes.
大事な決断なので慎重になっている。
Since it's an important decision, I'm being cautious (hesitant).
Formal word for 'hesitate', often used in writing or formal speech.
彼は契約にサインするのを躊躇した。
He hesitated to sign the contract.
ためらう is a general hesitation before an action, often due to emotional reluctance. 迷う is about indecision between options. Use 迷う when you can't choose, and ためらう when you pause before doing something.
The English phrase 'be hesitant' is often better expressed with specific Japanese verbs or set phrases rather than a direct translation. Using ためらっている is correct but can sound stiff in casual conversation. Consider 気が進まない or 迷っている for more natural speech.
彼女は部屋に入るのをためらった。
She hesitated before entering the room.
Idiom: 'to step with the second foot', meaning to hesitate due to reluctance or fear. Somewhat literary.
高い値段に二の足を踏んだ。
I hesitated at the high price.
彼は名前を聞かれて口ごもった。
He hesitated when asked his name.