Translation guide
Describes speaking or moving in a hesitant, unsteady, or stammering manner. In Japanese, this is expressed through adverbs, mimetic words, and verb forms that convey hesitation, stumbling, or lack of confidence.
To describe speech that is hesitant, broken, or delivered with pauses and uncertainty.
Literally 'while stammering', this is the most direct way to describe speaking falteringly due to nervousness or a speech impediment.
彼はどもりながら自分の名前を言った。
He said his name falteringly.
An adverb meaning 'haltingly' or 'falteringly', often used for speech that is clumsy or lacking fluency, such as when using a foreign language.
To describe physical movement that is unsteady, stumbling, or lacking smoothness.
A mimetic adverb for staggering or tottering, often due to weakness, injury, or intoxication.
彼はよろよろと立ち上がった。
He stood up falteringly.
A mimetic adverb for unsteady, dizzy, or wavering movement, often implying a lack of balance.
She spoke in faltering Japanese.
Means 'while mumbling/hesitating to speak', implying reluctance or difficulty in getting words out.
彼は口ごもりながら謝った。
He apologized falteringly.
An adverb describing confused, incoherent, or faltering speech, often due to being flustered.
質問されて、彼はしどろもどろに答えた。
When questioned, he answered falteringly.
She walked falteringly.
A phrase meaning 'with unsteady steps', used in more descriptive or literary contexts.
老人はおぼつかない足取りで道を渡った。
The old man crossed the street falteringly.