Translation guide
How to express flinching, wincing, or recoiling in Japanese, depending on whether it's from fear, pain, surprise, or hesitation.
To jerk back or recoil instinctively because of fear, a threat, or a sudden scary thing.
The most common verb for flinching or recoiling from fear or intimidation. Often used when someone hesitates or draws back.
He flinched at the loud noise.
She didn't flinch at her opponent's aggressive attitude.
To flinch or recoil, often with a sense of being overwhelmed or taken aback. Slightly more dramatic than ひるむ.
He flinched at the sight.
Literally 'shrink one's body', used for cringing or flinching in fear, often with a physical shrinking motion.
The dog barked and he flinched.
To wince or make a pained expression in response to physical pain or discomfort.
To grimace or wince, showing pain or disgust on one's face. Very common for flinching from pain.
He flinched when he got the injection.
She flinched when the wound was touched.
Specifically flinching from pain. Combines ひるむ with 痛み (pain).
He flinched from the pain but endured it.
To jump or twitch involuntarily because of a sudden surprise.
To start or flinch from surprise. Describes a quick, involuntary jerk. Very common in casual speech.
I flinched when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder.
I flinched at the loud thunder.
To be startled or flinch in surprise, often with a stronger sense of shock or fright.
I flinched at the sudden scream.
To not show fear or hesitation; to remain resolute.
ひるむ is general flinching from fear or intimidation. たじろぐ implies being overwhelmed and stepping back. びくっとする is a sudden, startled jerk, often from surprise rather than sustained fear.
The loanword フリンチ is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native expressions.
He didn't even flinch when the ball flew past his face.
She flinched as the dentist brought the drill closer.