Translation guide
Expressing that an action is done with hesitation, uncertainty, or reluctance. Japanese uses adverbs, mimetic words, and verb forms to convey this nuance.
Describing an action done while feeling unsure or unwilling.
The te-form of 躊躇う (tamerau), meaning 'to hesitate'. Used adverbially to describe doing something hesitantly.
He hesitantly opened the door.
Mimetic adverb meaning 'fearfully' or 'timidly', often used when someone is hesitant due to fear or nervousness.
She hesitantly raised her hand.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly' or 'grudgingly'. Implies doing something with hesitation because one is unwilling.
He hesitantly agreed.
Mimetic adverb describing someone fidgeting or acting shyly due to hesitation or embarrassment.
He asked the question hesitantly, fidgeting.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'with reserve' or 'hesitantly out of politeness'. Used when someone holds back to avoid imposing.
She hesitantly expressed her opinion.
Describing an action done while unsure or wavering.
From 迷う (mayou, 'to be lost/indecisive'), this phrase means 'while hesitating/wavering'.
He answered hesitantly.
Mimetic adverb for dawdling or hesitating to act, often with a sense of procrastination.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'in a noncommittal manner', describing someone who is hesitant to make a clear decision.
躊躇って is a general term for hesitation, while 恐る恐る specifically implies fear or timidity. Use 恐る恐る when the hesitation comes from being scared.
He hesitantly told the truth (maybe out of reluctance).
He hesitantly told the truth (because he was afraid).
There is no single Japanese adverb that perfectly matches 'hesitantly' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like '躊躇的に' is unnatural. Choose the expression that fits the nuance of hesitation.
ぐずぐずしていると遅れるよ。
If you act hesitantly, you'll be late.
He replied hesitantly, without committing.