Translation guide
How to express hesitation in Japanese, including pauses, filler words, and phrases that show uncertainty or reluctance.
The speaker needs a moment to think or is unsure what to say, using filler sounds or words.
The most common hesitation filler, equivalent to 'um' or 'uh'. Used to pause and gather thoughts.
The speaker is hesitant to do something or make a decision, often expressing doubt or unwillingness.
Means 'I wonder what I should do'. Expresses indecision, often said to oneself or to show hesitation.
この仕事、引き受けようかどうしようかな。
I'm not sure whether to take on this job or not.
The speaker pauses or shows reluctance right before saying or doing something, often due to nervousness or politeness.
Means 'It's hard to say, but...'. Used to preface something awkward or difficult to express.
言いにくいんだけど、その服、ちょっと変だよ。
It's hard to say, but that outfit is a bit weird.
The English noun 'hesitation' is often translated as ためらい or 躊躇, but these can sound stiff or literary. In everyday conversation, it's more natural to use verbs like 迷う or filler words like あのう to express hesitation.
彼はためらいもなく飛び込んだ。
He jumped in without hesitation. (literary/formal)
迷わずにやった。
I did it without hesitating. (casual)
迷う is used for indecision between options (e.g., which item to buy), while ためらう is used for reluctance to take an action due to emotional or moral reasons (e.g., hesitating to ask a favor). 迷う is more common in daily speech.
あのう、ちょっと質問があるんですが。
Um, I have a quick question.
Another common filler, similar to 'let me see' or 'well'. Often used when trying to recall something.
ええと、どこに置いたかな。
Let me see, where did I put it?
Literally 'that', but used as a filler meaning 'well' or 'you know'. Common in casual speech.
その、なんていうか、うまく言えないんだけど。
Well, how should I put it, I can't say it well.
Means 'well' or 'I guess'. Shows hesitation or a lack of full commitment to what follows.
まあ、そうかもしれないね。
Well, that might be true.
Means 'I'm hesitating' or 'I can't decide'. Directly expresses a state of indecision.
どの大学に行くか迷っています。
I'm hesitating about which university to go to.
A verb meaning 'to hesitate' or 'to be reluctant'. Slightly more formal than 迷う.
彼は返事をためらった。
He hesitated to answer.
Means 'I'm not keen on it' or 'I'm reluctant'. Shows a lack of enthusiasm or hesitation due to disinterest.
その計画にはどうも気が進まない。
I'm rather hesitant about that plan.
Literally 'a little...', but used to trail off and imply hesitation or refusal without directly saying no.
明日のパーティー、行く？ …ちょっと…
Are you going to the party tomorrow? ...Well, I'm not sure...
Means 'how should I say it'. Shows hesitation in finding the right words.
どう言えばいいか分からないけど、とにかく嬉しい。
I don't know how to say it, but I'm just happy.
メニューを見て迷っている。
I'm hesitating looking at the menu. (choosing)
彼女に真実を言うのをためらった。
I hesitated to tell her the truth. (reluctance)
メニューを見て迷っている。
I'm hesitating looking at the menu. (choosing)
彼女に真実を言うのをためらった。
I hesitated to tell her the truth. (reluctance)