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.
Um, I have a quick question.
Another common filler, similar to 'let me see' or 'well'. Often used when trying to recall something.
Let me see, where did I put it?
Literally 'that', but used as a filler meaning 'well' or 'you know'. Common in casual speech.
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.
Well, that might be true.
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.
I'm not sure whether to take on this job or not.
Means 'I'm hesitating' or 'I can't decide'. Directly expresses a state of indecision.
A verb meaning 'to hesitate' or 'to be reluctant'. Slightly more formal than 迷う.
Means 'I'm not keen on it' or 'I'm reluctant'. Shows a lack of enthusiasm or hesitation due to disinterest.
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.
It's hard to say, but that outfit is a bit weird.
Literally 'a little...', but used to trail off and imply hesitation or refusal without directly saying no.
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.
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.
He jumped in without hesitation. (literary/formal)
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.
I'm hesitating looking at the menu. (choosing)
I'm hesitating about which university to go to.
彼は返事をためらった。
He hesitated to answer.
I'm rather hesitant about that plan.
I don't know how to say it, but I'm just happy.
彼女に真実を言うのをためらった。
I hesitated to tell her the truth. (reluctance)