Translation guide
Describes a person or action that shows difficulty in making decisions. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that focus on hesitation, lack of resolve, or wavering.
To say someone is habitually unable to decide things.
A common na-adjective/noun meaning 'indecisive' or 'wishy-washy'. Often used to describe a personality trait.
He is indecisive and always takes time to decide.
Literally 'lacks decisiveness'. A straightforward way to say someone is indecisive.
She is indecisive, so she's not suited to be a leader.
An adjective meaning 'half-hearted' or 'indecisive'. Often used for someone who won't give a clear answer.
I was irritated by his indecisive attitude.
A more literary term for indecisiveness, often used in formal writing.
You cannot succeed with an indecisive attitude.
To describe a temporary state of hesitation or inability to choose.
The potential form of 決める (to decide) in the negative: 'can't decide'. Very natural in casual conversation.
I can't decide which one to choose.
From 迷う (to be lost/hesitate). Means 'I'm hesitating' or 'I can't make up my mind'.
I'm still hesitating and can't decide.
An idiom meaning 'can't make up one's mind' or 'can't take the decisive step'. Implies a mental block.
To describe a reply that is vague or non-committal.
The English word 'indecisive' is often translated as 優柔不断, but in casual speech, it's more natural to use phrases like 決められない or 迷っている to describe a specific moment of indecision.
I can't make up my mind about changing jobs.
Literally 'to step with the second foot', meaning to hesitate or be indecisive about taking action.
He is hesitating about the contract.
I'm troubled by all these indecisive answers.