Translation guide
Describes a person who is hesitant, unable to make decisions, or lacking firmness of purpose. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases that emphasize indecisiveness, wavering, or lack of resolve.
Describing a person who cannot make up their mind, often in everyday situations.
A common na-adjective/noun meaning indecisive or wishy-washy. Often used to describe a personality trait.
彼は優柔不断で、いつも決めるのに時間がかかる。
He is irresolute and always takes a long time to decide.
Literally 'lacks decisiveness'. A straightforward way to say someone is irresolute.
彼女は決断力がないから、リーダーには向いていない。
She is irresolute, so she's not suited to be a leader.
An adjective meaning half-hearted, indecisive, or noncommittal. Often used for attitudes or responses.
煮え切らない態度を取るのはやめてほしい。
I wish you'd stop being so irresolute.
A verb meaning to dawdle or hesitate, often implying irresolution in taking action.
ぐずぐずしてないで、早く決めなよ。
Stop being irresolute and make up your mind.
Describing someone who changes their mind frequently or cannot stick to a decision.
Also covers the sense of wavering; the same word is used for general indecisiveness.
優柔不断な態度では、周りを困らせるだけだ。
An irresolute attitude only troubles those around you.
Literally 'feelings sway'. Describes emotional wavering or irresolution.
彼の気持ちが揺れているのがわかる。
I can see he's irresolute.
A verb meaning to change repeatedly, often used for decisions or plans that keep shifting.
彼の意見は二転三転して、結局何も決まらなかった。
His opinion kept changing, and in the end nothing was decided.
Describing a person who lacks firmness of purpose or determination.
A na-adjective/noun meaning weak-willed or lacking willpower. More formal and often used in written contexts.
彼は意志薄弱で、すぐに誘惑に負けてしまう。
He is irresolute and easily gives in to temptation.
A more colloquial way to say weak-willed or lacking resolve.
意志が弱いから、なかなか目標を達成できない。
Because I'm irresolute, I can't seem to achieve my goals.
A verb meaning to be unsteady or wavering, often used for someone who cannot stick to a decision or path.
彼はいつもふらふらしていて、何を考えているのかわからない。
He's always irresolute; I don't know what he's thinking.
優柔不断 focuses on indecisiveness in making choices, while 意志薄弱 emphasizes a lack of willpower or determination. 優柔不断 is more common in everyday speech.
優柔不断な人はレストランでメニューを決めるのに時間がかかる。
An irresolute person takes a long time to decide on a menu at a restaurant.
意志薄弱な人はダイエットを続けられない。
A weak-willed person cannot stick to a diet.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'irresolute' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like 非決断的 (hiketsudanteki) is unnatural. Instead, choose the expression that fits the specific nuance of indecision, wavering, or weak will.