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.
He is irresolute and always takes a long time to decide.
Literally 'lacks decisiveness'. A straightforward way to say someone is irresolute.
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.
I wish you'd stop being so irresolute.
A verb meaning to dawdle or hesitate, often implying irresolution in taking action.
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.
An irresolute attitude only troubles those around you.
Literally 'feelings sway'. Describes emotional wavering or irresolution.
I can see he's irresolute.
A verb meaning to change repeatedly, often used for decisions or plans that keep shifting.
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.
He is irresolute and easily gives in to temptation.
A more colloquial way to say weak-willed or lacking resolve.
A verb meaning to be unsteady or wavering, often used for someone who cannot stick to a decision or path.
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.
An irresolute person takes a long time to decide on a menu at a restaurant.
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.
His opinion kept changing, and in the end nothing was decided.
Because I'm irresolute, I can't seem to achieve my goals.
He's always irresolute; I don't know what he's thinking.