Translation guide
How to express the act of tripping or nearly falling, or speaking/acting in a hesitant, unsteady way.
Describing the action of catching one's foot on something and almost falling, or walking unsteadily.
The most common verb for tripping over something or stumbling while walking. Often used with に to indicate the obstacle.
I stumbled on a stone and almost fell.
It was dark and I stumbled several times.
To stagger or lose one's balance, often from a push, dizziness, or intoxication. Focuses on the unsteady movement rather than catching on something.
He stumbled and hit the wall.
A more specific verb meaning to trip over one's own feet or stumble. Less common than つまずく.
I tripped over my own feet and fell.
Describing when someone stumbles over words, pauses awkwardly, or makes errors in speech.
To get stuck on words, to falter in speech. Often due to nervousness or difficulty finding the right word.
I got nervous and stumbled over my words.
To stammer or stutter. Can be used for both a speech impediment and temporary stumbling over words.
Literally 'to bite', but commonly used for misspeaking or tripping over a word, like a slip of the tongue.
Metaphorically stumbling upon a problem or setback in a plan, project, or life.
The same verb as physical stumbling, used metaphorically for hitting a snag or failing at something. Often used with に.
I stumbled at work (encountered a problem).
To suffer a setback or frustration, to be thwarted. Stronger than つまずく, implying a more significant failure or giving up.
Discovering or encountering something unexpectedly.
彼は緊張してどもりながら話した。
He spoke nervously, stumbling over his words.
I stumbled over my words several times during the speech.
He stumbled at a turning point in his life.
He stumbled once but got back up again.
I stumbled upon an old friend in the street.