Translation guide
The act of wavering between different opinions or actions; being indecisive.
Describing the state of being unable to decide between options.
A common noun or na-adjective meaning indecisiveness or irresolution. Often used to describe a person's character.
He is indecisive and can't seem to make up his mind.
Hesitation or wavering, often in the moment before acting. Can be used as a noun or from the verb ためらう.
After a moment's hesitation, she accepted the offer.
Doubt, uncertainty, or being lost in thought. Often implies a deeper, more emotional wavering.
I have some doubts about my career path.
Agitation or disturbance, often emotional. Can refer to wavering due to shock or uncertainty.
His mind wavered upon hearing the news.
Hesitation or vacillation, often used in formal or literary contexts. Implies a prolonged wavering.
After much vacillation, he decided to resign.
Describing the action of switching back and forth between decisions.
Literally 'one's mind changes'. Used when someone changes their decision or intention, often repeatedly.
He changes his mind so quickly, he's unreliable.
Looking right and left; figuratively, wavering or being unable to decide due to considering too many factors. Formal and literary.
Describing literal back-and-forth movement, often used metaphorically.
Shaking, swaying, or fluctuation. Can be used for physical objects or abstract concepts like emotions.
The rocking of the boat made me feel sick.
Also used for physical shaking or disturbance, such as an earthquake tremor or emotional agitation.
優柔不断 describes a personality trait of chronic indecisiveness, while ためらい refers to a momentary hesitation before a specific action. Use 優柔不断 for someone who is always wishy-washy, and ためらい for a pause in a particular situation.
He's indecisive, so he always takes time to decide.
Without hesitation, she raised her hand.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'vacillation' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like 動揺 or 逡巡 may sound overly formal or literary. Choose the expression based on the specific nuance: indecision, hesitation, or physical swaying.
To hesitate or think twice before doing something. Literally 'to step with the second foot', implying reluctance.
He is vacillating about the plan.
右顧左眄するばかりで、何も決まらない。
He just vacillates and nothing gets decided.
地震で建物が動揺した。
The building shook in the earthquake.