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右顧左眄 (うこさべん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
indecision from worrying about others' opinions ; hesitation ; wavering
yojijukugo (four-character idiom)
A yojijukugo describing the state of being unable to decide because one is overly concerned with how others will view the choice. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
A leader should show direction without wavering over others' opinions.
Kanji 顧 look back, review, examine oneself Similar words 優ゆう 柔じゅう 不ふ 断だん 優柔不断 is a more common word for indecisiveness in general, while 右顧左眄 specifically emphasizes worrying about others' views.
躊ちゅう 躇ちょ 躊躇 means hesitation or reluctance, but does not inherently imply concern about others' opinions like 右顧左眄 does.
Etymology A yojijukugo of Chinese origin, literally 'look right, glance left', figuratively describing looking around at others' reactions instead of deciding for oneself.
