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心後れ (こころおくれ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
diffidence ; timidity ; feeling inferior
Describes a feeling of being hesitant or holding back due to a sense of inferiority or lack of confidence. Often used in social situations where one feels outclassed or intimidated.
心こころ 後おく れ せ ず に 、 自じ 分ぶん の 意い 見けん を はっきり 言い い なさい 。
Don't be timid; state your opinion clearly.
Similar words 気き 後おく れ 気後れ is more common and refers to general nervousness or losing one's nerve, while 心後れ specifically implies a feeling of inferiority or diffidence.
引ひ け 目め 引け目 is a sense of inferiority or shame, often in comparison to others, but 心後れ focuses more on the resulting hesitation or timidity.
Etymology Compound of 心 (こころ, 'heart, mind') and 後れ (おくれ, 'lagging behind, being late'). The literal sense of 'heart lagging behind' gives the meaning of feeling hesitant or inferior.
