引け目
Meanings
1
sense of inferiority; feeling of being at a disadvantage
Often used in phrases like 引け目を感じる (to feel inferior) or 引け目がある (to have a weak point). Describes a psychological sense of being lesser or having a shortcoming compared to others.
He feels inferior about his educational background.
When you have a sense of inferiority, it's hard to strike up a conversation yourself.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に引け目を感じるto feel inferior to someone
He felt inferior to his talented older brother.
- 〈事〉に引け目があるto have a weak point or feel at a disadvantage regarding something
He feels at a disadvantage about his educational background and can't speak up easily.
- 引け目を覚えるto sense a feeling of inferiority (more literary than 感じる)
In front of his colleagues, he felt a slight sense of inferiority.
- 引け目を持つto carry a lasting sense of inferiority
She carried a sense of inferiority about her family background.
Expressions
- 引け目を感じるfeel inferior; feel small; feel self-conscious