adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes hesitant, fearful behavior or speech, often with the と particle. Conveys a sense of trembling or diffidence.
She timidly entered the room.
The child nervously hid behind his mother.
He timidly raised his hand.
The child asked the question timidly.
The dog approached timidly.
おずおず describes a more polite, restrained hesitation, while オドオド often implies a stronger sense of fear or anxiety.
堂々 describes bold, confident, dignified behavior, the opposite of the timid, hesitant manner shown by おずおず.
Standard kana spelling; the word is usually written in kana.
Katakana spelling, sometimes used for emphasis or stylistic effect.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
Reduplication of the root おず, which is related to fear (cf. 怖じる). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the form is a mimetic adverb expressing timidity.