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ひるむ Japanese meaning | Kotomora
JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
flinch ; recoil ; be daunted
usually written using kana alone
Describes a momentary loss of nerve or courage when facing something intimidating, difficult, or overwhelming. Often used in negative constructions like ひるまずに (without flinching).
Let's move forward without flinching.
Written forms ひるむ Usage 68%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 怯む is rare and may not be recognized by all readers.
怯ひる む Usage 32%
Kanji form is uncommon; learners should prefer the kana spelling.
Kanji 怯 cowardice, wince, flinch Similar words たじろぐ Also means to flinch or recoil, but often implies a physical staggering back, whereas ひるむ is more about mental intimidation or hesitation.
おじける Means to be frightened or cowed; ひるむ focuses on the momentary loss of resolve, while おじける suggests a more sustained state of fear.
Etymology The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the mimetic word ひりひり (smarting, tingling) or the verb ひる (to dry up, to become weak), but the exact derivation is unclear.
