恐る恐る
Meanings
1
fearfully; timidly; cautiously; gingerly
Describes doing something while afraid or very carefully, often with a sense of hesitation or nervousness. Used adverbially, often with verbs of movement, touch, or speech.
He opened the door fearfully.
I gingerly reached out and touched the dog.
Usage patterns
- 恐る恐る〈動詞〉to do something fearfully/timidly
He timidly opened the door.
- 恐る恐る尋ねるto ask something hesitantly, fearing the answer
She hesitantly asked the teacher.
- 恐る恐る手を伸ばすto reach out cautiously, as if afraid to touch something
The child reached out cautiously toward the dog.