How to say "hesitate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the core sense of hesitating: pausing briefly before acting because of doubt or uncertainty. Best for a moment's delay in action, such as hesitating before knocking, speaking, or signing something.
- 渋るしぶるgodan verb, transitive verbMatches 'hesitate (to do)' in the sense of being reluctant or unwilling, dragging one's feet rather than pausing momentarily. Typical when someone is asked to do something and balks — hesitating to agree, pay, or comply.
- 迷うまようgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers hesitating in the sense of being of two minds or unable to decide between options. It emphasizes inner wavering over a choice, such as hesitating over which answer to pick, rather than a pause before acting.
Use 「ためらう」 for a momentary pause before acting, 「渋る」 for reluctance or unwillingness to do something, and 「迷う」 for wavering while torn between options or unable to decide.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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