二の足|にのあしninoashi[0]heiban (flat)

1. expression, nounsecond step
2. expression, nounhesitation

• Synonym躊躇ちゅうちょNeutralHesitation or indecision, as in 「躊躇なく」; common in written prose, stressing the inability to make up one's mind.
• RelatedためらいNeutralA native Japanese word for inner hesitation. 「二の足」 mostly appears as 「二の足を踏む」 and can also mean a second step.
• Antonym即断そくだんNeutralAn antonym: making a snap judgement on the spot; the opposite of hesitating and holding back.
• Antonym即決そっけつNeutralAn antonym: deciding on the spot, right away; the opposite of taking 「二の足」 and balking.

Use 「二の足」 when someone balks and hesitates to go ahead, almost always as 「二の足を踏む」, as in 「値段を見て二の足を踏む」. For hesitation in general use 「ためらい」 or 「躊躇」; the opposites 「即決」 and 「即断」 mean deciding on the spot.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 二に番目ばんめの段階だんかいや歩あゆみ。
2. やろうとしていることをためらうこと。