Japanese word

恐る恐る

Pronunciation

Romajiosoruosoru

Meaning

  • adverbfearfully

Example

子どもは恐る恐る暗い部屋に入ります。ko do mo wa oso ru oso ru kura i heya ni hai ri ma su

The child fearfully enters the dark room.

Illustration for 恐る恐る (fearfully)

More examples

猫は新しいおもちゃに恐る恐る鼻を近づけます。neko wa atara shi i o mo cha ni oso ru oso ru hana o chika zu ke ma su

The cat cautiously brings its nose close to the new toy.

Core concept

Shows a person acting cautiously because fear keeps the action from being confident or relaxed.

Common phrases

  • 恐る恐る見るoso ru oso ru mi ru

    look fearfully

  • 恐る恐る触るoso ru oso ru sawa ru

    touch cautiously

  • 恐る恐る試すoso ru oso ru tame su

    try cautiously

Similar words

おずおずozuozu: In a timid manner that shows uncertainty or fear.
こわごわkowagowa: In a careful manner because of fear of what may happen.
びくびくbikubiku: In a tense manner marked by continuing fear of danger.

Definition in Japanese

危険や不安を感じて、こわごわと行動するさま。ki ken ya fu an o kan ji te ko wa go wa to kō dō su ru sa ma

Word origin

The adverb 恐る恐る (osoru osoru) is formed by repeating 恐る (osoru, "fear"), making the feeling of fear part of the manner of an action.

Usage tips

  • 恐る恐る (osoru osoru) often presents hesitation as a manner of acting, so it can apply even when the danger is uncertain or minor.

Other meanings

  • cautiouslyadverb
  • nervouslyadverb

Word lists with this word