Japanese word

戸惑い

Pronunciation

Romajitomadoi

Meaning

  • nounconfusion

Example

突然の質問に戸惑いを覚えました。totsu zen no shitsu mon ni to mado i o obo e ma shi ta

I felt confused by the sudden question.

Illustration for 戸惑い (confusion)

More examples

急な予定変更が、参加者の間に戸惑いを広げました。kyū na yo tei hen kō ga san ka sha no aida ni to mado i o hiro ge ma shi ta

The sudden change of plans caused confusion among the participants.

Core concept

Expresses the hesitation that occurs when a new or unexpected situation makes a person unsure of the appropriate response.

Common phrases

  • 戸惑いを覚えるto mado i o obo e ru

    feel confused

  • 戸惑いを感じるto mado i o kan ji ru

    feel confused

  • 戸惑いを見せるto mado i o mi se ru

    show confusion

Similar words

困惑konwaku: A feeling of uncertainty about the proper response to an unfamiliar or unexpected situation.
迷いmayoi: Difficulty choosing between possible actions or answers.
混乱konran: A state in which a lack of order or clarity makes it difficult to think and respond properly.
狼狽rōbai: A strong loss of calm when a sudden event makes an immediate response difficult.

Definition in Japanese

状況を理解したり判断したりできず、取るべき行動に迷う気持ち。jō kyō o ri kai shi ta ri han dan shi ta ri de ki zu to ru be ki kō dō ni mayo u ki mo chi

Word origin

戸惑い (tomadoi) comes from the noun form of 戸惑う (tomadou), formed with 戸 (to, "door") and 惑う (madou, "to be bewildered"); it suggests being lost at a doorway.

Usage tips

  • 戸惑い (tomadoi) is useful for describing uncertainty about how to respond, while 迷い (mayoi, "indecision") more often concerns difficulty choosing between possible actions.

Other meanings

  • uncertaintynoun
  • hesitationnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word