Japanese word

躊躇

Pronunciation

Romajichūcho

Meaning

  • nounhesitation

Example

彼は返事を躊躇しました。kare wa hen ji o chū cho shi ma shi ta

He hesitated to reply.

Illustration for 躊躇 (hesitation)

More examples

彼は新しい仕事を始めることに躊躇しています。kare wa atara shi i shi goto o haji me ru ko to ni chū cho shi te i ma su

He is hesitant about starting a new job.

Core concept

It describes holding back from an action or answer because the choice does not yet feel settled.

Common phrases

  • 躊躇するchū cho su ru

    hesitate

  • 躊躇なくchū cho na ku

    without hesitation

  • 躊躇を見せるchū cho o mi se ru

    show hesitation

Similar words

ためらいtamerai: A moment of holding back before taking action or giving a response.
迷いmayoi: A state of being unsure about the right choice or direction.
逡巡shunjun: A formal or extended hesitation while deciding what to do.

Definition in Japanese

行動や判断をすぐに決められず、ためらうこと。kō dō ya han dan o su gu ni ki me ra re zu ta me ra u ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 躊躇 (chūcho) joins 躊 (chū, "hesitate") and 躇 (cho, "hesitate"), using two related characters to express being unable to move forward.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 躊躇する (chūcho suru) is more formal than ためらう (tamerau), so speakers often choose ためらう (tamerau) in everyday situations.

Other meanings

  • indecisionnoun
  • vacillationnoun

Opposites

  • 即断sokudanimmediate decisionnoun

Related words

  • 躊躇いtameraihesitationnoun

Word lists with this word