Translation guide
Expressing that an action is done with hesitation, uncertainty, or reluctance. Japanese uses adverbs, mimetic words, and verb forms to convey this nuance.
Describing an action done while feeling unsure or unwilling.
The te-form of 躊躇う (tamerau), meaning 'to hesitate'. Used adverbially to describe doing something hesitantly.
彼は躊躇ってドアを開けた。
He hesitantly opened the door.
Describing an action done while unsure or wavering.
From 迷う (mayou, 'to be lost/indecisive'), this phrase means 'while hesitating/wavering'.
彼は迷いながら答えた。
He answered hesitantly.
躊躇って is a general term for hesitation, while 恐る恐る specifically implies fear or timidity. Use 恐る恐る when the hesitation comes from being scared.
彼は躊躇って真実を話した。
He hesitantly told the truth (maybe out of reluctance).
彼は恐る恐る真実を話した。
He hesitantly told the truth (because he was afraid).
There is no single Japanese adverb that perfectly matches 'hesitantly' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like '躊躇的に' is unnatural. Choose the expression that fits the nuance of hesitation.
Mimetic adverb meaning 'fearfully' or 'timidly', often used when someone is hesitant due to fear or nervousness.
彼女は恐る恐る手を挙げた。
She hesitantly raised her hand.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly' or 'grudgingly'. Implies doing something with hesitation because one is unwilling.
彼は渋々承諾した。
He hesitantly agreed.
Mimetic adverb describing someone fidgeting or acting shyly due to hesitation or embarrassment.
彼はもじもじしながら質問した。
He asked the question hesitantly, fidgeting.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'with reserve' or 'hesitantly out of politeness'. Used when someone holds back to avoid imposing.
彼女は遠慮がちに意見を述べた。
She hesitantly expressed her opinion.
Mimetic adverb for dawdling or hesitating to act, often with a sense of procrastination.
ぐずぐずしていると遅れるよ。
If you act hesitantly, you'll be late.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'in a noncommittal manner', describing someone who is hesitant to make a clear decision.
彼は煮え切らない態度で返事をした。
He replied hesitantly, without committing.