Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
引け目を感じる (ひけめをかんじる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
feel inferior ; feel small ; feel self-conscious
Used when someone feels a sense of inferiority or awkwardness, often due to a perceived shortcoming or debt of gratitude. Common in social and personal contexts.
かん
じ
て
しまう
。
I can't help feeling small in front of her.
Kanji 感 emotion, feeling, sensation Similar words 劣れっ 等とう 感かん 劣等感 is a noun meaning 'inferiority complex', a more clinical or psychological term, while 引け目を感じる is a verb phrase describing the feeling of being at a disadvantage or self-conscious in a specific situation.
気き 後おく れする 気後れする means 'to feel timid or overwhelmed', often in the presence of someone impressive, whereas 引け目を感じる focuses more on a sense of inferiority due to one's own perceived flaws or debts.
Etymology 引け目 (hike-me) literally means 'a losing move' or 'a disadvantage', from 引ける (to lose, to be inferior) and 目 (mark, point). Combined with 感じる (to feel), the phrase means 'to feel a sense of disadvantage or inferiority'.
