迷う vs 躊躇う
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 迷う
Listen to 躊躇う
| 迷う | 躊躇う |
|---|---|
ma-YOU verb | ためらう verb |
| to hesitate; to be unsure about what to choose or do | to hesitate; to hold back before doing something |
How they differ
躊躇う focuses on hesitation before an action, especially when you are reluctant, cautious, or morally conflicted. 迷う is wider in scope and can refer to choosing among alternatives, while 躊躇う usually suggests delay in taking a step you already know you may take.
When to use each
When to use 迷う: Use 迷う when you are unsure which option to choose.
When to use 躊躇う: Use 躊躇う when you hesitate to act, speak, or proceed because of reluctance or caution.
Side-by-side examples
- 進学先について迷っている。
(I’m undecided about which school to go to.) - 彼は言いたいことを躊躇った。
(He hesitated to say what he wanted to say.)
Register & nuance: 躊躇う is more literary and formal than 迷う, and it sounds less casual in everyday conversation.