おどおど

おどおど is a mimetic word (オノマトペ) describing visible nervousness or timidity. It conveys an impression of someone who lacks confidence and appears intimidated, often with fidgeting or hesitant body language.

Common patterns

• おどおどする: to act nervously, to be timid
• おどおどしながら: while acting nervously
• おどおどした態度(たいど): a nervous/timid manner
• おどおどした声(こえ): a nervous voice

Similar words

• びくびく: fearful, jumpy — stronger sense of fear, reacting to potential threats
• おずおず: hesitantly, timidly — gentler, more about shyness than fear
• もじもじ: fidgeting, bashful — shyness with physical restlessness, often endearing
• おろおろ: flustered, panicking — more about confusion and not knowing what to do

Usage

Often used critically or sympathetically to describe someone who should be more confident. そんなにおどおどしないで (don't be so nervous) is a common reassurance.