1.
to hesitate, to waver, to falter
To be uncertain or reluctant to act, speak, or proceed due to doubt, fear, or indecision. Often used when one cannot make a decision or is afraid to take action.
彼は返事をためらった。
He hesitated to answer.
ためらわずに言ってください。
Please don't hesitate to say it.
Common expression using negative form
一瞬ためらってから、ドアを開けた。
After hesitating for a moment, I opened the door.
Shows the verb used with time expression
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive). No pair verb. Often takes the pattern ～するのをためらう (hesitate to do ~).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing state of indecision. ためらっている = 'is hesitating' or 'is wavering.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 返事をためらう (hesitate to answer)
- 決断をためらう (hesitate to make a decision)
- ためらわずに (without hesitation)
- ためらいがちに (hesitantly)
SIMILAR WORDS: 迷う focuses on being lost or confused about choices, while ためらう emphasizes reluctance or wavering before action.