おずおず

おずおず
adverb
timidly, bashfully, hesitantly
1. timidly, bashfully, hesitantly
Mimetic word describing cautious, shy behavior when approaching something or someone with nervousness or uncertainty.
おずおずと手(て)を挙(あ)げた。
She timidly raised her hand.
彼(かれ)はおずおずと部屋(へや)に入(はい)ってきた。
He hesitantly entered the room.
おずおずと質問(しつもん)してもいいですか。
May I ask a question? (said timidly)
子供(こども)がおずおずと近(ちか)づいてきた。
The child approached bashfully.

TYPE: Mimetic word (gitaigo) describing manner or attitude.

NUANCE: Conveys:

  • Shyness or nervousness
  • Lack of confidence
  • Caution due to uncertainty
  • Hesitation before acting

TYPICAL SUBJECTS:

  • Children meeting strangers
  • New employees
  • People in unfamiliar situations
  • Anyone feeling intimidated

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • おずおずと + verb: describes hesitant action
  • Often with: 手(て)を挙(あ)げる, 近(ちか)づく, 話(はな)しかける, 入(はい)る

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • びくびく: timidly (more fear-based)
  • もじもじ: fidgeting (embarrassment)
  • 恐(おそ)る恐(おそ)る: fearfully, gingerly
  • ためらいがち: hesitantly (more formal)

CONTRAST:

  • おずおず: timid approach
  • 堂々(どうどう)と: confidently, boldly
general
Added 2026.1.18 19:29 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06932_ozuozu