おずおず

Type: Mimetic word (gitaigo) describing manner or attitude. Almost always used as おずおずと before a verb.

Nuance: Shyness or nervousness, lack of confidence, caution born of uncertainty, hesitation before acting.

Typical subjects: children meeting strangers, new employees, anyone in an unfamiliar or intimidating situation.

Common patterns

• おずおずと + verb: describes a hesitant action
• Frequent verbs: 手(て)を挙(あ)げる (raise one's hand), 近(ちか)づく (approach), 話(はな)しかける (speak to), 入(はい)る (enter)

Similar words

• おどおど - nervous, unsettled manner (visible anxiety)
• びくびく - timid from fear of something specific
• もじもじ - fidgeting from embarrassment
• 恐(おそ)る恐(おそ)る - fearfully, gingerly (physical caution)
• ためらいがち - hesitantly (more formal, from ためらう)
• おずおず: a timid, tentative approach
• 堂々(どうどう)と: confidently, boldly