おずおず

Usage

A mimetic word for a timid, hesitant manner: shyness, lack of confidence, caution before acting. Almost always おずおずと before a verb. Typical of children meeting strangers, new employees, or anyone in an unfamiliar or intimidating situation.

Common patterns

• おずおずと + verb: to do something hesitantly
• 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)
• 堂々(どうどう)と: confidently, boldly (the opposite)