逡巡(しゅんじゅん)

しゅんじゅん
noun, suru-verb
hesitation; indecision; wavering
1. hesitation; indecision; wavering; vacillation
The state of being unable to make a decision, going back and forth without taking action. Often implies reluctance to move forward due to uncertainty or doubt.
彼(かれ)は一瞬(いっしゅん)の逡巡(しゅんじゅん)の後(あと)、決断(けつだん)した。
After a moment's hesitation, he made his decision.
転職(てんしょく)について逡巡(しゅんじゅん)している。
I'm wavering about changing jobs.
逡巡(しゅんじゅん)している場合(ばあい)ではない。
This is no time to hesitate.

KANJI BREAKDOWN:

  • 逡(しゅん) - to hesitate, to retreat
  • 巡(じゅん) - to go around, to patrol

The compound captures the idea of going back and forth, retreating and circling without progressing.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 逡巡(しゅんじゅん)する - to hesitate, to waver
  • 逡巡(しゅんじゅん)の末(すえ) - after much hesitation
  • 逡巡(しゅんじゅん)の色(いろ)を見(み)せる - to show signs of hesitation
  • 逡巡(しゅんじゅん)なく - without hesitation

USAGE:

Somewhat literary and formal. Used in:

  • 小説(しょうせつ) - novels
  • 記事(きじ) - articles
  • Formal speech

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 躊躇(ちゅうちょ) - hesitation (more common)
  • 迷(まよ)い - doubt, wavering
  • ためらい - hesitation
  • 優柔不断(ゆうじゅうふだん) - indecisiveness

NUANCE:
逡巡(しゅんじゅん) has a slightly more literary tone than 躊躇(ちゅうちょ) and suggests prolonged hesitation with internal conflict.

REGISTER:
Slightly formal/literary. Common in written Japanese and formal discussions.

Related Words

Synonym: 躊躇(ちゅうちょ) (hesitation)
general
Added 2026.1.19 17:19 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07440_shunjun