臆病(おくびょう)

おくびょう
na-adjective, noun
cowardly; timid; faint-hearted
1. cowardly; timid
Lacking courage, easily frightened, or hesitant to take risks.
臆病(おくびょう)な性格(せいかく)を直(なお)したい。
I want to fix my timid personality.
この犬(いぬ)は臆病(おくびょう)で、大(おお)きな音(おと)を怖(こわ)がる。
This dog is timid and is afraid of loud sounds.
臆病(おくびょう)風(かぜ)に吹(ふ)かれて、挑戦(ちょうせん)をやめてしまった。
I got cold feet and gave up on the challenge.

ETYMOLOGY:
臆(おく) (hesitate) + 病(びょう) (illness, condition) - literally "condition of hesitation"

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 臆病(おくびょう)者(もの) - coward
  • 臆病(おくびょう)風(かぜ)に吹(ふ)かれる - to get cold feet (lit. blown by the wind of cowardice)
  • 臆病(おくびょう)な心(こころ) - timid heart

USAGE:
Generally used negatively, though sometimes sympathetically.

ANTONYM:

  • 大胆(だいたん) - bold, daring
  • 勇敢(ゆうかん) - brave, courageous

RELATED:

  • 弱虫(よわむし) - weakling, coward (informal)
  • 怖(こわ)がり - scaredy-cat

Related Words

Antonym: 大胆(だいたん) (bold)
general
Added 2026.1.20 21:57 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
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