気後(きおく)れ

きおくれ
noun
timidity, feeling daunted, intimidation
emotion
1. timidity, feeling daunted, intimidation, losing one's nerve
The feeling of being intimidated or overwhelmed by a situation, person, or environment. A sense of losing confidence when facing something imposing.
気後(きおく)れする
to feel intimidated/daunted
高級(こうきゅう)レストランで気後(きおく)れした。
I felt intimidated at the fancy restaurant.
有名人(ゆうめいじん)に会(あ)うと気後(きおく)れしてしまい、うまく話(はな)せない。
When I meet famous people, I get intimidated and can't speak well.

Usage: Typically used with する to form the verb 気後(きおく)れする (to feel intimidated, to lose one's nerve).

Nuance: 気後(きおく)れ describes the internal feeling of being overwhelmed or intimidated, often in social situations where one feels out of place or inferior. It's not about fear of danger but about losing confidence.

Common collocations

  • 気後(きおく)れする (to feel intimidated)
  • 気後(きおく)れせずに (without being intimidated)
  • 気後(きおく)れを感(かん)じる (to feel daunted)

Related words

Related Words

Synonym: 物怖(ものお)じ (shyness, timidity)
Synonym: 臆(おく)する (to be timid)
Related: 尻込(しりご)み (to shrink back)
Related: 萎縮(いしゅく)する (to feel intimidated, shrink)
general
Added 2026.1.31 20:34 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09166_kiokure