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.
気後れする
to feel intimidated/daunted
高級レストランで気後れした。
I felt intimidated at the fancy restaurant.
有名人に会うと気後れしてしまい、うまく話せない。
When I meet famous people, I get intimidated and can't speak well.
USAGE: Typically used with する to form the verb 気後れする (to feel intimidated, to lose one's nerve).
NUANCE: 気後れ 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:
- 気後れする (to feel intimidated)
- 気後れせずに (without being intimidated)
- 気後れを感じる (to feel daunted)
RELATED WORDS:
- 物怖じ (shyness, timidity)
- 臆する (to be timid, hesitate)
- 尻込みする (to shrink back)
- 萎縮する (to feel intimidated, shrink)