1.
running about in confusion, being in a panic, going back and forth in disorder
To rush around aimlessly in a state of confusion or panic, unable to decide what to do. Literally means going right and going left — i.e., running in every direction.
地震で人々が右往左往した。
People ran about in confusion because of the earthquake.
突然の停電で社員たちが右往左往していた。
The employees were running around in confusion due to the sudden power outage.
予定が急に変わって右往左往するのではなく、落ち着いて対応しよう。
Instead of panicking when plans suddenly change, let's respond calmly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 右往左往する (run about in confusion)
- 右往左往している (be in a panic)
USAGE NOTES:
A four-character compound (四字熟語) composed of 右 (right) + 往 (go) + 左 (left) + 往 (go). Vividly describes the chaotic scene of people going right and left without direction. Always implies a lack of composure or clear thinking, often triggered by an unexpected event. Similar in meaning to うろうろする and おろおろする, but 右往左往 is more literary and emphasizes the collective confusion of a group.