1.
timidly, fearfully, gingerly, nervously
Doing something while feeling afraid or anxious, often with hesitant, careful movements. Expresses the manner of acting when one is worried about the outcome or nervous about what might happen.
恐る恐る扉を開けた。
I timidly opened the door.
恐る恐る先生に質問した。
I nervously asked the teacher a question.
初めての料理を恐る恐る口に運んだが、意外とおいしかった。
I gingerly brought the unfamiliar dish to my mouth, but it was surprisingly delicious.
WORD FORMATION:
A reduplication of 恐る, the classical attributive form of 恐れる (to fear). The repetition intensifies the sense of timidity and hesitation.
USAGE:
Describes the manner of doing something — always modifies a verb. The fear involved is usually mild or everyday (nervousness, anxiety, apprehension) rather than extreme terror. Often used in lighthearted or relatable contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 恐る恐る聞く: to ask nervously
- 恐る恐る触る: to touch gingerly
- 恐る恐る覗く: to peek timidly