1.
feeling of inferiority; sense of inadequacy; self-consciousness
A feeling of being inferior to others or not measuring up. Often used with を感じる (to feel).
学歴に引け目を感じる。
I feel inferior about my educational background.
何も引け目に感じることはない。
There's nothing to feel inferior about.
周りが優秀な人ばかりで、いつも引け目を感じていた。
Everyone around me was so talented that I always felt inadequate.
USAGE:
Almost always used with を感じる. Expresses a subjective feeling of being at a disadvantage or not being good enough compared to others. Not as strong as 劣等感 (inferiority complex).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 引け目を感じる (to feel inferior)
- 引け目がない (to have no sense of inadequacy)
- 引け目を取らない (to be no less than, to hold one's own)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 劣等感: inferiority complex — stronger and more psychological
- 負い目: feeling of guilt, sense of obligation — involves moral responsibility rather than comparison