Entry
じたじた
jitajita
Expresses the action of shrinking back or recoiling because one feels overwhelmed, pressured, or intimidated.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the physical or mental state of being overpowered by a strong force, pressure, or intimidating presence, leading one to recoil, cower, or lose their nerve.
- Physically shrinking back in fear
- Mentally overwhelmed by intense pressure
Sense Map
Physical Recoiling
The act of stepping back, shrinking, or flinching away when intimidated by a strong opponent or force.
じたじたと後ずさりする
Mental Overwhelm
Feeling helpless, discouraged, or mentally cornered when facing intense pressure or questioning.
厳しい質問にじたじたする
Usage Note
How to Use
じたじたする
Used as a verb (suru-verb) to indicate the state of cowering or feeling overwhelmed.
じたじたと + verb
Used as an adverb, frequently combined with verbs like stepping back (後ずさりする) or retreating (退く).
How to Use
Common Phrases
じたじたする
to cower / to be overwhelmed
じたじたと後ずさりする
to recoil backward in fear
プレッシャーでじたじたする
to be overwhelmed by pressure
気迫にじたじたする
to cower before an intense spirit/presence
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Facing an aggressive opponent | Negative | Indicates the subject is powerless and forced into a defensive retreat. |
| Receiving a harsh scolding | Negative | Shows the subject feels mentally cornered. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
たじたじ たじたじ / similar | Very similar and often interchangeable. However, たじたじ (tajitaji) places a bit more emphasis on staggering, faltering steps, or losing one's balance while retreating. | Does not mean just being busy or casually overwhelmed. | 相手の勢いにたじたじとなる。 |
びくびく びくびく / nearby | Used when someone is trembling with fear or constantly worried about something bad happening. | びくびく focuses more on internal dread and physical trembling rather than retreating from immediate heavy pressure. | 怒られるかとびくびくする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to mean 'overwhelmed' by positive emotions like happiness or gratitude.
じたじた is strictly used for negative pressure, intimidation, or fear.
Interpreting it as the physical crushing of an object.
This is not used for inanimate objects getting crushed (like a box); it refers to living beings recoiling mentally or physically.
Examples
Examples
大きな犬に怯えて、じたじたと後ずさりした。
おおきな いぬ に おびえて、 じたじた と あとずさり した。
Frightened by the large dog, they recoiled and backed away.
VisualAn example of a physical reaction of shrinking away in fear (visual).
上司の激しい怒りに、彼はじたじたしていた。
じょうし の はげしい いかり に、 かれ は じたじた していた。
He cowered under his boss's intense anger.
FigurativeShows being mentally overwhelmed or pressured (figurative).
相手の強気な態度にじたじたして、言葉に詰まった。
あいて の つよきな たいど に じたじた して、 ことば に つまった。
Overwhelmed by the opponent's aggressive attitude, they were at a loss for words.
FigurativeDescribes the loss of confidence due to intimidation.
プレッシャーに負けて、じたじたと退がってしまった。
プレッシャー に まけて、 じたじた と さがって しまった。
Defeated by the pressure, they backed away coweringly.
VisualA combination of mental pressure causing a physical retreat.
鋭い視線にじたじたするばかりだった。
するどい しせん に じたじた する ばかり だった。
They could do nothing but cower under the sharp gaze.
FigurativeExpresses helplessness in the face of pressure.
Similar Words
たじたじ
tajitaji
Describes the state of being overwhelmed, flinching, or shrinking back due to the superior force or pressure of another. Both mean overwhelmed, but tajitaji has a nuance of losing balance or faltering.
ビクビク
bikubiku
Describes a state of being nervous, afraid, or trembling in anticipation of something bad happening. Trembling with internal fear or worry.
Questions
Is じたじた the same as たじたじ?
They are very similar in describing being overwhelmed. However, たじたじ (tajitaji) is more common and often implies staggering or faltering steps.
Can I use じたじた when I am overwhelmed with joy?
No. This word is only for situations where you are negatively pressured, intimidated, or frightened.
Is じたじた common in daily conversation?
It is somewhat uncommon compared to たじたじ, but it is still used in writing and narrative contexts.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2758550
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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