Entry
オドオド
odoodo
Describes a nervous and hesitant behavior caused by fear or a lack of self-confidence.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Odoodo is used to describe a person who appears restless, shaky, or small in their actions and speech because they are intimidated, feel guilty, or lack the courage to face a situation or person.
- State of being nervous due to fear
- Timid behavior in social situations
Sense Map
Social Anxiety
Acting nervously when meeting important people or speaking in public.
A nervous job interview.
Fear or Guilt
Looking hesitant or frightened after making a mistake or when being scolded.
A child standing timidly while being scolded.
Usage Note
How to Use
オドオドする
Used as a verb to describe the act of behaving nervously.
オドオドした様子
Used as an adjective phrase to describe someone's nervous appearance.
オドオドと答える
Used as an adverb to describe the hesitant way someone performs an action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
オドオドした態度
A nervous attitude
オドオドと見渡す
To look around hesitantly
オドオドと話す
To speak timidly
オドオドし始める
To start acting nervously
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Job Interview | Negative | Indicates a lack of confidence that may lead to a bad impression. |
| Admitting a Mistake | Neutral | It is a natural reaction when one feels vulnerable or guilty. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
堂々 どうどう / opposite | When someone is acting with great confidence and dignity. | Odoodo is about lack of confidence; doudou is about being imposing and brave. | He stood confidently on the stage. |
びくびく びくびく / similar | When someone is afraid that something specific and bad might happen. | Bikubiku focuses more on the fear of a specific threat, while odoodo is about general nervous hesitation. | The boy was afraid of being punished. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for shivering from the cold.
Use buruburu for physical shivering; odoodo is for mental nervousness.
Confusing it with simple shyness.
Odoodo implies a visible lack of composure or fear, not just a quiet personality.
Examples
Examples
初めての面接で緊張して、オドオドしてしまった。
はじめてのめんせつできんちょうして、オドオドしてしまった。
I got nervous and acted timidly during my first interview.
FigurativeShows nervous behavior caused by the pressure of a social situation.
叱られた子供がオドオドしながら先生の前に立っている。
しかられたこどもがオドオドしながらせんせいのまえにたっている。
The child who was scolded is standing in front of the teacher timidly.
VisualDescribes the physical appearance of a child looking small and shaky due to fear.
彼は慣れない場所でオドオドと辺りを見回している。
かれはなれないばしょでオドオドとあたりをみまわしている。
He is looking around hesitantly in an unfamiliar place.
VisualShows hesitation and excessive alertness due to a sense of insecurity.
隠し事をしているせいか、彼の返事はオドオドとしていた。
かくしごとをしているせいか、かれのへんじはオドオドとしていた。
Perhaps because he is hiding something, his reply was very nervous.
FigurativeNervousness arising from guilt or fear of being found out.
オドオドした態度では、相手に信頼してもらえません。
オドオドしたたいどでは、あいてにしんらいしてもらえません。
With such a nervous attitude, you won't be able to gain others' trust.
FigurativeDiscusses the negative impact of lack of confidence in social interactions.
Similar Words
おろおろ
orooro
Describes being in a state of confusion or panic, to the point of not knowing what to do or how to act.
イジイジ
ijiiji
Describes someone acting timidly, hesitantly, or moping due to a lack of self-confidence.
わなわな
wanawana
Describes trembling or quivering uncontrollably due to intense negative emotions like deep fear, anger, or shock.
ビクビク
bikubiku
Describes a state of being nervous, afraid, or trembling in anticipation of something bad happening. Focuses on the fear of something that is about to happen.
Questions
How is odoodo different from magomago?
Odoodo is being nervous due to fear; magomago is being flustered because you don't know what to do.
Can it be used for objects?
No, it is strictly used for living beings showing nervous behavior.
Is it always a negative word?
Mostly yes, as it shows weakness, but it can be used to describe someone's endearing vulnerability.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1001400
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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