Entry
たじたじ
tajitaji
Describes the state of being overwhelmed, flinching, or shrinking back due to the superior force or pressure of another.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An expression used when someone loses ground or feels overpowered when facing a strong opponent, sharp questioning, or physical pressure. The main focus is on the act of retreating, hesitating, or being at a loss for words because of an external force.
- Overwhelmed mentally or in arguments
- Staggering or retreating physically
Sense Map
Overwhelmed (Psychological)
Used when someone feels helpless, overpowered, or unable to retort due to another person's strong arguments, questions, or aggressive attitude.
鋭い質問にたじたじになる
Flinching (Physical)
Used when someone physically steps back, shrinks away, or loses balance due to strong pressure, intimidation, or fear.
たじたじと後ずさりする
Usage Note
How to Use
〜にたじたじになる
A verb phrase meaning 'to become overwhelmed by' or 'to be forced to yield to'.
〜にたじたじだ
Expresses the current state of being overwhelmed or hard-pressed by something.
たじたじと
Used as an adverb modifying actions like stepping back or retreating falteringly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
質問にたじたじになる
to be overwhelmed by questions
相手の勢いにたじたじだ
to be overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum
たじたじと後ずさりする
to stagger backward flinchingly
迫力にたじたじとなる
to flinch at the intensity
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Debates or interviews | Neutral | Very common when describing a politician or speaker unable to answer tough questions. |
| Children or animals | Positive/Neutral | Can be used lightheartedly when adults admit they are overwhelmed by a child's endless energy. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
よたよた よたよた / similar | Use yotayota for unsteady, tottering steps due to exhaustion, old age, or lack of walking skill (like a toddler). | Yotayota focuses on an internal physical inability to walk straight, whereas tajitaji is a retreat caused by an external pressure or threat. | よたよた歩く |
じたじた じたじた / similar | Use jitajita to describe cowering, recoiling, or shrinking back in fear. | Tajitaji is much more commonly used for losing ground in debates or arguments, not just physical cowering. | じたじたと逃げる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using tajitaji to mean you are tired from working out.
Tajitaji requires an external pressure or threat (like a strong opponent). For pure physical exhaustion, use furafura or hetoheto.
Using tajitaji just to mean 'surprised'.
Tajitaji implies being continuously overwhelmed or pressured into a corner, not just experiencing a sudden shock.
Examples
Examples
記者の鋭い質問に、大臣はたじたじだった。
きしゃ の するどい しつもん に、 だいじん は たじたじ だった。
The minister was overwhelmed by the reporters' sharp questions.
FigurativeDescribes someone losing ground in a debate or Q&A session.
相手のすごい勢いにたじたじになる。
あいて の すごい いきおい に たじたじ に なる。
I am overwhelmed by the opponent's tremendous momentum.
FigurativeOften used in sports or matches when one side is dominating the other.
大きな犬に吠えられて、子供はたじたじと後ずさりした。
おおきな いぬ に ほえられて、 こども は たじたじ と あとずさり した。
Barked at by a large dog, the child staggered backward flinchingly.
VisualDescribes the physical response of retreating due to fear or external pressure.
子供の元気の良さに、親の方がたじたじだ。
こども の げんき の よさ に、 おや の ほう が たじたじ だ。
The parents are actually overwhelmed by the child's energy.
FigurativeA lighter, positive use showing someone overwhelmed by a non-threatening force.
強い風にたじたじと後退する。
つよい かぜ に たじたじ と こうたい する。
Staggering back under the strong wind.
VisualTajitaji can be used for physical pressure from nature, though it is less common than human pressure.
Similar Words
じたじた
jitajita
Cowering or recoiling in fear.
Questions
Is tajitaji always negative?
Not necessarily. While it usually means being pressured, it can be used affectionately or humorously, such as a parent being overwhelmed by their toddler's energy.
Can tajitaji describe inanimate objects?
Rarely. It primarily describes the psychological or physical reaction of humans or animals.
Which particle marks the source of the pressure?
The particle ni is used. For example, aite no ikioi ni tajitaji da (overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007210
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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