Entry
うじうじ
ujiuji
A state of being indecisive and hesitant to take clear action.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a psychological state where one cannot make a clear decision and remains in a loop of hesitation. It often carries a negative nuance, suggesting that the person lacks courage or is being annoying by not being direct or decisive.
- Persistent hesitation in making choices.
- An annoying lack of decisiveness or courage.
Sense Map
Indecision
Being unable to settle on a choice despite having time to do so.
Stop being so wishy-washy (uji-uji) and pick one!
Brooding
Worrying or complaining about something in a way that doesn't lead to a solution.
It’s no use brooding (uji-uji) over a mistake you already made.
Usage Note
How to Use
うじうじする
Functions as a 'suru' verb to describe the act of hesitating or being wishy-washy.
うじうじ（と）悩む
Used adverbially to modify verbs related to thinking or worrying.
うじうじした態度
How to Use
Common Phrases
うじうじした態度
An indecisive or wishy-washy attitude.
うじうじ（と）悩む
To worry indecisively and endlessly.
いつまでもうじうじする
To keep hesitating forever.
うじうじと言う
To say things in a hesitant or non-committal way.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | Negative | Implies the person is being a coward or overthinking. |
| Social Interaction | Negative | Suggests the person is being annoying by not speaking their mind. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐずぐず ぐずぐず / similar | When someone is slow to start an action or is dawdling physically. | Uji-uji is specifically about the mental loop of indecision. | Don't dawdle (guzu-guzu) around! |
はっきり はっきり / opposite | When someone is being clear, direct, and decisive. | Uji-uji is the lack of this clarity and directness. | Say it clearly (hakkiri)! |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Confusing it with 'moji-moji'.
'Moji-moji' is for shyness/bashfulness. 'Uji-uji' is for annoying indecision.
Thinking it's a neutral word for 'thinking'.
It is negative. If you want a neutral word, use 'mayou' (to be lost/hesitate).
Examples
Examples
過去の失敗をいつまでもうじうじ悩んでも仕方がない。
かこのしっぱいをいつまでもうじうじなやんでもしかたがない。
It's no use brooding indecisively over past failures forever.
LiteralDescribes a mental loop regarding past events.
告白するかどうか決まらず、ずっとうじうじしている。
こくはくするかどうかきまらず、ずっとうじうじしている。
I've been being wishy-washy because I can't decide whether to confess my feelings.
LiteralAn example of hesitation in taking a big step in a relationship.
彼のうじうじした態度は、周りの人をいらいらさせる。
かれのうじうじしたたいどは、まわりの人をいらいらさせる。
His wishy-washy attitude irritates the people around him.
FigurativeDescribes the negative effect of indecisiveness on social surroundings.
どっちの服にするか、一時間もうじうじ迷っている。
どっちのふくにするか、いちじかんもうじうじまよっている。
I've been hesitating indecisively for an hour about which clothes to choose.
LiteralUsed for everyday choices that take too much time.
嫌なら嫌とうじうじ言わずに、はっきり断りなさい。
いやならいやとうじうじいわずに、はっきりことわりなさい。
If you don't like it, don't be wishy-washy, just refuse clearly.
LiteralAn instruction to speak honestly instead of hesitating.
Similar Words
イジイジ
ijiiji
Describes someone acting timidly, hesitantly, or moping due to a lack of self-confidence.
もじもじ
mojimoji
Describes fidgeting, squirming, or acting restlessly due to shyness, hesitation, or nervousness.
ぐずぐず
guzuguzu
Describes a state of being slow to act due to hesitation or laziness, as well as the act of complaining or muttering.
はっきり
hakkiri
Describes a state where something is clear, distinct, and unmistakable to the senses or the mind. Means clearly or decisively, the opposite of uji-uji.
Questions
Does 'uji-uji' always sound mean?
Not necessarily mean, but it's rarely a compliment. It usually expresses frustration.
Can I use it for 'thinking deeply'?
No, it implies thinking in circles without a conclusion. Use 'fukaku kangaeru' for deep thought.
Is it used for physical movements?
No, it is a state of mind or a way of speaking/acting based on that mind state.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1000960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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