狼狽

• 読み: ろうばい
• ローマ字: rōbai
• 漢字の分解: 狼 (ro) — wolf; 狽 (bai) — mythological companion beast (together: panic)
• 発音: /ɾoː.bai/

意味

Panic; fluster; sudden confusion and loss of composure when caught completely off-guard.

A noun (also 狼狽する as a suru verb) describing the state of sudden, disorienting confusion upon being caught off-guard. 狼狽を隠せない (unable to conceal one's panic) and 狼狽した様子 (a flustered appearance) are common collocations. The word implies visible, outward signs of inner confusion and frequently appears in narrative descriptions of someone reacting to unexpected news or a crisis.

例文

1. 突然の質問に狼狽した彼は、的外れな答えを返してしまった。
2. 社長の辞任発表に、役員たちは明らかな狼狽を見せた。
3. 計画が突然崩れ、チーム全体が狼狽する中で彼だけが冷静だった。

使い方ガイド

場面: surprise, crisis, workplace, narrative

トーン: urgent

起源と歴史

An old Chinese compound. 狼 and 狽 were mythological animals believed to be inseparable — each leaning on the other to stand. If separated, both fell helplessly. This image of mutual dependence collapsing became the symbol of disoriented panic.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: Adults

社会的背景: Educated