怯む

• Reading: ひるむ
• Romaji: hirumu
• Kanji breakdown: 怯 (kyo/hiru) — fear, cowardice, flinch
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɾɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To flinch; to recoil; to falter; to shrink back from fear or pressure.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. Describes the involuntary psychological or physical retreat in the face of a threat, intimidating opponent, or overwhelming situation. Often used in negative constructions (怯まずに, without flinching) to commend courage and resolve. Stronger than 躊躇う and carries a physical, instinctive quality.

Examples

1. 強敵を前にしても、彼女は一切怯まなかった。 Even faced with a formidable opponent, she did not flinch in the slightest.
2. 激しいヤジにも怯まず、候補者は演説を続けた。 Undaunted by the fierce heckling, the candidate continued her speech.
3. 突然の怒鳴り声に怯んで、彼は思わず後ずさりした。 Startled by the sudden shout, he instinctively stumbled backwards.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, politics, narrative, conflict

Tone: slightly literary

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 怯む, derived from the adjective 怯 (kyo) meaning fear or cowardice. The verb suffix む (mu) transforms the state into an action. Long used in martial and literary contexts to describe warriors who hesitate or lose their nerve.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal