狼狽

• Reading: ろうばい
• Romaji: rōbai
• Kanji breakdown: 狼 (ro) — wolf; 狽 (bai) — mythological companion beast (together: panic)
• Pronunciation: /ɾoː.bai/

Meaning

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.

Examples

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。 Flustered by the sudden question, he blurted out an irrelevant answer.
2. 社長の辞任発表に、役員たちは明らかな狼狽を見せた。 At the announcement of the CEO's resignation, the board members showed obvious signs of panic.
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。 When the plan suddenly fell apart and the whole team was in a panic, he alone remained calm.

Usage Guide

Context: surprise, crisis, workplace, narrative

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

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.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated