渋る

• Reading: しぶる
• Romaji: shiburu
• Kanji breakdown: 渋 (jū/shibui) — astringent, reluctant, slow-moving
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.bɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To hesitate; to be reluctant; to be unwilling; to grudgingly hold back.

A Group 1 (godan) verb derived from the adjective 渋い (astringent, reluctant, dull). 渋る describes an attitude of unwillingness or reluctance, often when someone delays a decision or action out of stubbornness or dissatisfaction. Commonly seen in contexts where a person withholds consent, money, or action. The image comes from the astringent, puckering quality of 渋, suggesting something held back with resistance.

Examples

1. 上司は予算の承認を渋って、決断をなかなか下さなかった。 The manager was reluctant to approve the budget and was slow to reach a decision.
2. 彼は謝ることを渋ったが、最終的には折れた。 He was unwilling to apologise but ultimately gave in.
3. 店主は値引きを渋りながらも最後には了承した。 The shopkeeper was grudging about the discount but eventually agreed.

Usage Guide

Context: negotiation, social situations, decision-making, business

Tone: reluctant

Origin & History

From the adjective stem 渋 (shibu — astringent, dull, reluctant), with the verb suffix る added. The kanji 渋 originally depicted a slow-flowing stream, evoking the image of reluctance and sluggish resistance to movement or change.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General