揺らぐ

• Reading: ゆらぐ
• Romaji: yuragu
• Kanji breakdown: 揺 (yura/yō) — to shake, sway, swing
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.ɾa.ɡɯ/

Meaning

To sway; to waver; to shake; to tremble. Describes something unsteady or flickering, either physically or emotionally.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Used for physical swaying (flames, buildings in wind) and figurative wavering (confidence, resolve, beliefs). Softer and more gradual than 揺れる. Often implies instability or uncertainty rather than violent shaking.

Examples

1. ろうそくの炎が風で揺らいでいる。 The candle flame is flickering in the wind.
2. 彼の自信が少しずつ揺らぎ始めた。 His confidence began to waver little by little.
3. 長年の信念が一つの出来事で揺らぐこともある。 Even deeply held beliefs can be shaken by a single event.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, nature, beliefs

Tone: contemplative

Origin & History

Related to 揺れる (to shake). The kanji 揺 contains the hand radical 扌 and conveys swinging or swaying motion. 揺らぐ emphasises a gentler, more gradual unsteadiness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal