It represents the mental state of being unable to choose a path or reach a decision.
Word in 30 Seconds
- State of being unable to decide between options.
- Describes hesitation or lack of clear direction.
- Can refer to internal psychological uncertainty.
Overview
- 1概要：迷いは、複数の選択肢や状況に対して、どれを選ぶべきか、どうすべきかを決められずにいる心理状態を表します。単なる選択の悩みだけでなく、人生の岐路における深い悩みや、精神的な混乱を指すこともあります。2) 使用パターン：「迷いがある」「迷いがない」「迷いを断ち切る」といった形で動詞と組み合わせて使われるのが一般的です。また、感情的な側面と論理的な判断の側面の両方で用いられます。3) 一般的な文脈：進学や就職といった人生の重要な選択、あるいは日常的な買い物や食事のメニュー選びまで、幅広い場面で使われます。ビジネスにおいては「決断力」の対義語として、個人の生活では「葛藤」に近い意味で使われます。4) 類似語との比較：「悩み」は心の痛みや苦しみを伴うことが多いですが、「迷い」はどちらかといえば「方向性や選択の不確定さ」に重点が置かれます。「戸惑い」は状況が理解できずに困るというニュアンスが強く、「迷い」は自分の意志が定まらないというニュアンスが強いです。
Examples
人生の選択に迷いを感じる。
everydayI feel hesitation in choosing my path in life.
彼には一切の迷いが見られなかった。
formalThere was no trace of hesitation in him.
どっちの服にするか迷い中。
informalI'm in the middle of deciding which clothes to choose.
意思決定における迷いの要因を分析する。
academicAnalyzing the factors of hesitation in decision-making.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
迷いのない決断
A firm decision without hesitation
迷いを断つ
To cut off hesitation
迷いは禁物
Hesitation is forbidden/should be avoided
Often Confused With
Refers to being confused or bewildered by an unexpected situation. Unlike 'mayoi', it implies a lack of knowledge or experience to handle the current event.
Refers to deep concern or suffering. While 'mayoi' is about choosing a path, 'nayami' is often about enduring a difficult problem.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal and is frequently used in both professional and personal settings. It is often paired with verbs like 'suteru' (discard) or 'shoujiru' (arise). Avoid using it in extremely casual contexts where 'mayotteru' (verb form) would be more natural.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'mayoi' to mean 'getting lost in a city', but that usually requires the verb 'michi ni mayou'. Another error is using it for 'worry' regarding health or finance, where 'nayami' is more appropriate. Ensure you use it primarily for decision-making contexts.
Tips
Use with 'kiri' to show determination
Combining 'mayoi' with 'kiri' (cut) creates the phrase 'mayoi o tachikiru', meaning to end all hesitation. This is a powerful expression for making a firm decision.
Don't confuse with physical getting lost
While 'mayoi' can refer to getting lost (michi ni mayou), it is more commonly used for abstract mental uncertainty. Use 'maigo' for a physically lost person.
Buddhist influence on the term
The word has roots in Buddhist philosophy, referring to ignorance or attachment that prevents enlightenment. In modern Japanese, it has become a secular term for indecision.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'mayou', which originally meant to wander aimlessly or lose one's way. It evolved to describe the mental state of being unable to find a clear direction in life or logic.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, decisiveness is highly valued, so 'having no hesitation' (mayoi ga nai) is a major compliment. Conversely, 'mayoi' is often seen as a necessary process of reflection before reaching a mature conclusion.
Memory Tip
Think of a person standing at a fork in the road, unable to move forward. The 'mayoi' is the mental fog preventing them from picking the left or right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「迷い」は選択肢の間で決められない状態を指し、「悩み」は心の中に抱える苦しみや解決できない問題を指します。迷いは決断によって解消されますが、悩みはより長く心に残ることが多いです。
自分の意志が固まっており、疑いも躊躇もない状態を指します。スポーツ選手やビジネスリーダーが強い決断力を持っていることを褒める際によく使われる表現です。
必ずしもネガティブではありません。慎重に考えている証拠とも言えます。ただし、決断が遅れることを指す場合は、少し否定的なニュアンスが含まれることもあります。
「迷い」は「迷う」という動詞の名詞形です。動詞は動作や状態の変化を表し、名詞は心理的な状態そのものを指します。
Test Yourself
彼は将来の進路について、まだ___があるようだ。
進路という選択肢がある状態での決めかねる心理なので「迷い」が最適です。
「迷いがない」という表現が最も適しているのはどれ？
迷いがないことは、決断が明確であることを意味します。
（断ち切る / 迷いを / 決断した / 彼は）
目的を表す「ために」を使うことで自然な文章になります。
Score: /3
Summary
It represents the mental state of being unable to choose a path or reach a decision.
- State of being unable to decide between options.
- Describes hesitation or lack of clear direction.
- Can refer to internal psychological uncertainty.
Use with 'kiri' to show determination
Combining 'mayoi' with 'kiri' (cut) creates the phrase 'mayoi o tachikiru', meaning to end all hesitation. This is a powerful expression for making a firm decision.
Don't confuse with physical getting lost
While 'mayoi' can refer to getting lost (michi ni mayou), it is more commonly used for abstract mental uncertainty. Use 'maigo' for a physically lost person.
Buddhist influence on the term
The word has roots in Buddhist philosophy, referring to ignorance or attachment that prevents enlightenment. In modern Japanese, it has become a secular term for indecision.
Examples
4 of 4人生の選択に迷いを感じる。
I feel hesitation in choosing my path in life.
彼には一切の迷いが見られなかった。
There was no trace of hesitation in him.
どっちの服にするか迷い中。
I'm in the middle of deciding which clothes to choose.
意思決定における迷いの要因を分析する。
Analyzing the factors of hesitation in decision-making.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
