Japanese meaning of 右顧左眄

Reading: AI

うこさべん (uko saben)

English Translation:

Looking around hesitantly; being overly cautious

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Looking to the right and left; hesitating or being overly cautious.

右を見て左を見て、ためらったり優柔不断になること。

Cultural Context:

Usually used critically in Japan to describe indecisive leadership or lack of boldness.

日本では決断力のない指導者や大胆さに欠ける行動を批判する際に使われる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Verb phrase with “する” or “してはいけない” to describe looking around indecisively (“右顧左眄する”).
• Often used critically for hesitation or lack of decisiveness.

Trap for English Speakers

Might be seen as simply “looking around,” but it connotes wavering and inability to act decisively.

Example

Basic Example

右顧左眄してばかりで前に進めない。

Constantly looking around indecisively keeps you from moving forward.

Applied Example

「右顧左眄してる暇はない。前だけ見ろ。」

There’s no time to look right and left — keep your eyes forward.