Japanese meaning of 右往左往
Reading:
うおうさおう (uou saou)
English Translation:
Running around like a headless chicken
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To move around aimlessly in confusion or panic, being unable to decide on a course of action or feeling overwhelmed by choices or circumstances.
Cultural Context:
From Chinese idioms, this phrase appears in disaster reports, crowd descriptions, and comedic contexts in Japan.
どうしたら良いか分からず、あちこちを慌てて動き回る状態。優柔不断やパニックに陥った場面で使われます。
中国の成語に由来し、日本語では災害報道、人混みの描写、喜劇的場面などで使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “する” to describe moving around in confusion.
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as organized movement in multiple directions.
Example
Basic Example
避難所で人々が右往左往していた。
People were moving about in confusion in the shelter.
Applied Example
予想外の事態に、選手たちは右往左往していた。
In the unexpected situation, the players rushed about in confusion.