Vocabulary
망설이다
hesitate
Meaning
망설이다: “hesitate,” to delay acting or speaking because one has not yet decided.
Why this form?
주저하다 — “hesitate / hold back”: very close, often slightly more formal or written; 망설이다 is very common for ordinary hesitation before acting or speaking.
머뭇거리다 — “hesitate / linger indecisively”: puts more emphasis on visible behavior—pauses, slowness, held-back movement; 망설이다 can be more internal.
Forms not to confuse
주저하다
그는 대답하기를 주저했어요. — He hesitated to answer.
머뭇거리다
문 앞에서 한참 머뭇거렸어요. — I hesitated for a long time in front of the door.
Examples
지민은 갑자기 뭔가 망설이는 듯한 표정을 짓는다. — Jimin suddenly looks as if he is hesitating.
망설이지 말고 말해요. — Don’t hesitate; say it.