Balk at Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɑɫk/, /ˈbɔk/ /ˈæt
BAWK at or BAHK at
bˈɔːlk/ /ˈæt
BAWK at
Definición
To show reluctance or refuse to do something, especially because it seems difficult, unpleasant, or unreasonable.
Uso & Matices
'Balk at' is slightly formal and often used when someone unexpectedly refuses or hesitates, especially due to discomfort, high demands, or risk. Typical collocations: 'balk at the idea/suggestion/price'. Not the same as 'refuse'—implies hesitation, not outright rejection.
Spanish: rechazar - resistirse a - poner reparos aPortuguese (BR): hesitar em - recusar - resistir aPortuguese (PT): hesitar em - recusar - resistir aChinese (Simplified): 拒绝 - 畏缩 - 犹豫Chinese (Traditional): 拒絕 - 畏縮 - 猶豫Hindi: आना-कानी करना - झिझकनाArabic: يتردد في - يعترض علىBengali: পশ্চাদপসরণ করা - পিছিয়ে পড়াRussian: воздерживаться - уклонятьсяJapanese: ためらう - 渋るVietnamese: chùn bước - do dựKorean: 주저하다 - 망설이다Turkish: çekimser kalmak - geri durmakUrdu: ہچکچانا - پس و پیش کرناIndonesian: enggan - ragu-ragu
Oraciones de Ejemplo
Many students balk at doing extra homework.
basic
He balked at the high price of the ticket.
basic
She balked at eating spicy food.
basic
Investors balked at the idea of funding such a risky project.
natural
Don't balk at new challenges—you might surprise yourself.
natural
Most people balk at change, even if it's good for them.
natural