Translation guide
Describes someone who is shy, easily embarrassed, or timid in social situations. Japanese has several words for shyness, each with slightly different nuances.
Describing a person who is generally shy or bashful in social situations.
A common noun meaning 'shy person'. It implies someone who is easily embarrassed and tends to avoid attention.
He's bashful, so he's not good at speaking in public.
A na-adjective meaning 'shy, bashful, timid'. It describes a reserved, introverted personality.
Bashful children take time to make new friends.
A noun meaning 'shy person', often with a nuance of being easily embarrassed or blushing. More about feeling self-conscious than introversion.
She's bashful and blushes immediately when complimented.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'shyness around strangers'. It specifically refers to being bashful or wary with unfamiliar people.
Our child is very bashful around strangers and cries when held by someone they don't know.
Describing the feeling of being bashful or embarrassed in a specific situation.
An i-adjective meaning 'embarrassed, ashamed, shy'. It describes the feeling of bashfulness in a particular moment.
I made a mistake in front of everyone and felt bashful.
A verb meaning 'to feel shy/embarrassed', often in a positive or endearing way, like when receiving a compliment.
An i-adjective meaning 'awkward, embarrassed, ill at ease'. It implies a stronger sense of discomfort than simple shyness.
Describing actions or mannerisms that show bashfulness.
A verb phrase meaning 'to fidget, hesitate, be shy'. It describes the physical manifestation of bashfulness, like squirming or not knowing what to do with oneself.
He bashfully approached the girl he likes, fidgeting.
A verb meaning 'to be shy, bashful', often with a nuance of smiling shyly or looking down. It's a slightly literary or poetic word.
A formal verb meaning 'to blush, flush'. It focuses on the physical reaction of bashfulness.
He blushed out of bashfulness.
恥ずかしがり屋 is the most general term for a shy person. 内気 emphasizes an introverted, timid nature. 照れ屋 focuses on being easily embarrassed or self-conscious, often in a cute way.
English 'bashful' is usually lighter than 'ashamed'. 恥ずかしい can mean both, but for serious shame, 恥じる (はじる) or 後悔 (こうかい) might be more appropriate.
褒められて照れた。
I felt bashful when I was praised.
I felt bashful and awkward when my name was called wrong in front of everyone.
少女ははにかみながら、花を差し出した。
The girl bashfully held out the flowers.