Translation guide
Describes feeling shy, embarrassed, or self-conscious, often in social situations. Japanese has several nuanced words for shyness depending on the situation and degree.
彼は恥ずかしがり屋です。
He is bashful.
恥ずかしいです。
I feel bashful.
Describing a person who is habitually shy or timid in social situations.
A common noun/adjectival noun for a shy person. Literally 'a person who is prone to feeling embarrassed.'
彼は恥ずかしがり屋だから、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
He is bashful, so he's not good at speaking in public.
Describes a reserved, introverted, or bashful personality. Often used for someone who is quiet and shy.
内気な性格なので、初対面の人と話すのは緊張する。
Because I have a bashful personality, I get nervous talking to people I've just met.
A person who gets easily embarrassed or bashful, often in a cute or endearing way. More about blushing or feeling awkward when praised.
彼女は照れ屋で、褒められるとすぐに赤くなる。
She is bashful and turns red immediately when complimented.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for children or adults who are wary of new people.
うちの子は人見知りが激しくて、知らない人に会うと泣いてしまう。
My child is very bashful around strangers and cries when meeting someone new.
Describing the temporary feeling of bashfulness, such as blushing or feeling awkward.
The most common adjective for feeling embarrassed, shy, or bashful in a specific situation.
人前で失敗して、とても恥ずかしかった。
I made a mistake in front of everyone and felt very bashful.
A verb meaning to feel bashful or embarrassed, often in a pleased or flattered way. Commonly used when receiving compliments.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to feel awkward or embarrassed, often due to a social faux pas. More about feeling uncomfortable than pure shyness.
名前を間違えて呼んでしまい、決まりが悪かった。
I called him by the wrong name and felt bashful/awkward.
Describing actions that show bashfulness, such as hesitating or acting coy.
An onomatopoeic verb describing the action of fidgeting or hesitating out of shyness or embarrassment.
彼はもじもじしながら、好きだと言った。
He bashfully fidgeted and said he liked her.
A verb meaning to act bashful or coy, often used for someone (especially a woman) who is shy in a charming way. Slightly literary.
彼女は恥じらいながら、うつむいた。
She bashfully looked down.
恥ずかしい is a general feeling of embarrassment or shyness, often from a mistake or awkward situation. 照れる is more about feeling bashful in a positive or flattering context, like when receiving a compliment.
Avoid directly translating 'bashful' as a single word in all contexts. Japanese often uses adjectives like 恥ずかしい or nouns like 恥ずかしがり屋 depending on whether it's a temporary feeling or a personality trait.
I get bashful when you praise me so much.