Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing shyness involves describing personality traits, temporary feelings, or behaviors. The most common way is using 恥ずかしがり屋 (a shy person) or 恥ずかしい (feeling embarrassed/shy). Note that 恥ずかしい often overlaps with 'embarrassed', so context matters.
To say someone is shy by nature, often used for people who are timid or reserved.
A noun meaning 'a shy person'. Use with です/だ to describe someone's personality.
He is shy.
I was shy as a child.
A na-adjective meaning 'shy, bashful, timid'. Slightly more formal/literary than 恥ずかしがり屋.
She has a shy personality.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'shy around strangers'. Specifically refers to wariness of unfamiliar people.
Our child is very shy around strangers.
Loanword from English 'shy'. Used in casual contexts, often for a cute or slightly fashionable nuance.
That kid is a bit shy, isn't he?
To express that you feel shy/embarrassed right now, often due to attention or a situation.
An i-adjective meaning 'embarrassed, shy, ashamed'. Covers both shyness and embarrassment. Use for temporary feelings.
I feel shy speaking in front of people.
A verb meaning 'to feel shy/embarrassed' in a bashful, often pleased way. Common in casual speech.
Verb meaning 'to act shy' or 'to be shy (about something)'. Describes visible shy behavior.
To express hesitation or reluctance due to shyness.
Pattern meaning 'too shy/embarrassed to do ~'. Connect with te-form of verb.
I was too shy to say it.
I'm too shy to look at their face.
Similar to above but with 照れくさい (bashful, awkwardly shy). More casual.
I was too shy/awkward to say anything.
To describe shyness in a positive, often affectionate way.
Phrase meaning 'shy and cute'. Often used to compliment someone's bashfulness.
She's shy and cute.
Onomatopoeic verb meaning 'to be shy and fidgety', often used for someone who can't speak up due to shyness.
He's all shy and fidgety, and won't start talking.
恥ずかしい is a general adjective for feeling embarrassed or shy, and can be used in formal contexts. 照れる is a verb that implies a bashful, often happy embarrassment, and is more casual. Use 照れる when you're shy but pleased, like receiving a compliment.
恥ずかしい can also mean 'ashamed' for serious mistakes. Context distinguishes shyness from shame. For deep shame, 恥じる (はじる) or 羞じる (はじる) may be used, but they are more literary.
I felt shy when I was praised.
そんなに褒められると照れるよ。
I get shy when you praise me so much.
He's always too shy to talk.