Translation guide
Describes a state or tendency of avoiding social interaction, ranging from temporary preference for solitude to a personality trait. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: shyness, deliberate avoidance, or a general dislike of socializing.
Expressing a general preference for solitude or lack of desire to interact with others.
A direct adjective meaning 'unsociable' or 'antisocial' in the sense of not enjoying social activities. Neutral and descriptive.
彼は非社交的な性格だ。
He has an unsociable personality.
Literally 'I like being alone.' A natural, positive way to express a preference for solitude without negative connotations.
週末は一人でいるのが好きです。
I like being alone on weekends.
Means 'not good at socializing.' Implies difficulty or discomfort rather than dislike. Common and natural.
人付き合いが苦手で、パーティーはあまり行きません。
I'm not good at socializing, so I don't go to parties much.
Describes a blunt, unsociable demeanor. Often implies being curt or unfriendly in manner, not necessarily a dislike of people.
あの店員は無愛想だ。
That clerk is unsociable (blunt/unfriendly).
Slang for someone with a gloomy, introverted, or unsociable personality. Often used in youth culture. Can be self-deprecating or derogatory.
自分は陰キャだから、合コンは無理。
I'm an introvert (unsociable type), so group dates are impossible for me.
Describing a temporary state of not wanting to interact, often due to mood or circumstances.
Directly expresses 'I don't want to interact with people.' Used for temporary feelings.
今日は人と関わりたくない気分だ。
I'm in a mood where I don't want to interact with anyone today.
Verb meaning to shut oneself away, stay indoors, and avoid social contact. Can be temporary or long-term.
週末はずっと家に引きこもっていた。
I stayed holed up at home all weekend.
Means 'I want to be left alone.' A direct request for solitude.
今は一人にしてほしい。
I want to be left alone right now.
When unsociability stems from shyness, nervousness, or social anxiety rather than a preference.
Means shy, timid, bashful. Often used to describe someone who is unsociable because they are too shy to interact.
彼女は内気で、なかなか友達ができない。
She is shy and has trouble making friends.
Describes being shy around strangers or new people. Common term for social shyness.
Actively choosing not to participate in social events or relationships, sometimes with a negative nuance.
Means 'to avoid socializing/association.' Implies a conscious decision to stay away from social obligations.
最近、飲み会の付き合いを避けている。
Lately, I've been avoiding social drinking parties.
Means isolation or being isolated. Can refer to a state of being unsociable to the point of being cut off from others.
彼はクラスで孤立している。
He is isolated in his class.
Means breaking off relations, cutting ties. A strong, deliberate act of ending social contact.
The direct translation '非社交的' is understood but can sound stiff or clinical. In casual conversation, phrases like '人付き合いが苦手' or '一人でいるのが好き' are more natural.
'非社交的' describes a personality trait of not enjoying social activities. '無愛想' describes a brusque, unfriendly manner that may not reflect true feelings. A person can be 無愛想 without being 非社交的.
うちの子は人見知りが激しい。
My child is very shy around strangers.
Clinical term for social anxiety disorder. Used in medical or psychological contexts.
社交不安障害の治療を受けている。
I am receiving treatment for social anxiety disorder.
彼とは絶交した。
I cut off all contact with him.