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.
He has an unsociable personality.
Literally 'I like being alone.' A natural, positive way to express a preference for solitude without negative connotations.
I like being alone on weekends.
Means 'not good at socializing.' Implies difficulty or discomfort rather than dislike. Common and natural.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Means 'I want to be left alone.' A direct request for solitude.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I stayed holed up at home all weekend.
My child is very shy around strangers.
Clinical term for social anxiety disorder. Used in medical or psychological contexts.
I am receiving treatment for social anxiety disorder.
彼はクラスで孤立している。
He is isolated in his class.
彼とは絶交した。
I cut off all contact with him.