Translation guide
Describes the feeling of being overly aware of oneself, often in social situations, leading to embarrassment or nervousness. Japanese expressions vary based on whether the focus is on shyness, embarrassment, or acute social anxiety.
To describe a person who is generally shy, timid, or prone to feeling awkward around others.
A common adjective/noun meaning shy, bashful, or timid. Describes a personality trait rather than a momentary feeling.
She is shy and not good at speaking in front of people.
Literally 'a person who is prone to embarrassment.' Used for someone who blushes easily or gets flustered.
My child is shy and hides when meeting strangers.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for children or people who are slow to warm up.
He is extremely shy around strangers and can't easily talk to people he's meeting for the first time.
To express a temporary feeling of self-consciousness, often due to being the center of attention or making a mistake.
The most common word for 'embarrassed' or 'ashamed.' Covers a wide range of self-conscious feelings from mild awkwardness to deep shame.
I felt self-conscious being watched by everyone.
A slightly more literary or introspective version of 恥ずかしい, emphasizing the psychological feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness.
To feel shy or awkward, often in a positive or endearing way, like when receiving a compliment. Implies a bashful smile or blushing.
Means feeling awkward or uncomfortable due to a social faux pas or an embarrassing situation. More about the awkwardness of the situation than personal shyness.
To describe a more intense or clinical level of self-consciousness, often involving fear of judgment or scrutiny.
Literally 'excessive self-consciousness.' Used for someone who is overly aware of how they are perceived, often imagining they are being watched or judged.
He is overly self-conscious and always worries about what others think.
A common phrase meaning 'to be concerned about what others think' or 'to be self-conscious about being watched.'
To express feeling insecure or overly aware of a physical feature.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to be concerned about one's appearance.' Can be used for general self-consciousness about looks.
She is too self-conscious about her appearance.
From the English 'complex,' meaning to have an insecurity about a specific body part or feature.
I'm self-conscious about the shape of my nose.
恥ずかしい is a general feeling of embarrassment or shame, while 照れる is a lighter, often positive shyness (like being bashful from a compliment). 照れる is usually accompanied by a smile or blushing, whereas 恥ずかしい can be more serious.
I'm embarrassed because I made a mistake.
I feel shy/happy to see the person I like.
The direct translation 自己意識的 (じこいしきてき) exists but is rarely used in natural conversation. It sounds academic or stiff. Use the expressions above instead.
I feel self-conscious when you praise me so much.
On my first date, I felt self-conscious and didn't know what to talk about.
彼に「かわいい」と言われて照れた。
I felt self-conscious when he called me cute.
I tripped in front of everyone and felt really self-conscious.
Ever since I got a new haircut, I feel self-conscious about how people look at me.
A clinical term for social anxiety disorder or anthropophobia. Used in medical or psychological contexts.
Because of my social anxiety, I'm afraid to eat in front of others.