Translation guide
The English word 'shy' describes a personality trait, a temporary feeling of nervousness, or a cautious action. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on whether you mean a shy personality, feeling shy in a specific situation, or being shy about doing something.
Describing a person who is generally shy, introverted, or timid by nature.
Describes a shy, bashful, or introverted personality. Often used for people who are quiet and reserved.
He has a shy personality.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for babies and children, but also for adults.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts. Often has a slightly positive or cute nuance.
Expressing that you feel shy, embarrassed, or self-conscious at a particular moment.
Expressing reluctance or hesitation to do something because of shyness or fear of embarrassment.
Pattern meaning 'it's embarrassing to do ~' or 'I'm too shy to do ~'. Very common and natural.
Describing the action of avoiding something because of nervousness, fear, or lack of confidence.
General verb meaning 'to avoid'. Can be used for shyness-related avoidance.
内気 describes a quiet, introverted personality. 恥ずかしがり屋 emphasizes the tendency to feel embarrassed easily. 人見知り specifically refers to shyness around strangers. A person can be 内気 without being 人見知り, and vice versa.
Shy children take time to get used to new environments.
Literally 'a person who is easily embarrassed'. Used for someone who is shy and easily blushes or feels awkward.
She is shy and not good at speaking in front of people.
Our child is very shy around strangers and cries when meeting new people.
He's a bit shy, but he's a good guy.
The most common word for feeling embarrassed, shy, or self-conscious. Can be used for both positive and negative embarrassment.
I feel shy singing in front of people.
I felt shy when I was praised.
To feel shy or awkward, often in a bashful, pleased way. Commonly used when receiving compliments or attention.
I get shy when you praise me so much.
Feeling somewhat shy or awkward, often in a self-conscious way. Slightly more literary than 恥ずかしい.
I felt shy being alone with someone I just met.
I was too shy to ask questions because I was afraid of making mistakes.
Literally 'I don't have the courage to do ~'. Often used when shyness prevents action.
I'm too shy to talk to the person I like.
Casual expression meaning 'it's embarrassing/awkward to do ~'. Often used among friends.
I feel shy saying 'thank you' face to face.
He shies away from speaking in public.
To shrink back or hesitate due to fear or shyness. Stronger than 避ける.
She is shying away from the difficult task.
He is shy by nature, but he isn't shy around strangers when he's with friends.
恥ずかしい can mean 'embarrassed' or 'shy', but it does not carry the strong moral weight of 'ashamed'. For 'ashamed' in a serious sense, use 恥じる (はじる) or 恥ずかしく思う (はずかしくおもう).
I am ashamed of what I did.