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.
彼は内気な性格です。
He has a shy personality.
内気な子どもは、新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかります。
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.
彼女は恥ずかしがり屋で、人前で話すのが苦手です。
She is shy and not good at speaking in front of people.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for babies and children, but also for adults.
うちの子は人見知りが激しくて、知らない人に会うと泣いてしまいます。
Our child is very shy around strangers and cries when meeting new people.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts. Often has a slightly positive or cute nuance.
彼はちょっとシャイだけど、いい人だよ。
He's a bit shy, but he's a good guy.
Expressing that you feel shy, embarrassed, or self-conscious at a particular moment.
The most common word for feeling embarrassed, shy, or self-conscious. Can be used for both positive and negative embarrassment.
人前で歌うのは恥ずかしいです。
I feel shy singing in front of people.
褒められて恥ずかしかった。
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.
Feeling somewhat shy or awkward, often in a self-conscious way. Slightly more literary than 恥ずかしい.
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.
間違えるのが恥ずかしくて、質問できなかった。
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.
好きな人に話しかける勇気がない。
I'm too shy to talk to the person I like.
Casual expression meaning 'it's embarrassing/awkward to do ~'. Often used among friends.
面と向かって「ありがとう」と言うのが照れくさい。
I feel shy saying 'thank you' face to face.
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.
彼は人前で話すのを避けている。
He shies away from speaking in public.
To shrink back or hesitate due to fear or shyness. Stronger than 避ける.
彼女は難しい仕事に尻込みしている。
She is shying away from the difficult task.
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.
彼は内気だけど、友達と一緒だと人見知りしない。
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).
自分のしたことを恥じている。
I am ashamed of what I did.
I get shy when you praise me so much.
初めて会った人と二人きりになるのは気恥ずかしかった。
I felt shy being alone with someone I just met.