Translation guide
The feeling of being nervous or timid around other people, often due to a lack of confidence or fear of judgment. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases that capture different nuances of shyness.
Describing a person's general disposition or feeling of being shy, timid, or bashful.
He is shy and not good at talking to people.
A noun meaning 'shy person' or 'someone who is easily embarrassed'. It emphasizes the tendency to feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
She is shy, so she hates speaking in public.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'shyness around strangers' or 'fear of unfamiliar people'. It specifically refers to being shy or wary with people you don't know well.
A loanword from English 'shy', used as an adjectival noun. It has a slightly modern or casual feel and is often used to describe a person's character.
He's a bit shy, but once you get to know him, he's funny.
A noun/adjectival noun meaning 'cowardice' or 'timidity'. It can overlap with shyness but often implies a lack of courage or being easily frightened.
He is timid and can't try new things.
Expressing the momentary feeling of embarrassment, self-consciousness, or awkwardness in a specific situation.
An i-adjective meaning 'embarrassed', 'ashamed', or 'shy'. It describes the feeling of being self-conscious or awkward in a situation.
I feel shy/embarrassed speaking in front of people.
A verb meaning 'to feel shy', 'to be bashful', or 'to be embarrassed' in a somewhat pleased or awkward way, often when receiving compliments or attention.
A phrase meaning 'to feel awkward', 'embarrassed', or 'uncomfortable'. It often describes the feeling of not knowing how to act in a socially awkward situation.
Expressing that shyness prevents someone from doing something or makes them hesitate.
A pattern meaning 'it is embarrassing/shy to do ~'. Use this to say that shyness stops you from doing something.
I'm too shy to talk to strangers.
A pattern meaning 'too shy to do ~'. It directly links the personality trait of shyness to the inability to act.
内気 (uchiki) describes a general shy personality. 恥ずかしがり屋 (hazukashigariya) emphasizes the tendency to feel embarrassed easily. 人見知り (hitomishiri) specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Use 人見知り for children or when meeting new people.
He is shy, but he talks a lot when he's with friends.
She is shy and blushes easily.
This child is very shy around strangers, so please give them some time.
シャイ (shai) is used for a person's character, not for a temporary feeling. If you feel embarrassed in a specific moment, use 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) instead.
I made a mistake and felt embarrassed.
Our child is very shy around strangers and cries when meeting unfamiliar people.
褒められて照れた。
I got shy/embarrassed when I was praised.
Nobody was talking, so it felt awkward.
I'm too shy to make friends on my own.