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.
A common noun/adjectival noun meaning 'shyness' or 'bashfulness'. It describes a personality trait of being reserved and timid in social situations.
彼は内気で、人と話すのが苦手だ。
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.
彼女は恥ずかしがり屋だから、人前で話すのが嫌いだ。
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.
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う。
Our child is very shy around strangers and cries when meeting unfamiliar people.
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.
彼はちょっとシャイだけど、慣れると面白い。
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.
彼は臆病で、新しいことに挑戦できない。
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.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
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.
誰も話さなくて、きまりが悪かった。
Nobody was talking, so it felt awkward.
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.
知らない人に話しかけるのが恥ずかしい。
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.
内気で、自分から友達を作れない。
I'm too shy to make friends on my own.
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.
彼は内気だが、友達といるときはよく話す。
He is shy, but he talks a lot when he's with friends.
彼女は恥ずかしがり屋で、すぐ顔が赤くなる。
She is shy and blushes easily.
この子は人見知りが強いので、しばらく時間をあげてください。
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.
間違えて恥ずかしかった。
I made a mistake and felt embarrassed.
この子は人見知りが強いので、しばらく時間をあげてください。
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.
間違えて恥ずかしかった。
I made a mistake and felt embarrassed.
I got shy/embarrassed when I was praised.