Translation guide
Describes someone who is shy, easily frightened, or lacking in confidence. Japanese has several nuanced terms depending on the degree and nature of the timidity.
Someone who is quiet, hesitant in social situations, or avoids drawing attention.
Describes a person who is inherently shy or introverted, often used for someone who is quiet and reserved in social settings.
彼は内気な人で、パーティーではいつも隅にいる。
He's a timid person and always stays in the corner at parties.
Someone who is jumpy, scared by small things, or lacks nerve.
Someone who is hesitant, passive, or unable to stand up for themselves.
Describes a person with a weak or gentle disposition, easily influenced or intimidated.
気の弱い人は、強く言われると断れない。
A timid person can't refuse when told forcefully.
内気 (uchiki) implies a general shyness or introversion, while 恥ずかしがり屋 (hazukashigariya) focuses on being easily embarrassed or bashful. The latter is more about blushing and self-consciousness.
内気な人は静かだが、恥ずかしがり屋は顔が赤くなりやすい。
A shy person is quiet, but a bashful person tends to blush easily.
Direct translations like '臆病な人' (okubyou na hito) can sound overly clinical or negative. Use the more natural terms above depending on context.
Refers to someone who is easily embarrassed or bashful, often blushing or avoiding eye contact.
妹は恥ずかしがり屋で、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
My younger sister is a timid person and isn't good at speaking in front of people.
Literally 'coward', but can be used for a timid person who is easily scared or lacks courage. Slightly negative or self-deprecating.
私は臆病者だから、ホラー映画は見られない。
I'm a timid person, so I can't watch horror movies.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for a timid, faint-hearted person. Often used in a self-deprecating or humorous way.
彼は小心者で、いつもびくびくしている。
He's a timid person, always on edge.
Describes a person who is easily scared or fearful. Common in casual conversation.
うちの犬は怖がりで、雷が鳴ると震える。
Our dog is a timid creature and trembles when it thunders.
Literally 'weak bug', used for someone who is timid or a scaredy-cat. Often used teasingly or to children.
弱虫！そんな小さな虫が怖いの？
Scaredy-cat! Are you afraid of such a tiny bug?
A stronger term for a spineless or gutless person, implying lack of courage. Can be insulting.
彼は意気地なしで、自分の意見も言えない。
He's a timid person who can't even voice his own opinion.
Refers to a reserved, withdrawn person who holds back from asserting themselves. Often used for children or in social contexts.
彼女は引っ込み思案で、会議ではほとんど発言しない。
She's a timid person and hardly speaks up in meetings.