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.
He's a timid person and always stays in the corner at parties.
Refers to someone who is easily embarrassed or bashful, often blushing or avoiding eye contact.
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.
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.
He's a timid person, always on edge.
Someone who is jumpy, scared by small things, or lacks nerve.
Describes a person who is easily scared or fearful. Common in casual conversation.
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.
A stronger term for a spineless or gutless person, implying lack of courage. Can be insulting.
Someone who is hesitant, passive, or unable to stand up for themselves.
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.
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.
弱虫！そんな小さな虫が怖いの？
Scaredy-cat! Are you afraid of such a tiny bug?
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Refers to a reserved, withdrawn person who holds back from asserting themselves.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.
She's a timid person and hardly speaks up in meetings.