Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing timidity involves describing a personality trait, a temporary feeling, or behavior. The most common word is 内気 (uchiki) for a shy, reserved nature. For situational nervousness, 臆病 (okubyō) or phrases like 気が小さい (ki ga chiisai) are used. Direct translations like 'timid' can sound clinical; natural Japanese often uses softer expressions.
Describing someone who is naturally shy, introverted, or hesitant in social situations.
The most common and natural word for a shy, timid personality. It implies a gentle, reserved nature rather than fearfulness.
彼女は内気で、人と話すのが苦手だ。
She is shy and not good at talking to people.
内気な性格を直したい。
I want to overcome my shy personality.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for children or in casual contexts.
うちの子は人見知りが激しい。
My child is very shy around strangers.
Loanword from English 'shy'. Common in casual conversation, especially among younger people.
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.
Describing a tendency to be easily frightened or to avoid challenges due to fear.
Means cowardly or timid in the face of risk. Stronger than 内気; implies fearfulness rather than just shyness.
彼は臆病で、高い所が怖い。
He is timid and afraid of heights.
臆病者と呼ばれたくない。
I don't want to be called a coward.
Literally 'spirit is small'. A common idiomatic phrase meaning timid, easily worried, or lacking boldness.
彼は気が小さくて、いつも人の顔色をうかがっている。
He is timid and always trying to read people's expressions.
Means faint-hearted, lacking confidence, or being easily discouraged. Often used in contexts of giving up or hesitating.
Describing a temporary state of nervousness or hesitation, often in performance or social settings.
Means 'to get nervous'. The most common way to express situational timidity or anxiety.
人前で話すと緊張する。
I get nervous when speaking in front of people.
Colloquial verb meaning to be nervous or flustered, especially in performances or presentations. Often used in the form あがってしまう.
スピーチで上がってしまった。
I got nervous during the speech.
Literally 'have no confidence'. Used to explain timidity due to lack of self-assurance.
自分に自信がなくて、積極的になれない。
I lack confidence and can't be proactive.
Describing actions that show timidity, such as hesitating to speak up or holding back.
Means to hold back out of consideration or shyness. Often used when someone is too timid to impose on others.
遠慮しないで、何でも言ってください。
Don't be shy, please say anything.
Onomatopoeic phrase describing fidgety, hesitant behavior due to shyness or embarrassment.
彼はもじもじしていて、なかなか話し出さない。
He is fidgeting and won't start talking.
内気 (uchiki) describes a shy, introverted personality and is generally neutral or even slightly positive. 臆病 (okubyō) implies cowardice or fearfulness and can be negative. Use 内気 for someone who is quiet and reserved, and 臆病 for someone who avoids challenges due to fear.
The English word 'timid' can be translated as 臆病な or 内気な, but these adjectives are less common in casual speech. Instead, use phrases like 緊張する (to get nervous) or 気が小さい (to be faint-hearted) for more natural Japanese.
彼は内気で、友達ができない。
His timidity prevents him from making friends.
臆病にならずに挑戦しよう。
Don't let timidity stop you from trying.
Don't be timid. / Don't lose heart.