Translation guide
Expressing that an action is done in a shy, nervous, or hesitant manner. Japanese uses adverbs, mimetic words, and descriptive phrases to convey timidity.
Describe an action done with hesitation or lack of confidence due to shyness.
Express that someone speaks or acts without confidence, often quietly or indirectly.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'with restraint' or 'hesitantly', showing consideration for others.
彼は遠慮がちに意見を述べた。
He expressed his opinion timidly.
Describe an action done without bravery, often avoiding confrontation or risk.
Adverb from 'cowardly', used for timid actions stemming from fear.
彼は臆病に逃げ出した。
He ran away timidly.
おどおど emphasizes visible nervousness and awkwardness. おずおず implies fear of a superior or intimidating situation. もじもじ is often used for shy, fidgety behavior, especially in social situations.
面接でおどおどしてしまった。
I acted timidly during the interview.
彼はおずおずと先生に近づいた。
He approached the teacher timidly.
彼女はもじもじしながらプレゼントを渡した。
She gave the present timidly, fidgeting.
Mimetic adverb describing nervous, hesitant behavior, often with visible unease.
彼はおどおどと部屋に入ってきた。
He entered the room timidly.
Mimetic adverb for acting fearfully or hesitantly, often due to intimidation.
彼女はおずおずと質問した。
She asked a question timidly.
Mimetic adverb for fidgeting or acting shyly, often from embarrassment.
子供はもじもじして挨拶できなかった。
The child was too shy to greet and fidgeted timidly.
Mimetic adverb for being nervous or jumpy, often from fear of consequences.
彼は上司にびくびくしながら報告した。
He reported to his boss timidly, afraid of the reaction.
Adverb for doing something fearfully, as if scared of the outcome.
彼はこわごわドアを開けた。
He opened the door timidly.
Adverb meaning 'modestly' or 'reservedly', often used for quiet, unassertive behavior.
彼女は控えめに微笑んだ。
She smiled timidly.
Literally 'in a small voice', used when someone speaks quietly due to shyness.
彼は小さな声で「すみません」と言った。
He said 'Excuse me' timidly in a small voice.
Adverb meaning 'weak-heartedly', showing lack of confidence or assertiveness.
彼は弱気になって引き下がった。
He backed down timidly.