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引っ込み思案 (ひっこみじあん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
shy ; reserved ; withdrawn ; introverted
Describes a person who tends to hold back, avoid asserting themselves, or withdraw from social situations. Often used for a personality trait rather than a temporary state.
引ひ っ 込こ み 思案じあん な 性せい 格かく を 直なお し たい と 思おも っ て いる 。
I want to overcome my reserved personality.
Kanji 込 crowded, mixture, in bulk Similar words 内うち 気き 内気 also means shy or bashful, but often implies a more gentle, timid nature. 引っ込み思案 emphasizes holding back or withdrawing from action.
消しょう 極きょく 的てき 消極的 means passive or negative in attitude, focusing on lack of initiative. 引っ込み思案 is more about social reticence and shyness.
Etymology Compound of 引っ込み (stem of 引っ込む, 'to withdraw') and 思案 ('thought, consideration'), literally 'withdrawing thought'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word describes a tendency to pull back mentally.