Translation guide
Describes someone who is shy, easily embarrassed, or timid in social situations. Japanese has several words for shyness, each with slightly different nuances.
Describing a person who is generally shy or bashful in social situations.
A common noun meaning 'shy person'. It implies someone who is easily embarrassed and tends to avoid attention.
彼は恥ずかしがり屋だから、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
He's bashful, so he's not good at speaking in public.
A na-adjective meaning 'shy, bashful, timid'. It describes a reserved, introverted personality.
内気な子供は、新しい友達を作るのに時間がかかる。
Bashful children take time to make new friends.
A noun meaning 'shy person', often with a nuance of being easily embarrassed or blushing. More about feeling self-conscious than introversion.
彼女は照れ屋で、褒められるとすぐに赤くなる。
She's bashful and blushes immediately when complimented.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'shyness around strangers'. It specifically refers to being bashful or wary with unfamiliar people.
うちの子は人見知りが激しくて、知らない人に抱かれると泣く。
Our child is very bashful around strangers and cries when held by someone they don't know.
Describing the feeling of being bashful or embarrassed in a specific situation.
An i-adjective meaning 'embarrassed, ashamed, shy'. It describes the feeling of bashfulness in a particular moment.
人前で失敗して、恥ずかしかった。
I made a mistake in front of everyone and felt bashful.
A verb meaning 'to feel shy/embarrassed', often in a positive or endearing way, like when receiving a compliment.
An i-adjective meaning 'awkward, embarrassed, ill at ease'. It implies a stronger sense of discomfort than simple shyness.
Describing actions or mannerisms that show bashfulness.
A verb phrase meaning 'to fidget, hesitate, be shy'. It describes the physical manifestation of bashfulness, like squirming or not knowing what to do with oneself.
彼はもじもじしながら、好きな子に話しかけた。
He bashfully approached the girl he likes, fidgeting.
A verb meaning 'to be shy, bashful', often with a nuance of smiling shyly or looking down. It's a slightly literary or poetic word.
少女ははにかみながら、花を差し出した。
The girl bashfully held out the flowers.
A formal verb meaning 'to blush, flush'. It focuses on the physical reaction of bashfulness.
彼は恥ずかしさのあまり赤面した。
He blushed out of bashfulness.
恥ずかしがり屋 is the most general term for a shy person. 内気 emphasizes an introverted, timid nature. 照れ屋 focuses on being easily embarrassed or self-conscious, often in a cute way.
English 'bashful' is usually lighter than 'ashamed'. 恥ずかしい can mean both, but for serious shame, 恥じる (はじる) or 後悔 (こうかい) might be more appropriate.
I felt bashful when I was praised.
みんなの前で名前を間違えられて、きまり悪かった。
I felt bashful and awkward when my name was called wrong in front of everyone.