Translation guide
Describes the feeling of being overly aware of oneself, often in social situations, leading to embarrassment or nervousness. Japanese expressions vary based on whether the focus is on shyness, embarrassment, or acute social anxiety.
To describe a person who is generally shy, timid, or prone to feeling awkward around others.
A common adjective/noun meaning shy, bashful, or timid. Describes a personality trait rather than a momentary feeling.
彼女は内気で、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
She is shy and not good at speaking in front of people.
Literally 'a person who is prone to embarrassment.' Used for someone who blushes easily or gets flustered.
うちの子は恥ずかしがり屋で、知らない人に会うと隠れてしまう。
My child is shy and hides when meeting strangers.
Specifically refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. Often used for children or people who are slow to warm up.
彼は人見知りが激しくて、初対面の人とはなかなか話せない。
He is extremely shy around strangers and can't easily talk to people he's meeting for the first time.
To express a temporary feeling of self-consciousness, often due to being the center of attention or making a mistake.
The most common word for 'embarrassed' or 'ashamed.' Covers a wide range of self-conscious feelings from mild awkwardness to deep shame.
みんなに見られて恥ずかしかった。
I felt self-conscious being watched by everyone.
そんなに褒められると恥ずかしいです。
I feel self-conscious when you praise me so much.
A slightly more literary or introspective version of 恥ずかしい, emphasizing the psychological feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness.
To feel shy or awkward, often in a positive or endearing way, like when receiving a compliment. Implies a bashful smile or blushing.
Means feeling awkward or uncomfortable due to a social faux pas or an embarrassing situation. More about the awkwardness of the situation than personal shyness.
人前で転んで、決まりが悪かった。
I tripped in front of everyone and felt really self-conscious.
To describe a more intense or clinical level of self-consciousness, often involving fear of judgment or scrutiny.
Literally 'excessive self-consciousness.' Used for someone who is overly aware of how they are perceived, often imagining they are being watched or judged.
彼は自意識過剰で、いつも他人の目を気にしている。
He is overly self-conscious and always worries about what others think.
A common phrase meaning 'to be concerned about what others think' or 'to be self-conscious about being watched.'
新しい髪型にしてから、周りの目が気になる。
Ever since I got a new haircut, I feel self-conscious about how people look at me.
To express feeling insecure or overly aware of a physical feature.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to be concerned about one's appearance.' Can be used for general self-consciousness about looks.
彼女は自分の外見を気にしすぎている。
She is too self-conscious about her appearance.
From the English 'complex,' meaning to have an insecurity about a specific body part or feature.
私は鼻の形にコンプレックスがある。
I'm self-conscious about the shape of my nose.
恥ずかしい is a general feeling of embarrassment or shame, while 照れる is a lighter, often positive shyness (like being bashful from a compliment). 照れる is usually accompanied by a smile or blushing, whereas 恥ずかしい can be more serious.
失敗して恥ずかしい。
I'm embarrassed because I made a mistake.
好きな人に会えて照れる。
I feel shy/happy to see the person I like.
The direct translation 自己意識的 (じこいしきてき) exists but is rarely used in natural conversation. It sounds academic or stiff. Use the expressions above instead.
初めてのデートで、何を話していいかわからず気恥ずかしかった。
On my first date, I felt self-conscious and didn't know what to talk about.
I felt self-conscious when he called me cute.
A clinical term for social anxiety disorder or anthropophobia. Used in medical or psychological contexts.
対人恐怖症のため、人前で食事をするのが怖い。
Because of my social anxiety, I'm afraid to eat in front of others.