Translation guide
Describes a person who is shy, lacking in confidence, or easily frightened. Japanese has several words that capture different nuances of timidity, from general shyness to being easily scared or hesitant to act.
Describing a person who is quiet, avoids attention, or feels nervous around others.
A common adjective meaning shy or bashful, often used for someone who is reserved and hesitant in social settings. It implies a gentle, introverted nature.
彼女は内気で、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
She is timid and not good at speaking in front of people.
Means cowardly or timid, emphasizing fearfulness and lack of courage. It can be used for someone who is easily scared or avoids risks.
彼は臆病で、新しいことに挑戦できない。
He is timid and can't try new things.
Literally 'small-hearted', this phrase describes someone who is timid, easily worried, or petty. It often implies a lack of boldness or magnanimity.
気が小さいから、いつも細かいことを気にしてしまう。
Because I'm timid, I always worry about small things.
Refers to shyness around strangers or unfamiliar people. It's often used for children or adults who are reserved with new acquaintances.
うちの子は人見知りが激しくて、知らない人に会うと泣いてしまう。
My child is very timid around strangers and cries when meeting new people.
Loanword from English 'shy'. Used in casual contexts, often with a slightly modern or fashionable nuance. Not as deep as 内気.
彼はちょっとシャイだけど、慣れると面白いよ。
He's a bit shy, but once you get to know him, he's funny.
Describing someone who is scared easily, avoids danger, or is not brave.
The primary word for cowardly or timid in the sense of lacking courage. It can be used for people or animals.
臆病な犬は、大きな音にすぐ驚く。
A timid dog is easily startled by loud noises.
Means weak-spirited or lacking confidence. It can describe a temporary state of feeling timid or discouraged, often in the face of challenges.
Literally 'small heart', meaning timid, faint-hearted, or lacking boldness. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
Describes someone who is easily scared or a scaredy-cat. More about fearfulness than social timidity.
Describing someone who is reluctant to take action, speak up, or make decisions due to timidity.
Means being overly reserved or hesitant out of politeness or timidity. It implies holding back to avoid imposing on others.
彼は遠慮がちに、自分の意見を言った。
He timidly expressed his opinion.
Means passive or negative in attitude. It describes someone who is not proactive, often due to timidity or lack of confidence.
内気 (uchiki) is about social shyness and reserve, while 臆病 (okubyou) is about fearfulness and lack of courage. A person can be 内気 but not 臆病, and vice versa.
彼女は内気だが、危険な時には臆病ではない。
She is shy, but not timid in dangerous situations.
The loanword ティミッド (timiddo) is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese words above instead.
Don't become timid before the match.
小心な彼は、上司に反論できない。
Being timid, he can't argue with his boss.
怖がりの妹は、ホラー映画を見られない。
My timid sister can't watch horror movies.
消極的な態度では、チャンスを逃してしまう。
With a timid attitude, you'll miss opportunities.
Describes a person who is withdrawn, shy, and hesitant to come forward. Often used for children or those who avoid social interaction.
引っ込み思案の子は、自分から友達を作るのが難しい。
A timid child finds it hard to make friends on their own.