How to say "shy" in Japanese

• シャイCommon
  na-adjectiveThe direct borrowing of English 'shy', covering the personality sense: a person who is shy around others. Fits describing someone's character, as in a child who is shy with strangers.
• 内気うちきCommon
  na-adjective, nounAlso describes a shy personality, with the nuance of a quiet, bashful nature: someone who does not open up easily and keeps to themselves. Typical of a quiet, reserved child or young person.
  その内気うちきな少年しょうねんはぼそぼそと自分じぶんの名前なまえをつぶやいた。↗

  The shy boy murmured his name.
• 恥ずかしいはずかしいJLPT N4approx.Common
  i-adjectiveDespite matching 'shy', this is seldom the word for the personality trait: it means embarrassing, or feeling embarrassed, ashamed or humiliated. It describes a momentary feeling, not a shy character.
  彼かれらははずかしくてうなだれた。↗

  They hung their heads in shame.
• 引っ込み思案ひっこみじあんCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'shy' as holding back: a reserved, reticent person who does not put themselves forward or speak up. Fits someone who hangs back in a group instead of taking the lead.

For a shy personality use 「シャイ」 or 内気; use 「引っ込み思案」 for someone reserved who holds back from speaking or acting; 「恥ずかしい」 is for feeling embarrassed or ashamed, not the trait.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• シャイshy
• 内気うちきshy
• 恥ずかしいはずかしいembarrassing
• 引っ込み思案ひっこみじあんreserved
• 遠慮がちえんりょがちshy
• 照れ性てれしょうbashful
• 遠慮深いえんりょぶかいreserved