bashful
word
Definition
Feeling shy, uncomfortable, or easily embarrassed when around other people.
Usage & Nuances
More gentle or innocent than 'shy'; often used to describe children or someone who is very sweetly reserved. Common collocation: 'bashful smile'. Used in both positive or affectionate contexts.
Spanish: tímido - vergonzosoPortuguese (BR): tímidoPortuguese (PT): tímidoChinese (Simplified): 害羞的 - 腼腆的Chinese (Traditional): 害羞的 - 靦腆的Hindi: संकोचीArabic: خجول - متحفظBengali: লাজুক - সংকোচীRussian: застенчивый - робкийJapanese: 恥ずかしがり屋 - 内気Vietnamese: rụt rè - e thẹnKorean: 수줍은 - 부끄러워하는Turkish: utangaç - mahcupUrdu: شرمیلا - جھجکنے والاIndonesian: pemalu - malu-malu
Example Sentences
My cat is very bashful around strangers.
basic
He was too bashful to ask her for a dance.
natural
Whenever people look at her, she gets a bit bashful.
natural
Don’t be so bashful—go ahead and introduce yourself!
natural
The bashful boy hid behind his mother.
basic
She gave a bashful smile to her teacher.
basic