Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Shy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "shy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
恥ずかしい
はずかしい (hazukashii)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はずかしい
はずかしい (hazukashii)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "shy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恥ずかしい and はずかしい.
In Japanese, 恥ずかしい (はずかしい (hazukashii)) is typically associated with "shy; ashamed; embarrassed" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An い-adjective used to describe feeling shame, shyness, or embarrassment in various situations..
On the other hand, はずかしい (はずかしい (hazukashii)) maps to "shy, embarrassed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents I-adjective. Describes a feeling of embarrassment or shyness. Can also mean 'shameful' depending on context.. A literal translation of "shy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "恥ずかしい"
人前で話すのは恥ずかしいです。
Speaking in front of people is embarrassing.
Bilingual Context for "はずかしい"
みんなの前で歌うのは少しはずかしかった。
Singing in front of everyone was a little embarrassing.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人前で話すのは ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Speaking in front of people is embarrassing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "恥ずかしい" fits here because it means "shy; ashamed; embarrassed" in the context of: "Speaking in front of people is embarrassing.". "はずかしい" represents "shy, embarrassed".