Chinese phrases
How to say shy in Chinese
Shy in Chinese is 害羞 (hài xiū). To describe a quiet, shy personality, people usually say 内向 (nèi xiàng), “introverted.”
害羞
shy
Ways to say shy
害羞
Everydayshy
Shy in the moment: a child hiding behind a parent, someone blushing at a compliment. 别害羞 is “don’t be shy.”
不好意思
Everydaytoo shy to; embarrassed
Before a verb, it means you feel too shy to do it: 我不好意思问, “I’m too shy to ask.”
腼腆
Everydayshy and gentle
For a quiet person who smiles more than they talk, often a young man or a child.
内向
Everydayintroverted
A personality, not a moment. Most people describe themselves with 我比较内向. Young people also joke 我社恐, “I’m socially anxious.”
怕生
Everydayshy with strangers
For babies and small children who cry or hide when they meet someone new. 认生 means the same.
脸皮薄
Everydaythin-skinned; easily embarrassed
For someone who blushes easily and finds it hard to ask for things. The opposite, 脸皮厚, means “thick-skinned” or even “shameless.”
Common mistakes
Saying 别害羞 at the dinner table
When a host tells you to eat up and not be shy, the phrase is 别客气, “help yourself.” 别害羞 is for a shy child or a blushing friend.
Reading 不好意思 only as “excuse me”
Before a verb, 不好意思 means you feel too shy or embarrassed to do it. 他不好意思说 means “he’s too embarrassed to say.”
Meeting a colleague’s daughter
你女儿怎么躲在你后面？
Leon: Why is your daughter hiding behind you?
她有点害羞，熟了就好了。
Colleague: She’s a bit shy. She’ll be fine once she knows you.
没关系。小朋友，你好！
Leon: That’s OK. Hello, little one!
快叫叔叔。
Colleague: Go on, say hello to Uncle Leon.
