怩 (ní) - bashful & shy

怩Tone 2

ní ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 忄

楠念

怩 · ní

bashful;

shy;

timid;

embarrassed

bashfulshytimid

Usage highlights

bashful and shyact coyshy expressionshy personfeel embarrassed

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 大方— generous; natural and poised
  • 开朗— cheerful; outgoing

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She felt shy and embarrassed (忸怩).
  • He acted coy and bashful (忸怩作态).
  • Don't be shy, just speak up (不要忸怩，说出来吧).

Collocations

  • bashful and shy(忸怩)
  • act coy(忸怩作态)
  • shy expression(怩态)
  • shy person(怩人)
  • feel embarrassed(感到怩怩)

Idioms

  • Acting coy and bashful(忸怩作态)
  • Feeling shy and embarrassed(忸怩不安)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often appears in classical Chinese literature to describe feminine shyness or coy behavior.
  • The character combines the heart/mind radical (忄) with 尼 (nun), suggesting a restrained or modest emotional state.

FAQ