腼 (miǎn) - shy, bashful, embarrassed & to feel ashamed or awkward in social situations

腼Tone 3

miǎn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

腼 · miǎn

shy, bashful, embarrassed;

to feel ashamed or awkward in social situations

shy, bashful, embarrassedto feel ashamed or awkward in social situations

Usage highlights

shy and timidbashful personalityshy smilefeel embarrassedappear shyovercome shyness

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 大方— generous, unreserved
  • 开朗— cheerful, outgoing
  • 豪放— bold and unconstrained

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She felt shy and embarrassed (腼腆) at the party.
  • He has a bashful personality (性格腼腆).
  • The child showed a timid smile (腼腆地笑了笑).
  • Don't be shy (不要腼腆) during the presentation.

Collocations

  • shy and timid(腼腆)
  • bashful personality(腼腆的性格)
  • shy smile(腼腆的微笑)
  • feel embarrassed(感到腼腆)
  • appear shy(显得腼腆)
  • overcome shyness(克服腼腆)

Idioms

  • Shy and timid, like a new bride(腼腆如新妇)
  • Too shy to speak(腼腆不语)
  • Bashful and reserved(腼腆含蓄)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 腼 describes a personality trait valued in traditional Chinese culture as modest and reserved.
  • Often used to describe someone who is well-behaved and not overly assertive.
  • In modern context, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being too timid for social situations.

FAQ