Don't be shy
in SpanishNo seas tímido/a
/NOH SEH-ahs TEE-mee-doh/dah/
This is the most direct and common way to say 'don't be shy'. It's an informal command used with friends, family, or anyone you'd address as 'tú'.
Sometimes a little encouragement is all it takes. Phrases like '¡Anímate!' or 'No seas tímido' are perfect for helping a friend find their voice.
💬Other Ways to Say It
No sea tímido/a
/NOH SEH-ah TEE-mee-doh/dah/
This is the formal version of the primary translation, used when addressing someone as 'usted' – an elder, a boss, or someone you don't know well.
No tengas vergüenza
/NOH TEN-gahs behr-GWEN-sah/
Literally 'don't have shame/embarrassment', this is an extremely common and natural way to say 'don't be shy'. It focuses on the feeling of embarrassment in the moment.
Anímate
/ah-NEE-mah-teh/
A positive and encouraging alternative. It means 'Cheer up!', 'Go for it!', or 'Get lively!'. Instead of telling someone what *not* to be (shy), you're encouraging them to *be* something (more animated).
No te de pena
/NOH teh DEH PEH-nah/
A very common phrase in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. 'Pena' here means shyness or embarrassment. It's a slightly softer, more empathetic way to say 'don't be shy'.
No te cortes
/NOH teh KOR-tess/
This is a very common, slightly slangy expression in Spain. It literally means 'don't cut yourself', but the meaning is 'don't hold back' or 'don't get tongue-tied'.
Suéltate
/SWEL-tah-teh/
This means 'Let loose!' or 'Let yourself go!'. It's a dynamic and encouraging phrase, often used in the context of dancing, singing, or being more expressive.
Atrévete
/ah-TREH-beh-teh/
Meaning 'Dare to!', this is a motivational command. It's less about shyness and more about encouraging someone to take a risk or be bold.
No tengan vergüenza
/NOH TEN-gahn behr-GWEN-sah/
This is the plural version, used when talking to a group of people ('you all'). It works for both formal ('ustedes' in Spain) and informal ('ustedes' in Latin America) groups.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best phrase for your situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No seas tímido/a | Informal/Formal | Directly telling someone not to be shy, as a general characteristic. | You want a softer, more situational encouragement. |
| No tengas vergüenza | Informal | Encouraging someone who is hesitating in a specific social moment (e.g., singing, speaking). | Speaking very formally; 'No tenga vergüenza' is better. |
| Anímate | Informal | Giving positive, energetic encouragement to join an activity. | The situation is somber or requires a more delicate approach. |
| No te cortes | Casual | Encouraging friends to speak up or be bold, specifically in Spain. | You are outside of Spain, as it might not be understood. |
| No te de pena | Informal | A gentle, common encouragement in Mexico and parts of Latin America. | In Spain, where 'vergüenza' or 'no te cortes' are more common. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are generally straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge might be the soft 'd' in 'tímido' and the Spanish 'r' in 'vergüenza'.
This involves negative informal commands, which use a different structure (the present subjunctive) than affirmative ones. Remembering this, plus gender agreement, adds a layer of complexity.
Choosing between 'tímido', 'vergüenza', 'pena', and regionalisms like 'no te cortes' requires understanding of context and geography.
Key Challenges:
- Mastering the negative command forms (tú/usted/ustedes).
- Knowing when to use 'pena' vs. 'vergüenza'.
- Remembering to use 'ser' instead of 'estar'.
💡Examples in Action
No seas tímida, ven a bailar con nosotros.
Don't be shy, come dance with us.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, no sea tímido en preguntar. Estamos aquí para ayudar.
If you have any questions, don't be shy about asking. We're here to help.
¡Venga, anímate a cantar! No tengas vergüenza, nadie te va a juzgar.
Come on, go for it and sing! Don't be embarrassed, nobody is going to judge you.
No te de pena, prueba un poco de todo. La comida está riquísima.
Don't be shy, try a little of everything. The food is delicious.
Pregúntale si quiere salir. ¡Vamos, no te cortes!
Ask her if she wants to go out. Come on, don't hold back!
🌍Cultural Context
Pena vs. Vergüenza
While both can mean 'shame' or 'embarrassment', their usage for 'shyness' varies. In many Latin American countries, especially Mexico, 'me da pena' is the go-to way to say 'I feel shy/embarrassed'. 'Vergüenza' can sometimes imply a stronger sense of shame, but 'no tengas vergüenza' is a very common, all-purpose encouragement.
Encouragement is Connection
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, social interactions are warm and inclusive. Telling someone 'no seas tímido' or 'anímate' is usually a genuine attempt to make them feel welcome and part of the group. It's less about criticizing their shyness and more about extending an invitation to participate.
The Boldness of 'No te Cortes'
The expression 'no te cortes' from Spain perfectly captures a cultural value of being direct and forward ('echado para adelante'). It's a phrase used among friends that encourages spontaneity and breaking through social hesitation, reflecting a very open and sociable aspect of Spanish culture.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estar' instead of 'Ser'
Mistake: "No estés tímido."
Correction: No seas tímido.
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Telling a female friend: 'No seas tímido'."
Correction: No seas tímida.
Mixing up Formality
Mistake: "Saying 'No seas tímido' to your elderly professor."
Correction: No sea tímido.
Literal but Unnatural Translations
Mistake: "No tener timidez."
Correction: No seas tímido / No tengas vergüenza.
💡Pro Tips
Choose Your Word: Tímido, Vergüenza, or Pena?
Use 'No seas tímido/a' when talking about someone's general disposition. Use 'No tengas vergüenza' or 'No te de pena' when someone is hesitating in a specific moment. The latter two are often more common and natural in everyday situations.
Opt for Positive Encouragement
Sometimes, a positive phrase like '¡Anímate!' (Go for it!) or '¡Suéltate!' (Let loose!) can be more effective and encouraging than the negative 'Don't be...'. They create a more energetic and supportive vibe.
Match the Pronoun
Pay attention to who you're talking to. For a friend (tú), use 'No seas...', 'No tengas...', 'Anímate'. For a boss (usted), use 'No sea...', 'No tenga...', 'Anímese'. For a group (ustedes), use 'No sean...', 'No tengan...', 'Anímense'.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The slang 'No te cortes' is a hallmark of informal Spanish from Spain. It's very common among younger people and friends and means 'don't hold back'. Using it correctly will make you sound much more like a local.
Mexico
'Pena' is used extensively for social embarrassment or shyness. Saying 'qué pena' is a very common way to express feeling awkward or embarrassed. 'No te de pena' is a gentle and widely used encouragement.
Argentina / Uruguay
The use of 'vos' is standard, but the negative command form is the same as for 'tú' ('No seas', 'No tengas'), so you don't need to change the phrase. The word 'Che' is frequently used as an attention-grabber before the phrase.
💬What Comes Next?
You encourage them, but they're still hesitant.
Es que me da un poco de vergüenza.
It's just that I'm a little embarrassed.
No pasa nada, estamos entre amigos.
It's no big deal, we're among friends.
You encourage them, and they agree to try.
Bueno, está bien, lo intento.
Okay, fine, I'll try.
¡Eso es! ¡Así se hace!
That's it! That's the way to do it!
You encourage someone to take more food.
No, gracias, ya estoy lleno/a.
No, thank you, I'm already full.
Anda, solo un poquito más. ¡Tienes que probar esto!
Go on, just a little more. You have to try this!
🧠Memory Tricks
This sound association helps you remember to use 'seas' and connects it to the physical feeling of being shy.
This visceral connection helps remember the meaning of 'vergüenza' in the context of social anxiety.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'shy' is primarily a personality trait. In Spanish, while 'tímido/a' also refers to a trait, the common expressions 'tener vergüenza' and 'dar pena' describe a temporary *feeling* of shyness or social awkwardness in a specific situation. This makes the Spanish expressions more versatile for momentary encouragement.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: The Spanish word 'pena' can mean 'pity' or 'sorrow' (like a pain), but in the expression 'No te de pena', it idiomatically means 'shyness' or 'embarrassment'. A literal translation is completely wrong.
Use instead: 'No te de pena' means 'Don't be shy/embarrassed'. To say 'Don't be a pain', you'd use something like 'No seas pesado/a'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to give encouragement
After telling someone not to be shy, you'll often want to follow up with positive encouragement.
How to say 'I'm embarrassed'
This helps you express your own feelings and understand when others express theirs, providing context for using 'don't be shy'.
How to invite someone to do something
Often, you tell someone not to be shy because you want to invite them to do something, like dance or talk.
How to say 'Don't worry'
This is a natural follow-up phrase to reassure someone after you've encouraged them not to be shy.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Don't be shy
Question 1 of 3
You're in Madrid with friends and one is hesitating to talk to someone. What's the most natural, local thing to say?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'No seas tímido' and 'No tengas vergüenza'?
'No seas tímido/a' refers more to the person's general character trait of being shy. 'No tengas vergüenza' is more about the feeling of embarrassment or shyness in a specific moment. In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but 'No tengas vergüenza' is very common for encouraging action in the present.
How do I say 'don't be shy' to a group of people?
You use the plural form. You can say 'No sean tímidos/as' or, more commonly, 'No tengan vergüenza'. In Latin America, this works for any group, while in Spain it's for a formal group, but it's universally understood.
Is it rude to tell someone 'don't be shy' in Spanish?
Generally, no. It's almost always meant as a warm, friendly gesture to make someone feel included and comfortable. As long as your tone is kind and encouraging, it will be received well.
Why do you use 'ser' for 'tímido' and not 'estar'?
This is a classic 'ser' vs 'estar' question! Shyness ('tímido') is considered an inherent characteristic or personality trait, which uses 'ser'. Even if someone is only shy in one situation, the command to 'not be' that way uses 'ser'. Think of it as 'Don't be a shy person (right now)'.
Can I use 'Anímate' instead of 'No seas tímido'?
Absolutely! 'Anímate' ('Cheer up!' or 'Go for it!') is a fantastic, positive alternative. It focuses on encouraging action rather than pointing out shyness, which can sometimes feel more uplifting and supportive.
What does 'pena' mean? I thought it meant 'pity'.
You're right, 'pena' can mean 'pity' or 'sadness' ('Qué pena' can mean 'What a shame'). However, in many parts of Latin America, 'tener pena' or 'dar pena' is the most common way to talk about feeling shy or socially embarrassed. Context is everything!
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