Inklingo

How to Say "bashful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tímido

adjectiveA2general
Use 'tímido' when describing someone who is generally reserved, quiet, or easily embarrassed in social situations, especially with unfamiliar people.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy tímido y no habla mucho con gente nueva.

My brother is very shy and doesn't talk much with new people.

vergonzoso

vair-gohn-SOH-soh/beɾ.ɣonˈso.so/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'vergonzoso' when emphasizing the feeling of embarrassment or shame that prevents someone from acting or speaking, particularly in public or formal settings.
A small, timid character partially hiding behind a large, bright green tree trunk, peeking out nervously with one eye.

Examples

Mi hijo es muy vergonzoso y no le gusta hablar en clase.

My son is very shy and doesn't like to speak in class.

Estaba tan vergonzosa que se puso roja.

She was so bashful/ashamed that she turned red.

Cuando le pregunté su nombre, se puso vergonzoso.

When I asked his name, he got shy/embarrassed.

Ser vs. Estar: Personality vs. Feeling

Use 'ser' (Ella es vergonzosa) to describe someone's shy personality. Use 'estar' (Él está vergonzoso) to describe that they are currently feeling ashamed or embarrassed about something.

Confusing 'Shy' and 'Shameful'

Mistake: “Using 'tímido' to describe a shameful event.”

Correction: Tímido only describes people who are shy. Use 'vergonzoso' for both the shy person AND the embarrassing event.

Tímido vs. Vergonzoso

Learners often use 'vergonzoso' interchangeably with 'tímido', but 'vergonzoso' can also mean 'embarrassing' (e.g., 'un momento vergonzoso'). When describing a person's bashful nature, 'tímido' is usually the safer and more common choice.

Related Translations

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