Inklingo

How to Say "shy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “shy” is “tímido” — use this for a general, personality-based shyness, especially when interacting with new people or in unfamiliar situations..

tímidoA2

Use this for a general, personality-based shyness, especially when interacting with new people or in unfamiliar situations.

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vergonzoso🔊A2

This describes an inherent nature of being shy or bashful, often related to embarrassment or a reluctance to be the center of attention.

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callado🔊A2

Use this to describe someone who is naturally quiet and reserved, not necessarily shy, but simply not prone to talking much.

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corto🔊B1

This implies a temporary or situational reservedness, often used as an encouragement for someone to speak up or be more outgoing.

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atado🔊B2

This describes a state of being tongue-tied or extremely awkward and unable to speak due to nervousness in a specific social situation.

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quedado🔊B2

Use this for someone who is habitually reserved and quiet in social settings, often to the point of seeming passive or withdrawn.

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cortado🔊B2

This refers to a sudden, often awkward, loss of speech or composure in a social interaction, leaving someone speechless.

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English → Spanish

tímido

adjectiveA2general
Use this for a general, personality-based shyness, especially when interacting with new people or in unfamiliar situations.

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
This describes an inherent nature of being shy or bashful, often related to embarrassment or a reluctance to be the center of attention.
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.

callado

/ca-YA-do//kaˈʎaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use this to describe someone who is naturally quiet and reserved, not necessarily shy, but simply not prone to talking much.
A drawing of a child sitting calmly, pressing a finger vertically to their lips to signal silence in a serene setting.

Examples

Mi hermana es muy callada en clase, pero habla mucho en casa.

My sister is very quiet/reserved in class, but she talks a lot at home.

El bosque estaba callado, solo se escuchaban los pájaros.

The forest was silent; only the birds could be heard.

Se quedó callado cuando le preguntaron por el dinero.

He remained silent when they asked him about the money.

Agreement is Essential

As an adjective, 'callado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'el niño callado' (m), 'la niña callada' (f), 'los niños callados' (plural m).

Callado vs. Silencioso

Mistake: “Using 'silencioso' to describe a person's reserved nature.”

Correction: Use 'callado' for a person who is quiet or reserved ('una persona callada'). Use 'silencioso' for a room or thing that makes no noise ('una habitación silenciosa').

corto

KOR-toh/ˈkoɾto/

adjectiveB1informal
This implies a temporary or situational reservedness, often used as an encouragement for someone to speak up or be more outgoing.
A small, timid child partially hiding behind a large, sturdy tree trunk, looking reservedly toward the viewer.

Examples

No seas corto, habla con ella.

Don't be shy/reserved, talk to her.

Parece que está un poco corto de memoria.

It seems he is a bit lacking in memory.

Mi abuela está un poco corta de oído.

My grandmother is a little hard of hearing (short of hearing).

Using 'Corto de'

When 'corto' describes a deficiency, it is often followed by 'de' (of) and the noun indicating what is lacking: 'corto de dinero' (short on money), 'corto de paciencia' (lacking patience).

atado

/ah-TAH-doh//aˈtaðo/

adjectiveB2general
This describes a state of being tongue-tied or extremely awkward and unable to speak due to nervousness in a specific social situation.
A small, friendly mouse standing awkwardly, looking down at its feet with a slight blush on its cheeks, indicating shyness.

Examples

Cuando conoció a la jefa, se sintió muy atado y no dijo nada.

When he met the boss, he felt very tongue-tied and didn't say anything.

No puedo ayudarte con eso, estoy atado por el contrato.

I can't help you with that, I'm restricted by the contract.

Use with 'Estar'

This meaning almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary emotional state or a current restriction, not a permanent characteristic.

quedado

keh-DAH-doh/keˈðaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use this for someone who is habitually reserved and quiet in social settings, often to the point of seeming passive or withdrawn.
A small, timid mouse peeking out from behind a large, bright yellow sunflower petal, showing shyness and reservation.

Examples

Mi primo es muy quedado; casi nunca habla en las fiestas.

My cousin is very reserved/shy; he hardly ever speaks at parties.

Ella prefiere quedarse en casa, es un poco quedada.

She prefers to stay at home, she's a bit of a wallflower.

Ese teléfono es tan quedado, ya nadie lo usa.

That phone is so old-fashioned/behind the times, nobody uses it anymore.

Ser vs. Estar

This adjective nearly always uses 'ser' because it describes a permanent personality trait or characteristic: 'Mi hermano es quedado' (My brother is a shy person).

cortado

/kor-TAH-doh//koɾˈtaðo/

adjectiveB2general
This refers to a sudden, often awkward, loss of speech or composure in a social interaction, leaving someone speechless.
A simple character standing alone, blushing deeply on their cheeks and looking down, indicating embarrassment.

Examples

Cuando le hicieron la pregunta, se quedó completamente cortado.

When they asked him the question, he was left completely tongue-tied (or speechless).

Estaba tan cortado que no pudo decir ni una palabra.

He was so embarrassed that he couldn't say a single word.

Using 'Estar'

This adjective describes a temporary state or feeling, so it is always used with the verb 'estar' (to be in a state), not 'ser' (to be permanent).

Confusing 'Cortado' and 'Cortar'

Mistake: “Using 'cortar' when you mean 'to be embarrassed' (e.g., 'Yo corto').”

Correction: Use the adjective form with 'estar': 'Yo estoy cortado' (I am embarrassed).

Tímido vs. Vergonzoso vs. Callado

Learners often confuse 'tímido', 'vergonzoso', and 'callado'. 'Tímido' and 'vergonzoso' both describe shyness as a personality trait, with 'vergonzoso' sometimes implying more embarrassment. 'Callado' simply means quiet or reserved, not necessarily shy; someone 'callado' might just prefer not to talk much.

Related Translations

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