てれくさい
てれくさい
i-adjective
embarrassing; bashful; awkward
1.
embarrassing; making one feel shy or awkward
Describes a feeling of self-consciousness or embarrassment, especially when receiving praise or attention.
褒められるとてれくさい。
It's embarrassing when I'm praised.
人前で歌うのはてれくさい。
It's embarrassing to sing in front of people.
てれくさそうに笑った。
She smiled bashfully.
昔の写真を見るのはてれくさい。
It's embarrassing to look at old photos of myself.
ETYMOLOGY: From 照れる (to feel embarrassed/shy) + 臭い (suffix meaning 'seeming like').
NUANCE: A milder, more positive embarrassment than 恥ずかしい:
- Not about shame or wrongdoing
- Often involves modesty when praised
- Can have a cute or endearing quality
COMMON SITUATIONS:
- Being complimented
- Public displays of affection
- Performing in front of others
- Seeing embarrassing photos or videos of oneself
- Expressing feelings openly
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 気恥ずかしい: bashful, slightly embarrassed
- 恥ずかしい: embarrassed, ashamed (stronger)
- 照れる: to feel shy/embarrassed (verb form)
- きまりが悪い: awkward, uncomfortable
GRAMMATICAL FORMS:
- てれくさく (adverbial)
- てれくささ (noun form)