はにかむ
はにかむ
verb (godan)
to be shy
1.
to be shy
to be bashful; to act shy or embarrassed, especially in social situations
彼女ははにかんで笑った。
She smiled bashfully.
褒められてはにかんでいる。
They're acting shy after being praised.
初対面の人の前ではにかむ様子がかわいい。
The way they act shy in front of strangers is cute.
はにかむ is an intransitive godan verb describing the action of being bashful or acting shy, typically in an endearing way.
TRANSITIVITY: Intransitive (自動詞).
USAGE:
- Often describes someone's shy reaction when complimented, meeting someone new, or being the center of attention
- Has a positive, endearing nuance - describes cute or charming shyness
- Commonly used as はにかんだ (bashful) as an adjective form
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- はにかんだ笑顔 (bashful smile)
- はにかんで答える (to answer shyly)
- はにかみ屋 (shy person)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 恥ずかしがる: To be embarrassed (can have negative nuance)
- 照れる: To be embarrassed, shy (similar endearing nuance)
- はにかむ: Specifically describes bashful, cute shyness
RELATED FORMS:
- はにかみ: Noun form meaning "bashfulness"
- はにかみ屋: A shy person
REGISTER: Neutral. Common in both spoken and written contexts.