1.
to be shy; to be embarrassed; to feel awkward
to feel self-conscious or bashful, typically when receiving praise or attention
褒められて照れた。
I was embarrassed when they praised me.
彼は照れながら返事をした。
He replied shyly.
そんなに見ないで、照れるから。
Don't stare at me like that, it's embarrassing.
愛してるって言われて照れてしまった。
I got embarrassed when they said 'I love you.'
彼女は写真を撮られると照れる性格だ。
She's the type who gets shy when her photo is taken.
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 褒められて照れる (get embarrassed when praised)
- 照れながら (shyly, bashfully)
- 照れくさい (feel awkward/shy)
RELATED WORDS:
- 照れ隠し (hiding one's embarrassment)
- 照れ屋 (shy person)
- 恥ずかしい (embarrassed, ashamed - broader meaning)
NUANCE:
照れる implies a cute, bashful kind of embarrassment, often in positive situations like receiving compliments or attention. It differs from 恥ずかしい which can be used for more serious embarrassment or shame.