内気(うちき)

うちき
na-adjective, noun
shy; bashful; reserved
1. shy; bashful; reserved; introverted
Describes a personality trait of being timid, reluctant to speak up, or uncomfortable in social situations.
彼女(かのじょ)は内気(うちき)な性格(せいかく)だ。
She has a shy personality.
内気(うちき)で、なかなか自分(じぶん)から話(はな)しかけられない。
I'm shy, so I have trouble starting conversations.
子供(こども)の頃(ころ)は内気(うちき)だったが、大人(おとな)になって社交的(しゃこうてき)になった。
I was shy as a child, but became sociable as an adult.

USAGE:
Describes a stable personality trait rather than a temporary mood. Often used with な to modify nouns.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 恥(は)ずかしがり屋(や) emphasizes being easily embarrassed
  • 人見知(ひとみし)り specifically refers to shyness around strangers
  • 内気(うちき) is the most general term for an introverted, quiet personality

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 内気(うちき)な性格(せいかく) (shy personality)
  • 内気(うちき)な子(こ) (a shy child)
general
Added 2026.3.14 22:02
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