(おもは)ゆい

おもはゆい
i-adjective
embarrassed; bashful; self-conscious
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present面映(おもは)ゆい面映(おもは)ゆくない
Past面映(おもは)ゆかった面映(おもは)ゆくなかった
て form面映(おもは)ゆくて面映(おもは)ゆくなくて
Adverbial面映(おもは)ゆく
Conditional ば面映(おもは)ゆければ面映(おもは)ゆくなければ
Conditional たら面映(おもは)ゆかったら面映(おもは)ゆくなかったら
1. embarrassed; bashful; self-conscious
A feeling of shyness or embarrassment when receiving praise, compliments, or attention. Not embarrassment from a mistake, but rather the awkward, bashful feeling of being in the spotlight.
()められて面映(おもは)ゆい。
I feel bashful being praised.
みんなの(まえ)表彰(ひょうしょう)されるのは面映(おもは)ゆかった。
It was embarrassing to be honored in front of everyone.
(ひさ)しぶりに家族(かぞく)に「ありがとう」と()うのは、なんだか面映(おもは)ゆい気持(きも)ちだった。
Saying 'thank you' to my family after so long somehow felt self-conscious.

い-adjective:

  • 面映(おもは)ゆい (present)
  • 面映(おもは)ゆくない (negative)
  • 面映(おもは)ゆかった (past)
  • 面映(おもは)ゆさ (noun form)

NUANCE:
This is not the embarrassment of making a mistake or being caught doing something wrong. Rather, it describes the pleasant but uncomfortable feeling of modesty when receiving attention, praise, or affection — a mix of happiness and shyness.

FORMALITY:
Somewhat literary and elegant. In casual speech, ()ずかしい or ()れくさい are more common alternatives for similar feelings.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ()れくさい: awkward/embarrassed (from shyness) — more colloquial
  • ()ずかしい: embarrassed/ashamed — broader meaning, includes shame
  • きまりが(わる)い: to feel awkward — focuses on social discomfort