引(ひ)っ込(こ)み思案(じあん)

ひっこみじあん
noun, na-adjective
shy; reserved; timid
emotion
1. shy; reserved; timid; withdrawn
A personality trait of being reluctant to step forward or assert oneself. Describes someone who holds back in social situations.
彼(かれ)は引(ひ)っ込(こ)み思案(じあん)な性格(せいかく)だ。
He has a shy personality.
引(ひ)っ込(こ)み思案(じあん)だった娘(むすめ)が、最近(さいきん)積極的(せっきょくてき)になってきた。
My daughter, who used to be withdrawn, has recently become more outgoing.
引(ひ)っ込(こ)み思案(じあん)では商売(しょうばい)はうまくいかない。
You can't succeed in business if you're too timid.

Literally "pulling-back thinking" — the idea of hesitating and overthinking rather than stepping forward.

Usage

Often used with な to modify nouns: 引(ひ)っ込(こ)み思案(じあん)な人(ひと) (a timid person). Describes a mild, everyday form of shyness rather than clinical anxiety.

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 内気(うちき) (introverted, shy)
Synonym: 人見知(ひとみし)り (shy around strangers)
Antonym: 積極的(せっきょくてき) (proactive, assertive)
Compare: 消極的(しょうきょくてき) (passive, negative)
Compare: 恥(は)ずかしがり屋(や) (someone who gets embarrassed easily)
Compare: 恥(は)ずかしがり (shy person)
general
Added 2026.3.19 21:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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