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shy; reserved; timid; withdrawn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.
彼は引っ込み思案な性格だ。
He has a shy personality.
引っ込み思案だった娘が、最近積極的になってきた。
My daughter, who used to be withdrawn, has recently become more outgoing.
引っ込み思案では商売はうまくいかない。
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: 引っ込み思案な人 (a timid person). Describes a mild, everyday form of shyness rather than clinical anxiety.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 内気: introverted, shy (emphasizes quiet nature)
- 消極的: passive, negative (broader, not just social)
- 人見知り: shy around strangers (especially children)
- 恥ずかしがり屋: someone who gets embarrassed easily
CONTRAST:
- 積極的: proactive, assertive (opposite quality)