1.
reserved; diffident; hesitant; timid
Describes a person or manner that tends to hold back, be restrained, or avoid imposing on others. Conveys a habitual tendency toward reserve rather than a single instance.
彼は遠慮がちに手を挙げた。
He raised his hand hesitantly.
新入社員は遠慮がちな態度で会議に出席していた。
The new employee attended the meeting with a reserved attitude.
遠慮がちな性格のせいで、自分の意見をなかなか言えないことがある。
Because of my reserved personality, I sometimes have trouble speaking up with my own opinions.
USAGE:
The suffix がち indicates a tendency or inclination. Can be used as a な-adjective (遠慮がちな人) or adverbially (遠慮がちに). The がち suffix attaches to many other words to express habitual tendencies, such as 病気がち (sickly) and 怠けがち (tending to be lazy).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 遠慮がちな態度 (a reserved attitude)
- 遠慮がちな性格 (a diffident personality)
- 遠慮がちに話す (to speak hesitantly)
- 遠慮がちに笑う (to smile shyly)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 控えめ: modest, restrained — suggests deliberate restraint, often seen as a positive trait
- 内気: shy, introverted — describes an inherent personality trait rather than a behavioral tendency