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B1 adjective #5,500 सबसे आम 11 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

照れくさい

terekusai शीर्ष 5,500

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव 照れくさい 30 सेकंड में

व्याख्या 照れくさい in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'terekusai' as a way to say 'I am shy' or 'It's embarrassing.' Even though it is a B1 word, you might see it in simple stories. At this stage, just remember that it is an i-adjective. You can use it like 'samui' (cold) or 'oishii' (delicious). For example, 'Terekusai desu' means 'I feel shy.' You use it when someone says 'You are good at Japanese!' Instead of just saying 'Thank you,' you can say 'Terekusai desu' to show you are modest. It is a very polite and sweet way to react to a compliment. Don't worry about the 'kusai' part yet; just learn the whole word as a single unit. Focus on using it in simple 'A is B' sentences. For example, 'Present is terekusai' (Receiving a gift makes me shy). This helps you start expressing basic emotions beyond just 'happy' or 'sad.' It is a great word to have in your 'emotion toolbox' because it makes you sound more like a real person who has feelings, rather than just a textbook. Try to imagine a situation where your mom hugs you in front of your friends—that feeling is 'terekusai.' Practice saying it while looking slightly down; that is the 'body language' of the word!

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

At the A2 level, you can start using 'terekusai' with simple grammar patterns like '～te' or '～toki.' For example, 'Homerareta toki, terekusakatta' (When I was praised, I felt bashful). You are moving beyond simple states and starting to describe when and why you feel this way. You should also learn the past tense 'terekusakatta' and the negative 'terekusakunai.' A2 learners often confuse this with 'hazukashii.' Remember: 'hazukashii' is for when you do something wrong (like dropping your tray in the cafeteria), but 'terekusai' is for when something 'too nice' happens (like someone saying you have a beautiful voice). You can also start using it to describe other people using 'terekusa-sou' (looks shy). For instance, 'Ototo wa terekusa-sou ni waratta' (My brother laughed looking shy). This level is about expanding the context. Think about family situations or school situations. If a teacher gives you a gold star, and you feel a little bit awkward because everyone is looking at you, that is 'terekusai.' It's a very useful word for social interactions in Japan because it shows you understand the value of 'modesty' (kenkyo). By using this word, you are showing that you are not 'namaiki' (conceited).

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

At the B1 level, you should master the nuance of 'terekusai' compared to its synonyms. This is the level where you understand that 'terekusai' is specifically for 'inner' bashfulness related to affection or praise. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as 'Kansha no kimochi o kotoba ni suru no wa, nanda ka terekusai mono da' (It's somewhat embarrassing to put feelings of gratitude into words). Notice the use of 'mono da' here, which implies a general truth or a common human feeling. You should also be comfortable with the adverbial form 'terekusa-sou ni' and the causative-passive 'homerarete terekusaku naru.' At B1, you are expected to understand the cultural significance—why would a Japanese person feel 'terekusai' instead of just 'happy'? It's because direct emotional expression can feel like a violation of the social 'ma' (space). You should also recognize the word in media like anime or dramas, where characters often use it to hide their true feelings. Practice using it with 'nanda ka' (somehow) or 'chotto' (a little) to sound more natural. This word is a key part of the 'Tsundere' archetype, so if you enjoy Japanese pop culture, pay attention to when characters use it to deflect a compliment.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'terekusai' to discuss psychological states and social dynamics. You can compare it to 'kihazukashii' or 'omohayui.' You should understand that the 'kusai' suffix in 'terekusai' acts as a 'flavor' or 'intensifier,' similar to words like 'mendokusai' (bothersome) or 'furukusai' (old-fashioned). At this level, you can use it to describe the tension between 'honne' (true feelings) and 'tatemae' (public face). For example, you might discuss how the younger generation in Japan is becoming more direct, making things that were once 'terekusai' feel more 'normal.' You should also be able to use it in written Japanese, such as in an essay about cultural differences. 'Nihon-jin wa aijou hyougen o terekusai to kanjiru keikou ga aru' (Japanese people have a tendency to feel that expressions of affection are bashful/awkward). You can also use the noun-modifying form to describe abstract concepts like 'terekusai kankei' (an awkward/bashful relationship). At B2, your usage should be precise—you wouldn't use it for a mistake, but you might use it for a situation where someone is being 'too sincere' in a way that feels 'cringey' but sweet. This is a high-level social nuance that distinguishes fluent speakers from learners.

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

At the C1 level, you should have a deep grasp of the etymological and literary nuances of 'terekusai.' You should understand its connection to the verb 'tereru' (to shine/to be bashful) and how the 'kusai' suffix evolved from a literal smell to a figurative 'suspicion' or 'vibe.' You can use 'terekusai' in high-level literary analysis or in professional settings where you need to describe interpersonal nuances with extreme accuracy. For instance, you might describe a character's 'terekusai' reaction as a manifestation of 'amae' (dependency/desire to be loved). You should also be familiar with related but rare words like 'omohayui' or 'shirikosobayui' (so embarrassing it's itchy) and know exactly when 'terekusai' is the superior choice. In a business context, you might use it to describe the atmosphere of a ceremony: 'Shousan no kotoba o naraberu no wa, iwasete morau hou to shite mo sukoshi terekusai mono desu ga...' (Lining up words of praise is a bit bashful even for me as the speaker, but...). This level of 'meta-commentary' on your own speech is a hallmark of C1 fluency. You are not just using the word; you are using it to navigate the complex social protocols of Japanese modesty and sincerity.

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

At the C2 level, you treat 'terekusai' as a versatile tool for expressing the finest grains of human emotion. You understand its place in the history of the Japanese language and how its usage has shifted from the Edo period to the present day. You can discuss the word in the context of 'Kokoro' (the heart) and how 'terekusai' serves as a protective layer for the soul in a society that values non-verbal communication. You are capable of using the word in poetry, high-level creative writing, or philosophical debates about the nature of shame and bashfulness in East Asian cultures. You might explore how 'terekusai' differs from the English 'cringe'—while 'cringe' is often mocking or external, 'terekusai' is internal and often affectionate. You can use it to describe the 'terekusai' quality of a specific author's prose style or the 'terekusai' atmosphere of a classic film. At this level, you are a master of the word's 'shiori' (the lingering aftertaste of an emotion). You know that sometimes, the most 'terekusai' moments are the ones that are never spoken, and you can use the word to describe that very silence. Your mastery is such that you can even use it ironically or in a self-deprecating 'rakugo' style to elicit laughter and connection from a native audience.

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

照れくさい 30 सेकंड में

A specific Japanese word for feeling bashful or awkward when praised or shown affection.
Differs from 'hazukashii' because it's usually triggered by positive attention, not failure.
Commonly used by people who find direct emotional expression difficult or overwhelming.
An i-adjective that often appears as 'terekusai' (informal) or 'terekusai desu' (formal).

The Japanese word 照れくさい (terekusai) is a nuanced i-adjective that captures a specific flavor of embarrassment. Unlike the broader term 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), which can cover everything from making a mistake in public to feeling deep shame, 照れくさい is almost exclusively reserved for situations where one feels bashful, self-conscious, or awkward due to positive attention, intimacy, or being overly sincere. It is the feeling of wanting to hide your face because someone just gave you a heartfelt compliment, or the itchy discomfort of having to say 'I love you' to a family member in a culture where such directness is rare. It is an 'internal' embarrassment that often comes with a secret smile or a blush, rather than the 'external' embarrassment of social failure.

The Bashfulness Factor: This word is deeply tied to the concept of 'shyness' in the face of praise. When a Japanese person is told they are amazing, they might reply with 'terekusai' to signal that while they are happy, the direct spotlight is making them feel slightly overwhelmed or awkward.

みんなの前で褒められると、なんだか照れくさいですね。(Being praised in front of everyone makes me feel somewhat bashful.)

In Japanese social dynamics, maintaining a certain level of emotional distance is common. When that distance is bridged by a sudden act of kindness or a direct emotional appeal, the resulting feeling is 照れくさい. It suggests a sense of 'over-exposure.' You are being seen more clearly than you are comfortable with, even if the 'seeing' is positive. This is why it is frequently used by men or children who find it difficult to express gratitude or affection directly. To them, being 'sincere' (majime) feels 'kusai' (smelly/stinking of), which is the etymological root of the suffix -kusai in this word.

Romantic Context: In dating, if someone says something very sweet, the other person might look away and mutter 'terekusai.' It’s a way of saying 'You’re making me blush' without being too dramatic.

手を繋ぐのは、まだちょっと照れくさい。(Holding hands is still a little embarrassing/awkward for me.)

Culturally, the word reflects the Japanese value of modesty. Being 'terekusai' is often seen as a virtue—it means you aren't arrogant. If you were praised and didn't feel 'terekusai,' you might be seen as overconfident or 'namaiki' (cheeky). Therefore, expressing that you feel 'terekusai' is a social lubricant that maintains harmony while acknowledging the positive interaction.

父に「ありがとう」と言うのは、大人になっても照れくさいものだ。(Even as an adult, saying 'thank you' to my father is something that feels awkward/embarrassing.)

The 'Kusai' Suffix: The suffix '-kusai' (臭い) literally means 'smelly,' but in adjectives like this, it functions to intensify the feeling or suggest that the situation 'reeks' of a certain quality. In this case, it 'reeks' of being bashful.

彼女のウェディングドレス姿を見たら、なんだか照れくさくなって目を逸らした。(When I saw her in her wedding dress, I felt so bashful that I looked away.)

Ultimately, 照れくさい is a warm word. It describes a moment of human connection that is just a bit too bright or a bit too close for comfort. It is the linguistic equivalent of a person scratching the back of their head while blushing. It covers the gap between the joy of being appreciated and the humility of not wanting to be the center of attention. Understanding this word is key to understanding the subtle emotional landscape of Japanese interpersonal relationships.

Using 照れくさい correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an i-adjective. Like all i-adjectives, it can modify nouns directly or function as the predicate of a sentence. Because it describes a subjective feeling, it is most often used in the first person ('I feel...') or to describe someone's visible reaction. In Japanese, when describing someone else's feelings, you often add ～そうだ (looks like) or ～がる (shows signs of), turning it into 照れくさそうだ or 照れくさがる.

Basic Predicate Form: To say 'It is embarrassing' or 'I am bashful,' simply end the sentence with 照れくさい (informal) or 照れくさいです (formal).

正直に気持ちを伝えるのは、やはり照れくさい。(Expressing my feelings honestly is, as expected, embarrassing.)

When you want to describe a past feeling, you change the final -i to -katta. For example, 'I felt bashful' becomes 照れくさかった. This is common when recounting a story about a speech you gave or a date you went on. If you want to connect it to another clause, use the -te form: 照れくさくて.

The 'Te' Form for Causality: Use 照れくさくて to explain that because you were embarrassed, you did something else (like looking away or laughing).

照れくさくて、彼女の目を見ることができなかった。(I was so bashful that I couldn't look her in the eye.)

A very common pattern is [Verb-ru/Noun] + のは照れくさい, meaning 'Doing [Action] is embarrassing.' This is used to describe specific social hurdles. For instance, 'It's embarrassing to wear a matching outfit' would be 'お揃いの服を着るのは照れくさい.'

Modifying Nouns: You can place 照れくさい directly before a noun to describe a 'bashful [noun].' Common pairings include 'bashful smile' or 'bashful expression.'

彼は照れくさいような笑みを浮かべた。(He wore a somewhat bashful smile.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see the adverbial form 照れくさそうに (bashfully). This is used to describe the manner in which someone performs an action. For example, 'He accepted the award bashfully' would be '彼は照れくさそうに賞状を受け取った.'

弟は照れくさそうに鼻をこすった。(My younger brother rubbed his nose bashfully.)

Finally, notice how it often pairs with adverbs like なんだか (somehow), ちょっと (a little), or やっぱり (as expected). These soften the statement and add to the hesitant, shy atmosphere that the word naturally evokes. Using these together will make your Japanese sound much more natural and native-like.

照れくさい is a staple of Japanese daily conversation, media, and literature because it touches on a core aspect of Japanese social psychology. You will hear it in almost any context where emotions get 'heavy' or 'sincere.' In Anime and Manga, it is the quintessential word for 'Tsundere' characters—those who act tough to hide their bashfulness. When a character is complimented and responds with 'Baka! (Idiot!)' while blushing, they are experiencing 'terekusai' to the extreme.

In Family Life: You'll hear parents or adult children use this word when talking about showing affection. In Japan, physical touch and verbal 'I love yous' are less common than in the West. Thus, doing these things feels 'terekusai.'

親に感謝の手紙を書くのは、すごく照れくさい。(Writing a thank-you letter to my parents is very embarrassing/awkward.)

On Television and Variety Shows, celebrities often use this word when they are shown old footage of themselves or when they are forced to do something 'cool' or 'romantic' on camera. It functions as a defense mechanism—by admitting they feel 'terekusai,' they are signaling to the audience that they are not being arrogant, but are actually humble and self-aware.

In Music Lyrics: J-Pop songs are full of this word. It’s used to describe the feeling of a first love or the difficulty of saying what’s in one's heart. It creates a sense of relatability and 'innocence.'

「好きだ」と言うのは照れくさいから、歌に乗せて伝えるよ。(Because saying 'I love you' is embarrassing, I'll tell you through a song.)

In the Workplace, while less common than in personal life, you might hear it during a retirement party or a farewell speech. A boss might say it's 'terekusai' to praise a subordinate so highly, or a colleague might say it when receiving a bouquet of flowers. It helps to soften the formality of the occasion with a touch of genuine human emotion.

送別会でこんなに褒められると、照れくさくて逃げ出したくなる。(Being praised this much at a farewell party makes me so bashful I want to run away.)

Ultimately, the word is ubiquitous because it describes the friction between Japanese 'Omote' (public face) and 'Ura' (private feelings). When the 'Ura' is forced into the 'Omote,' the resulting heat is exactly what 照れくさい describes. Whether it's a child being hugged by a teacher or an old man being celebrated for his 80th birthday, this word is the standard response to the 'sweet burden' of being loved and noticed.

The most common mistake English speakers make is using 照れくさい (terekusai) interchangeably with 恥ずかしい (hazukashii). While they both translate to 'embarrassing' in English, their emotional 'charge' is very different. If you trip in the street or spill coffee on your shirt, that is NOT 照れくさい; that is 恥ずかしい. Using 照れくさい for a mistake makes it sound like you are bashfully proud of your error, which is confusing to native speakers.

Mistake 1: Social Blunders: Wrong: 漢字を間違えて照れくさい (I'm bashful because I got the Kanji wrong).
Right: 漢字を間違えて恥ずかしい (I'm embarrassed because I got the Kanji wrong).

× 忘れ物をして照れくさい。
○ 忘れ物をして恥ずかしい。

Another mistake involves the 'kusai' (smelly) suffix. Learners sometimes think it makes the word negative or rude. However, in this context, it’s just an intensifier of the feeling. It doesn't mean your shyness 'stinks' in a bad way; it means the atmosphere is 'thick' with bashfulness. Don't be afraid to use it in polite company—it's not slang.

Mistake 2: Third-Person Feelings: In Japanese, you generally shouldn't state another person's internal feelings as a hard fact. Instead of saying 'Tanaka-san is terekusai,' you should say 'Tanaka-san looks terekusai.'

× 田中さんは照れくさい。
○ 田中さんは照れくさそうだ。(Tanaka-san looks bashful.)

A third mistake is using it for 'guilt.' If you do something bad and feel awkward about it, 'terekusai' is the wrong word. You should use 申し訳ない (moushiwakenai) or 気まずい (kimazui). 照れくさい is specifically for when the awkwardness comes from a place of warmth or praise. If you use it after being caught lying, it will sound like you are mocking the situation.

× 嘘がバレて照れくさい。
○ 嘘がバレて気まずい。(It's awkward because my lie was discovered.)

Finally, avoid over-using the word. While it is common, if you say 'terekusai' every time someone says 'hello,' it loses its meaning. Save it for those genuine moments where you feel a bit 'exposed' by kindness or intimacy. This will make your use of the word much more impactful and culturally appropriate.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'shame' and 'awkwardness.' Choosing the right one depends on the source of the feeling and the social context. 照れくさい is unique, but it shares borders with several other terms. Understanding these differences will help you pinpoint the exact shade of bashfulness you want to express.

照れくさい vs. 恥ずかしい (Hazukashii): 恥ずかしい is the umbrella term. It can be used for 'terekusai' situations, but 照れくさい cannot be used for all 'hazukashii' situations. 恥ずかしい is more about social shame or public failure, while 照れくさい is about being shy due to praise or intimacy.

褒められて恥ずかしい (I'm embarrassed to be praised - General)
褒められて照れくさい (I'm bashful to be praised - Specific/Nuanced)

Another close relative is 気恥ずかしい (kihazukashii). This word is almost identical to 照れくさい but slightly more formal and often used when the feeling is more lingering or vague. It’s like feeling 'somewhat embarrassed' without a clear single trigger. It’s a very 'literary' way to describe that itchy feeling of self-consciousness.

照れくさい vs. 面映ゆい (Omohayui): 面映ゆい (omohayui) is a beautiful, older word. It literally suggests that the light (of praise) is too bright for your face. It is used when you are overwhelmed by honor or praise. It is much more formal than 照れくさい.

大役を仰せつかり、面映ゆい思いです。(I feel honored and bashful to be given such a big role.)

If the feeling is more about 'awkwardness' between people (like a silence that lasts too long), use 気まずい (kimazui). This is 'uncomfortable' rather than 'bashful.' If you are 'fidgety' or 'restless' because of nerves, use どぎまぎ (dogimagi). And if you are 'smug' or 'shy' in a cute way, you might use はにかむ (hanikamu - to beam shyly).

Summary Table

照れくさい: Bashful from praise/love.
恥ずかしい: Embarrassed from mistakes/shame.
気まずい: Socially awkward/tense.
面映ゆい: Formally bashful/honored.
尻こそばゆい: So embarrassed/cringey it makes your 'butt itch' (slangy/idiomatic).

In summary, while 照れくさい is the go-to word for daily bashfulness, knowing these alternatives allows you to express the specific 'texture' of your embarrassment. Whether you are feeling a light blush (terekusai) or a deep desire to vanish from the earth (hazukashii), Japanese has the perfect word for you.

How Formal Is It?

रोचक तथ्य

The 'kusai' (smelly) part of the word is also used in 'mendokusai' (bothersome). It implies that the feeling is so strong it's almost tangible, like a scent in the air.

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK te.ɾe.kɯ.sa.i

US te.ɾe.kʊ.sa.i

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch rises after the first syllable and stays high.

तुकबंदी

Mendokusai (Bothersome) Furukusai (Old-fashioned) Aburakusai (Oily-smelling) Inakakusai (Countrified) Namakusai (Fishy-smelling) Aokusai (Grassy/Immature) Usokusai (Fishy/Suspicious) Binboukusai (Shabby)

आम गलतियाँ

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r'. It should be a light tap.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'ku'. In natural speech, 'ku' is often very light.
Making the 'i' at the end too long like 'eeeee'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'hazukashii'.
Not treating it as five distinct morae (beats).

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 3/5

The kanji 照 is N3 level, but the word itself is common in speech.

लिखना 4/5

Writing 照れくさい requires remembering the stroke order for 照.

बोलना 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you master the Japanese 'r'.

श्रवण 2/5

The word is very distinct and easy to recognize in conversation.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

恥ずかしい (Hazukashii) 照れる (Tereru) 臭い (Kusai) 褒める (Homeru) 笑う (Warau)

आगे सीखें

気まずい (Kimazui) 謙虚 (Kenkyo) 申し訳ない (Moushiwakenai) 誇らしい (Hokorashii) 面映ゆい (Omohayui)

उन्नत

羞恥心 (Shuuchishin) 自意識過剰 (Jiishiki kajou) 恬淡 (Tentan) 慇懃無礼 (Ingin burei) 厚顔無恥 (Kougan muchi)

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

I-Adjective Conjugation

照れくさい → 照れくさかった → 照れくさくない

Adverbial Form (~sou ni)

照れくさそうに笑う

Noun Formation (~sa)

照れくささを感じる

Causative-Passive with Emotions

褒められて照れくさくなる

Nominalizing with 'No'

照れくさいのを隠す

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

照れくさいです。

I am shy / It's embarrassing.

Simple predicate form of an i-adjective.

彼は照れくさい。

He is shy.

Subject + wa + adjective.

照れくさい笑い。

A bashful smile.

Adjective modifying a noun.

ちょっと照れくさい。

A little bit embarrassing.

Adverb 'chotto' used for softening.

照れくさい顔。

A bashful face.

Adjective + noun.

それは照れくさいよ。

That is embarrassing, you know.

Ending particle 'yo' for emphasis.

照れくさいけど、ありがとう。

It's embarrassing, but thank you.

Using 'kedo' (but) to connect clauses.

照れくさいから見ないで。

Don't look because it's embarrassing.

Using 'kara' (because) for reason.

褒められて照れくさかった。

I was praised and felt bashful.

Past tense 'katta' form.

みんなの前で歌うのは照れくさい。

Singing in front of everyone is embarrassing.

Verb-ru + no wa + adjective.

彼は照れくさそうに笑った。

He laughed bashfully.

Adverbial form 'sou ni' (looking like).

照れくさくて、何も言えなかった。

I was so bashful that I couldn't say anything.

Te-form 'kute' for causality.

手紙を読むのは照れくさいです。

Reading the letter is embarrassing.

Noun phrase + wa + adjective.

彼女は照れくさそうにプレゼントを渡した。

She handed over the present bashfully.

Adverbial usage describing action.

照れくさくないふりをした。

I pretended not to be bashful.

Negative 'kunai' + furi (pretense).

お揃いのＴシャツは照れくさいね。

Matching T-shirts are embarrassing, aren't they?

Adjective + particle 'ne'.

正直な気持ちを言うのは、なんだか照れくさい。

Saying my honest feelings is somehow embarrassing.

Using 'nanda ka' for vague feelings.

父に「愛してる」と言うのは照れくさいものだ。

It is a bashful thing to say 'I love you' to my father.

Mono da (stating a general truth).

照れくささを隠すために、冗談を言った。

To hide my bashfulness, I told a joke.

Noun form 'terekusasa'.

大きな声で褒められると、照れくさくて逃げたくなる。

When praised loudly, I get so bashful I want to run away.

Compound sentence with 'te-form' and 'taku naru'.

彼は照れくさそうに鼻の下をこすった。

He rubbed under his nose bashfully.

Specific cultural gesture + adverbial form.

昔の写真を見るのは、少し照れくさい気がする。

I feel a bit bashful looking at old photos.

Ki ga suru (to have a feeling).

彼女に「綺麗だ」と言うのは、まだ照れくさい。

It's still embarrassing to tell her she's beautiful.

Quotation 'to' + iu (to say).

照れくさいのを我慢して、スピーチをした。

Enduring the embarrassment, I gave a speech.

Noun form 'no' + object marker 'o'.

日本人は、人前で感情を出すのを照れくさいと感じることが多い。

Japanese people often feel it's embarrassing to show emotions in public.

To kanjiru (to feel that...).

あんな風に露骨に褒められると、かえって照れくさいものだ。

Being praised so blatantly like that actually makes one feel more bashful.

Kaette (on the contrary).

照れくさいという感情は、謙虚さの裏返しでもある。

The emotion of bashfulness is also the flip side of modesty.

To iu (called/the fact that...).

彼は照れくささを紛らわすように、わざとぶっきらぼうに答えた。

As if to distract from his bashfulness, he deliberately answered bluntly.

Magirawasu (to distract/disguise).

大人になってからの誕生日会は、どこか照れくさいところがある。

Birthday parties after becoming an adult have something bashful about them.

Tokoro ga aru (there is an aspect of...).

自分の成功を自慢するのは照れくさいので、あまり話したくない。

Boasting about my success is embarrassing, so I don't want to talk much about it.

Noun-modifying clause + node (because).

彼は照れくさそうにしながらも、嬉しさを隠しきれなかった。

While acting bashful, he couldn't completely hide his joy.

Shitsu-tsumo (while doing...).

照れくさい気持ちを抑えて、彼女の手を握った。

Suppressing my bashful feelings, I took her hand.

Osaete (suppressing).

作者の自意識が透けて見えるような文章は、読んでいて照れくさい。

Prose where the author's self-consciousness shows through is embarrassing to read.

V-te ite (while doing V).

師匠からの過分な褒め言葉に、彼は照れくささを通り越して恐縮した。

At the excessive praise from his master, he went beyond bashfulness and felt humbled.

Toori-koshite (going beyond).

「照れくさい」という言葉の裏には、他者の視線を意識する日本的な自意識がある。

Behind the word 'terekusai' lies a Japanese self-consciousness aware of others' eyes.

Ura ni wa (behind...).

彼女の照れくさいような、はにかんだ笑顔が印象的だった。

Her bashful, shy smile was impressive.

Hanikanda (past participle of hanikamu).

長年連れ添った夫婦が今更愛を語るのは、照れくさくてできないだろう。

A couple who has been together for years probably finds it too bashful to talk of love now.

Imasara (at this late stage).

照れくさそうに振る舞うことで、彼は周囲の警戒心を解いている。

By acting bashfully, he is lowering the guard of those around him.

De (by means of).

照れくさいという感覚は、親密さのバロメーターとも言えるだろう。

The sensation of bashfulness could be called a barometer of intimacy.

Tomo ieru darou (could also be said to be...).

彼は照れくささを紛らすために、わざと皮肉めいたことを言った。

To distract from his bashfulness, he deliberately said something cynical.

Meita (suffix meaning '-ish' or 'suggesting').

「照れくさい」という感情の機微を、翻訳で正確に伝えるのは至難の業だ。

Accurately conveying the subtleties of the emotion 'terekusai' in translation is a Herculean task.

Kibi (subtleties/finer points).

自己の功績を淡々と語る彼だが、時折見せる照れくさい表情に人間味が溢れていた。

He spoke of his achievements dispassionately, but his occasional bashful expressions overflowed with humanity.

Tantanto (dispassionately/indifferently).

近代文学において、「照れくさい」という感覚はしばしば「野暮」と対置される。

In modern literature, the sensation of 'terekusai' is often contrasted with 'yabo' (uncouthness/lack of taste).

Taichi sareru (to be contrasted/opposed).

照れくささを、単なる幼児性の残滓と切り捨てるのは早計である。

It is premature to dismiss bashfulness as merely a remnant of childishness.

Zansai (remnant/vestige).

彼は照れくささに身を悶えさせながらも、万雷の拍手に応えた。

While writhing in bashfulness, he responded to the thunderous applause.

Mi o modaesaseru (to writhe/struggle).

照れくささというヴェールを剥ぎ取った先に、真の信頼関係が築かれる。

Beyond stripping away the veil of bashfulness, a true relationship of trust is built.

Saki ni (beyond/at the end of).

伝統的な日本家屋の、あの「照れくさい」ほどに静謐な空間が私は好きだ。

I love that space in traditional Japanese houses that is so serene it's almost 'embarrassing.'

Hodo ni (to the extent of).

照れくさいという言葉を、彼は一種の処世術として使いこなしている。

He has mastered the word 'terekusai' as a kind of art of living/social tactic.

Shoseijutsu (art of living/wisdom of the world).

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

褒められて照れくさい

照れくさそうに笑う

なんだか照れくさい

照れくささを隠す

言うのは照れくさい

照れくさい思いをする

照れくさい表情

見ていて照れくさい

今更照れくさい

照れくさい限りだ

सामान्य वाक्यांश

照れくさいなあ

— Man, this is embarrassing (in a shy way). Used as a self-muttering.

こんな立派な賞をもらうなんて、照れくさいなあ。

照れくさいこと言うなよ

— Don't say such embarrassing/sweet things. Often used between friends.

「お前は最高の親友だ」「照れくさいこと言うなよ」。

照れくさくて死にそう

— I'm so embarrassed I could die. Hyperbolic expression of bashfulness.

告白された時、照れくさくて死にそうだった。

照れくさい限りです

— I am extremely bashful/humbled. Used in formal speeches.

皆様の過分なご期待に、照れくさい限りです。

照れくささが込み上げる

— To be overcome with bashfulness. Describes the feeling rising up.

彼女の笑顔を見て、照れくささが込み上げた。

照れくさいのを通り越す

— To go beyond bashfulness (often into shock or deep humility).

あまりの称賛に、照れくさいのを通り越してしまった。

照れくさいからやめて

— Stop it, it's embarrassing (bashful). Used to stop someone from praising you.

そんなに見つめないで、照れくさいからやめて。

照れくさい年頃

— An age where one is easily embarrassed (usually adolescence).

彼は今、親と一緒に歩くのが照れくさい年頃だ。

照れくさい仲

— A relationship where people are shy around each other.

まだ付き合い始めたばかりの、照れくさい仲だ。

照れくさいけれど...

— It's embarrassing, but... (Used to introduce a sincere statement).

照れくさいけれど、君のことが好きだ。

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

照れくさい vs 恥ずかしい (Hazukashii)

Hazukashii is for shame or mistakes; Terekusai is for shyness from praise.

照れくさい vs 気まずい (Kimazui)

Kimazui is for social tension/awkwardness; Terekusai is for bashfulness.

照れくさい vs 申し訳ない (Moushiwakenai)

Moushiwakenai is for feeling guilty; Terekusai is for feeling shy.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"照れ隠しに～する"

— To do something to hide one's bashfulness.

彼は照れ隠しに頭をかいた。

Neutral

"鼻の下を伸ばす"

— To be smitten or bashfully pleased (often by a woman).

美人に褒められて、彼は鼻の下を伸ばしている。

Informal

"顔を赤らめる"

— To blush with bashfulness.

彼女は照れくさそうに顔を赤らめた。

Neutral

"身の置き所がない"

— To not know what to do with oneself out of embarrassment.

褒められすぎて、照れくさくて身の置き所がない。

Literary

"穴があったら入りたい"

— To want to hide in a hole (though usually for 'hazukashii', can be used for extreme 'terekusai').

みんなに注目されて、照れくさくて穴があったら入りたかった。

Common

"耳まで赤くする"

— To blush even to one's ears.

彼は照れくさくて、耳まで赤くして黙り込んだ。

Visual/Descriptive

"決まりが悪い思いをする"

— To feel awkward or out of place.

一人だけ褒められて、照れくさくて決まりが悪い思いをした。

Neutral

"言葉に詰まる"

— To be at a loss for words due to bashfulness.

「好きだ」と言われて、照れくさくて言葉に詰まった。

Neutral

"目を逸らす"

— To look away out of bashfulness.

彼は照れくさそうに目を逸らした。

Neutral

"他人の目も憚らず"

— Without regard for others' eyes (the opposite of feeling terekusai).

彼らは人目も憚らず抱き合ったが、見ている方は照れくさい。

Formal

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

照れくさい vs 恥ずかしい (Hazukashii)

Both translate to 'embarrassing.'

Hazukashii covers social failure and shame. Terekusai is specifically for bashfulness due to positive attention or intimacy.

Mistake: Hazukashii. Compliment: Terekusai.

照れくさい vs 気恥ずかしい (Kihazukashii)

Very similar meaning.

Kihazukashii is more formal and describes a vague, lingering sense of being self-conscious without a specific immediate cause.

Walking alone in a suit: Kihazukashii.

照れくさい vs 面映ゆい (Omohayui)

Both involve bashfulness from praise.

Omohayui is much more formal and literary. It implies being overwhelmed by honor.

Receiving a national award: Omohayui.

照れくさい vs 気まずい (Kimazui)

Both involve social discomfort.

Kimazui is negative awkwardness (e.g., silence after a fight). Terekusai is positive/sweet awkwardness.

Silence after an argument: Kimazui.

照れくさい vs 羞恥 (Shuuchi)

Both relate to embarrassment.

Shuuchi is a formal noun for 'shame' or 'humiliation.' It lacks the warm, bashful nuance of Terekusai.

Public humiliation: Shuuchishin.

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

[Noun] + は + 照れくさいです。

プレゼントは照れくさいです。

[Verb-ru] + のは + 照れくさい。

歌うのは照れくさい。

[Verb-te] + 照れくさかった。

褒められて照れくさかった。

なんだか + 照れくさい + [Noun]。

なんだか照れくさい気持ちだ。

照れくさそうに + [Verb]。

照れくさそうに笑った。

照れくささを + [Verb]。

照れくささを隠す。

照れくさい + のを + [Verb]。

照れくさいのを我慢する。

照れくさい + 限りだ。

褒められて照れくさい限りだ。

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

照れ (Tere) - Bashfulness/Shyness

照れ屋 (Tereya) - A shy person

照れ隠し (Terekakushi) - Hiding one's shyness

照れくささ (Terekusasa) - The degree of bashfulness

क्रिया

照れる (Tereru) - To be shy/bashful

照れ笑う (Terewarau) - To laugh bashfully

照れまぎれる (Teremagireru) - To be lost in bashfulness

विशेषण

照れくさい (Terekusai) - Bashful/Embarrassing

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Very High in daily life, media, and literature.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

Using it for a mistake. → 漢字を間違えて恥ずかしい。
If you make a mistake, it's 'hazukashii.' 'Terekusai' is for being shy due to praise or intimacy.
Using it for 'guilt.' → 嘘をついて申し訳ない。
If you feel bad for doing something wrong, use 'moushiwakenai' or 'kimazui.' 'Terekusai' is too light and positive for guilt.
Stating others' feelings directly. → 彼は照れくさそうだ。
In Japanese, you should avoid stating someone else's internal feelings as a fact. Use '~sou' (looks like).
Thinking it means 'smelly shyness.' → 照れくさい (Bashful)
The 'kusai' part is just a suffix. Don't take it literally as a bad smell!
Confusing it with 'uchiki' (shy personality). → 照れくさい (The feeling) vs 内気 (The personality)
'Uchiki' is a trait; 'terekusai' is a temporary feeling in a specific moment.

सुझाव

Pair with 'nanda ka'

Using 'nanda ka' (somehow) before 'terekusai' makes the feeling sound more authentic and natural, as bashfulness is often a vague, hard-to-describe emotion.

Humility is Key

In Japan, accepting a compliment with 'terekusai' is often better than a simple 'thank you' because it shows you aren't overconfident. It's a social lubricant.

The Flapped 'R'

Make sure the 're' in 'terekusai' is a light tap with your tongue. If it sounds like an English 'R,' it might be hard for natives to understand quickly.

The '~sa' Noun

If you want to talk about 'the feeling of bashfulness' as a concept, use 'terekusasa.' For example: 'Terekusasa o kanjiru' (I feel bashfulness).

Deflecting Intimacy

If someone tells you something very personal or sweet and you don't know what to say, 'terekusai desu ne' is a great 'escape' phrase that is still polite.

Watch for Tsunderes

Anime characters who act cold but are actually sweet will use this word constantly. It's the best way to understand the 'bashful but happy' nuance.

Kanji vs. Hiragana

While '照れくさい' is common, you will also see it written entirely in hiragana as 'てれくさい.' Both are fine, but the kanji version looks more mature.

Positive vs. Negative

Always remember: Terekusai = Positive/Warm situations. Hazukashii = Negative/Cold situations. This is the golden rule for this word.

Softening the 'i'

In casual speech, the final 'i' can be very short. Focus more on the 'tereku' part of the word for a more native-like rhythm.

Family Settings

This is the perfect word to use when talking about family. 'Saying thank you to my mom is terekusai' is a classic Japanese sentiment.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of 'TERE' (like 'Television' spotlight) and 'KUSAI' (stinky). When the spotlight (TERE) is on you, you feel 'stinky' (KUSAI) with bashfulness!

दृश्य संबंध

Imagine a person standing in a bright spotlight, holding a bouquet of flowers, and trying to cover their red face with their hands.

Word Web

Praise Blush Modesty Compliment Awkward Sweet Shy Spotlight

चैलेंज

Try to use 'terekusai' next time you receive a compliment in Japanese. Instead of 'arigatou,' say 'nanda ka terekusai desu ne' and see the reaction!

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Derived from the verb 'tereru' (照れる) combined with the suffix '-kusai' (臭い). 'Tereru' originally meant 'to shine' or 'to be bright,' which evolved into the idea of one's face 'shining' (turning red) from embarrassment. The suffix '-kusai' literally means 'smelling of' but is used figuratively in Japanese to mean 'strongly suggesting a certain quality.'

मूल अर्थ: Reeking of bashfulness / Strongly showing signs of being shy.

Japonic

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

It is a very safe and positive word. However, using it for a serious crime or a major failure would be highly inappropriate and insensitive.

In English, we might say 'You're making me blush' or 'This is awkward' (in a good way). 'Terekusai' covers both.

Commonly used by characters like Vegeta (Dragon Ball) or Asuka (Evangelion) when they are secretly happy but act embarrassed. A frequent theme in Japanese wedding speeches (the 'Tegami' ceremony). Often used in lyrics by J-Pop artists like Arashi or Gen Hoshino.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

Receiving a Compliment

そんなに褒められると照れくさいです。
照れくさいなあ。
照れくさそうに笑う。
なんだか照れくさいですね。

Expressing Gratitude/Love

言うのは照れくさいけれど、ありがとう。
照れくさくて言えなかった。
手紙を書くのは照れくさい。
親に感謝するのは照れくさい。

Romantic Situations

手を繋ぐのは照れくさい。
照れくさくて顔が見られない。
二人きりだと照れくさい。
照れ隠しに冷たくした。

Public Recognition

注目されると照れくさい。
ステージに立つのは照れくさい。
みんなに見られて照れくさかった。
照れくさそうに賞状を受け取る。

Reflecting on the Past

昔の自分を見るのは照れくさい。
卒業アルバムは照れくさくて見られない。
あの時のことを思い出すと照れくさい。
照れくさい思い出だ。

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"日本人は褒められた時、どうして「照れくさい」と言うのですか？"

"最近、何か照れくさいことがありましたか？"

"親に「ありがとう」と言うのは、あなたにとって照れくさいですか？"

"照れくさい時、どんな反応をしてしまいますか？"

"あなたの国では、褒められた時にどんな気持ちになりますか？"

डायरी विषय

今日、誰かに褒められて照れくさかったことを書いてください。

「照れくさい」と「恥ずかしい」の違いについて、自分の経験を元に書いてください。

あなたが一番照れくさいと感じる瞬間はどんな時ですか？

照れくさくて言えなかった感謝の気持ちを、日記に書いてみましょう。

日本のアニメで「照れくさい」シーンを見たことがありますか？その時の感想を書いてください。

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

Generally, no. If you make a mistake, use 'hazukashii.' Using 'terekusai' for a mistake might make it sound like you're proud of it or find it 'cute' in a weird way. It's specifically for bashfulness triggered by something positive or intimate.

Yes, it is perfectly polite to use 'terekusai desu' with teachers, bosses, or strangers. In fact, it often makes you seem more humble and likable because it shows you aren't arrogant about being praised.

'Tereru' is a verb meaning 'to be shy/bashful.' 'Terekusai' is an adjective meaning 'embarrassing/shy.' You use 'tereru' for the action (He is acting shy) and 'terekusai' for the feeling (I feel shy).

In this word, 'kusai' is a suffix that means 'strongly suggesting' or 'reeking of a quality.' It doesn't literally mean a bad smell. It just intensifies the adjective. You see this in other words like 'mendokusai' (bothersome).

It is used by everyone! However, men might use it more often to deflect emotional intimacy, as saying 'thank you' or 'I love you' can feel particularly 'terekusai' for traditional Japanese male roles.

Yes. You can say 'Kore wa terekusai ne' (This situation is embarrassing) when you are in a romantic or overly sincere moment with someone.

There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'doudou to shite iru' (confident/dignified) or 'atsukamashii' (brazen/shameless) are good antonyms depending on the context.

You can say 'Terekusakunai desu' (I'm not bashful) or 'Tereru type ja nai desu' (I'm not the shy type).

No, it is a standard Japanese word. It is very common in both spoken and written Japanese and is not considered slang, although it is very expressive.

Absolutely. Children use it all the time when their parents or teachers praise them. It's one of the first 'nuanced' emotion words children learn.

सुझाव और नोट्स के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें