害羞

• Pinyin: hài xiū
• Hanzi breakdown: 害 = feel, suffer; 羞 = 羊 (sheep) + 丑 (ugly/clumsy) — a shy, clumsy lamb; embarrassment

Meaning

Shy; bashful — feeling awkward or self-conscious in social situations.

A common adjective and psychological descriptor. Unlike 害臊 (which involves moral shame), 害羞 is simply social shyness or embarrassment. Used to describe personality traits, reactions to compliments, or reticence in new social environments.

Examples

1. 她天生性格内向，初次见面时总是表现得十分害羞，不善于主动与人交流。 She's naturally introverted, and when meeting someone for the first time she always seems very shy and isn't good at initiating conversation.
2. 孩子在陌生环境中容易感到害羞，家长应给予充分的鼓励和耐心，帮助他们慢慢适应。 Children can easily feel shy in unfamiliar environments, so parents should offer plenty of encouragement and patience to help them adjust gradually.
3. 被老师当众表扬后，他害羞地低下头，不知道该如何回应那突如其来的赞美。 After being praised in front of everyone, he shyly lowered his head, not knowing how to respond to the sudden compliment.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, social interaction, psychology, everyday

Tone: gentle

Do Say

• 面对记者的采访，这位年轻的获奖者显得有些害羞，回答问题时声音轻柔而略显局促。(Faced with the journalist's interview, the young award winner seemed a little shy, answering questions with a soft voice and slight awkwardness.)
• 刚进入新班级时，许多同学都会感到害羞，但只要主动交流，很快就能融入集体。(When first entering a new class, many students feel shy, but by taking the initiative to communicate they can quickly become part of the group.)

Don't Say

• 害羞 when 害臊 is meant — if shame involves wrongdoing use 害臊; 害羞 is for innocent shyness only

Origin & History

害 (to feel/suffer) + 羞 (shame, shyness) — to feel shy or self-conscious

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal