照れる

• Reading: てれる
• Romaji: tereru
• Kanji breakdown: 照 (shō/te) — shine, illuminate
• Pronunciation: /te.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be shy; to be bashful; to feel embarrassed; to feel awkward from praise or attention.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb describing the feeling of embarrassment or shyness, typically in response to compliments, romantic situations, or being the centre of attention. Unlike 恥ずかしい which covers broader embarrassment, 照れる specifically conveys an endearing, flustered bashfulness. Often seen with ながら or てしまう.

Examples

1. 褒められると照れてしまい、うまく返事ができない。 When I'm complimented, I get bashful and can't respond well.
2. 彼は照れながらもプレゼントを渡した。 He handed over the present while feeling flustered.
3. そんなに照れなくてもいいのに、顔が真っ赤だよ。 You don't have to be so embarrassed — your face is bright red!

Usage Guide

Context: romance, compliments, social situations

Tone: endearing

Origin & History

From the kanji 照 meaning to shine or illuminate. The connection to embarrassment comes from the idea of being exposed to a spotlight or having light cast upon oneself, causing one to feel self-conscious.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal