I am Japanese. Recently, I watched a video on youtube which explains the difference of the meaning of "shy" between English and Japanese. The word "shy" is took in the Japanese words directly, and is pronounced as like "shai（シャイ）." In Japanese, a "shy person" is a person who is hesitant to speak to other people. He/She is not talkative, often forcuses on listening to other people speaking. This does not mean he/she is of gloomy diposition. The word "shy" is not used in a negative sense in Japan. A "shy person" is often regarded as modest, honest, and even cute. It is said that Japanese people are generally shy, and I believed it's true. However, the meaning of "shy" in English seems slightly different from that in Japanese. Do you think that Japanese people are shy? What kind of person is a "shy person" in your impression?
I don't think the word "shy", is much different in England. A quiet person who is reluctant to speak, nervous around people, not entirely confident, etc.
This is where the cultures, clash. In England, people are encouraged to be more open and talkative. To confront people if you've been wronged, etc. People who are extremely shy are seen as socially inept and its frowned upon, etc. In class, you're encouraged to stand up in front and be confident.
Do I think Japanese people are shy? I wouldn't honestly know... I haven't met any Japanese people! But a lot ignore my messages for language exchange, so I dunno if they're being shy.
Hello !
I'm from Brazil, to us a shy person is one who when it among others, Will not say much, gets the easy red face (for some comment or personal matter), avoid calling attention to themselves, generally has few friends and finds it difficult to express themselves.
Here in Brazil we prefer people to be extroverts, we are encouraged that this child and whether at home, at school, everywhere we go, and talk to everyone, and has no difficulty in making friends, and who knows if expresssar well whatever, usually smiling and friendly.
I do not know any Japanese, since conhecir decedente, and everyone was timid.
I am very shy. I like in Asian countries that being shy is considered a good thing, often in the UK I feel missunderstood. I think 'shy' has the same meaning but is maybe more accepted and even embraced and appreciated in Asia. Personally I love shy people :-) I also love people who are confident too because they can make conversations easier ^_^
Shy is the same thing here in the states. Somebody who hesitates to speak or express themselves, maybe feels nervouse about meeting new people. It isn't used to describe somebody gloomy or depressed.
Most Japanese people I have met, especially women, I considered to be shy. They were very quiet, mostly just smiled, nodded, and didn't speak unless you asked them something directly.
