内向
nèixiàng
The Chinese word for introvert is 内向 (nèixiàng).
内向 is used to describe someone who focuses primarily on their own mind, feelings or affairs. You can also use the phrase 性格内向 to translate to 'introverted personality'. In contemporary Chinese slang, the term 宅男 is used specifically to refer to a male introvert.
Meaning: one who focuses primarily on their own mind, feelings, or affairs (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 内向 is composed of 内 (nèi), meaning 'inside' and 向 (xiàng), meaning 'towards' or 'facing'.
Which one should you use?
While 内向 is the standard term, its antonym is 外向, which literally means 'outward-facing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While 内向 is an adjective, you often add 人 (rén), meaning 'person', to form the noun phrase 内向的人 to refer to 'an introvert' or 'an introverted person'.
How do you pronounce it?
nèixiàng
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, being 内向 was historically viewed more positively as a sign of modesty and restraint. This contrasts with Western perspectives that often frame introversion as something to be 'overcome'.
- Chinese has a specific term 社恐 (shè kǒng), short for 'social phobia'. While 内向 is a general trait, 社恐 is used colloquially by young people to describe the acute anxiety of social interaction.
- While 内向 is a personality trait, the slang 宅 (zhái) describes a lifestyle of staying at home. An 内向 person might still go out often, but a 宅男 or 宅女 specifically avoids leaving the house.
Examples in context
- 他是个内向的人。He is an introverted person.
- 我有些内敛，不太喜欢大场合。I am somewhat introverted and not a big fan of large gatherings.
- 他是一个很内向的人。Tā shì yīgè hěn nèixiàng de rén.He is a very introverted person.
- 我不喜欢和太内向的人交朋友。Wǒ bù xǐhuān hé tài nèixiàng de rén jiāo péngyǒu.I don't like making friends with people who are too introverted.
- 由于性格内向，她不太爱说话。Yóuyú xìnggé nèixiàng, tā bù tài ài shuōhuà.Because of her introverted personality, she doesn't talk much.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new coworker at the office.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那个新同事看起来很内向。Nàge xīn tóngshì kàn qǐlái hěn nèixiàng.That new colleague looks very introverted.
- 俊杰 Junjie是啊，他不太爱参加聚会。Shì a, tā bù tài ài cānjiā jùhuì.Yeah, he doesn't really like joining parties.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也觉得他性格比较安静。Wǒ yě juédé tā xìnggé bǐjiào ānjìng.I also think his personality is quite quiet.
- 俊杰 Junjie也许他只是需要时间适应。Yěxǔ tā zhǐshì xūyào shíjiān shìyìng.Maybe he just needs time to adjust.
