خجول
khajul
The Arabic word for shy is خجول (khajul).
خجول is an adjective used to describe someone who is reserved or shy.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is خجولة and the masculine plural form is خجولون.
How do you pronounce it?
khajul
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, the root of خجول is used in the phrase خجلتني, which literally means 'you made me shy' but is actually used to thank someone for an unexpectedly generous compliment.
- Arabic has a distinct word, حياء, which refers to a specific type of modesty or 'shyness' rooted in spiritual or moral dignity. This is considered a core virtue in Islamic ethics, distinct from the clinical or social anxiety implied by 'shy'.
- The root of the word خجول is connected to the idea of being 'distressed' or 'troubled' in classical Arabic. Historically, being shy was not just a personality trait but was described as a state of internal agitation or embarrassment.
Examples in context
- كان سامي خجولا جدّا.Sami was very shy.This sentence is useful for practicing the word خجول in a past tense context.Tatoeba #6903568 by OsoHombre, translation #6867251 by OsoHombre
- توم شخص خجولٌ نوعاً ما.Tom is sort of a shy guy.This sentence shows how to use خجول to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #9622690 by issadouba, translation #9622500 by CK
- كان من طبيعتها أنها فتاة خجولة جداً.She used to be a very shy girl.This sentence demonstrates how the word is used when describing a female subject.Tatoeba #493247 by saeb, translation #272174 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are talking about a new colleague at work.
- ليلى Laylaهل زميلنا الجديد خجول؟Hal zamiluna al-jadid khajul?Is our new colleague shy?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، هو شخص خجول قليلاً.Na'am, huwa shakhs khajul qalilan.Yes, he is a slightly shy person.
- ليلى Laylaلا بأس، سيعتاد علينا.La ba's, say'tad 'alayna.That is fine, he will get used to us.
- يوسف Youssefأتمنى ذلك يا ليلى.Atamanna dhalika ya Layla.I hope so, Layla.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
