timido
/ˈti.mi.do/
The English word shy translates to Italian as timido. Wiktionary also lists schivo.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| timido | /ˈti.mi.do/ |
| schivo | /ˈski.vo/ |
timido is the most straightforward and commonly used adjective to describe someone as shy in Italian.
Which one should you use?
While timido describes a person's social anxiety or lack of confidence, schivo describes someone who is actively evasive or avoids contact.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective timido must agree in gender with the person being described, changing to timida for a female. The adjective timido takes the plural form timidi when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group. The adjective timido takes the plural form timide when describing a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈti.mi.do/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian culture, being timido is often seen as a charming or modest quality in romantic contexts, rather than a social deficit.
- The word schivo is related to the verb schivare, which means 'to dodge' or 'to avoid'.
- While timido is a trait, Italians often use the phrase fare il timido to describe someone who is acting shy in a specific moment, even if they aren't usually reserved.
Examples in context
- È un po' timido.He's a bit shy.This sentence is useful for saying someone is a bit shy using timido.Tatoeba #2250740 by Guybrush88, translation #1894254 by Spamster
- Tom non è timido.Tom isn't shy.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is not shy using timido.Tatoeba #2608249 by Guybrush88, translation #2237014 by CK
- È timido e basta.He's just shy.This sentence is useful for saying someone is just shy using timido.Tatoeba #8503581 by Guybrush88, translation #8477472 by CH
- Sofia è una ragazza molto timida.Sofia is a very shy girl.
- Il professor Rossi sembra un po' timido durante le conferenze.Professor Rossi seems a bit shy during the conferences.
- Giovanni è piuttosto introverso e preferisce rimanere in casa.Giovanni is quite shy/introverted and prefers to stay at home.
- Marta è un po' impacciata quando incontra persone nuove.Marta is a bit shy/awkward when meeting new people.
- Mi sento un po' impacciato a parlare in pubblico.I feel a bit shy/awkward speaking in public.
- Mario è un ragazzo un po' restio, gli piace starsene per conto suo.Mario is a bit shy/reticent, he likes to be on his own.
- 230 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are talking about a new colleague at work.
- FrancescoHai conosciuto il nuovo collega?Have you met the new colleague?
- SofiaSì, ma sembra molto timido.Yes, but he seems very shy.
- FrancescoForse ha solo bisogno di tempo.Maybe he just needs time.
- SofiaHai ragione, Sofia glielo dirà.You're right, Sofia will tell him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shy” translations and entries timido, schivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schivo, timido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
