수줍다
sujupda[sʰud͡ʑup̚t͈a̠]
To say shy in Korean, use 수줍다 (sujupda) for a shy, bashful nature. 부끄럽다 and 낯가리다 are also common. If unsure, use 수줍다.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 수줍다 | sujupda | [sʰud͡ʑup̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 낯가리다 | natgarida | [na̠t̚k͈a̠ɾida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 부끄럽다 | bukkeureopda | [puk͈ɯɾʌ̹p̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
수줍다 describes a person's shy temperament or bashful manner. To say that someone is very shy around new people, Koreans often say 낯가림이 심하다.
What does it mean word for word?
낯가림이 심하다 combines the noun 낯가림, shyness with strangers and 심하다, to be severe.
Which one should you use?
수줍다 describes a shy personality. 부끄럽다 covers both feeling shy and feeling embarrassed or ashamed in a particular moment. 낯가리다 is specifically for being shy or hesitant around people you do not know well.
How do you pronounce it?
수줍다 is romanized as sujupda.
Did you know?
- The word 낯가리다 literally translates to 'to distinguish faces', suggesting that shyness is a process of mentally sorting familiar from unfamiliar ones.
- The word 부끄럽다 can be used as a way to humbly deflect a compliment. By saying they are 'shy' or 'ashamed' of the praise, the speaker shows modesty.
- The term 낯가림 is frequently used to describe babies who cry when they see a stranger. It is a standard developmental milestone discussed by Korean parents.
Examples in context
- 난 모르는 사람들 앞에서 내 얘기 하기가 너무 부끄러워.I'm too shy to talk about myself in front of strangers.부끄러워 is the casual form of the word that covers both shyness and embarrassment.
- 그는 수줍게 웃었다He smiled shyly.
- 나는 긴장해서 부끄럽다I feel shy because I'm nervous.
- 친구 앞에서 수줍어하면 안 돼You shouldn't be shy in front of friends.
- 너무 수줍다Very shy
- 조금 부끄럽다A little shy
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about a new coworker.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo새로 온 동료분은 좀 수줍어 보이시네요.saero on dongryobuneun jom sujubeo boisineyo.The new colleague seems a bit shy.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 처음에는 다들 수줍다더라고요.majayo, cheoeumeneun dadeul sujubdadeoragoyo.That's true, I heard they are shy at first.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo시간이 지나면 편해지시겠죠?sigani jinamyen pyeonhaejisigessjyo?They'll feel more comfortable over time, right?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 천천히 다가가면 될 것 같아요.ne, cheoncheonhi dagagamyen doel geot gatayo.Yes, I think it'll be fine if we approach them slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shy” translations and entries 수줍다, 낯가리다, 부끄럽다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
