How to Say "Shy" in Norwegian

sjenert

The English word shy is translated into Norwegian as sjenert.

Sjenert is an adjective used to describe someone who is reserved.

Meaning: reserved (adj)

How does it change in a sentence?

The adjective sjenert remains unchanged when describing masculine, feminine or common gender nouns.

In Norway, extreme shyness is sometimes linked to the cultural concept of janteloven, an unspoken social rule that discourages individuals from thinking they are better or more special than others.
The word sjenert is actually a past participle of the verb sjenere, which means to make someone shy or to unsettle them.
While sjenert describes people, Norwegians typically use the word sky when describing a shy or timid animal.

Tom er sjenert, men aggressiv.
Tom is shy, but aggressive.
This sentence is useful for describing a person who exhibits both shy and aggressive traits using sjenert.
Tatoeba #10958089 by Mayk, translation #5744190 by CM
Hun pleide å være en veldig sjenert jente.
She used to be a very shy girl.
This sentence shows how to use sjenert to describe a person in the past tense.
Tatoeba #14048307 by Mayk, translation #272174 by CK
Jeg er sjenert.
I'm shy.
This sentence demonstrates how to use sjenert to state that you are shy.
Tatoeba #10726842 by HeBerbom, translation #2203346 by CK
Hun er blyg og unngår offentlige taler.
She is shy and avoids public speaking.
Jeg er veldig sjenert når jeg møter fremmede.
I am very shy when meeting strangers.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Emma and Jakob are talking about a new colleague.

Emma

Hva synes du om den nye kollegaen?
What do you think of the new colleague?
Jakob

Han virker litt sjenert i begynnelsen.
He seems a bit shy at first.
Emma

Ja, han snakker ikke så mye.
Yes, he doesn't talk much.
Jakob

Han trenger bare litt tid.
He just needs a little time.

Sources

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