tímido
/ˈtimido/
The English word "shy" is translated into Spanish as tímido.
Tímido is an adjective used to describe someone who is reserved. Note that it is distinct from vergonzoso/a, which is often used to describe someone who feels shame or embarrassment in specific moments, whereas tímido refers to a personality trait of being reserved.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, tímido must agree in gender and number with the person or people it describes. Use tímida for a female, tímidos for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and tímidas for a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtimido/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you can describe a faint or hesitant light as luz tímida, treating the light as if it were a shy person.
- While 'timid' often sounds negative in English, describing someone as tímido in Spanish can be perceived as an endearing or gentle quality.
- The word tímido descends from the Latin verb timeō, which means 'to fear'.
Examples in context
- Yo no soy tímido.I'm not shy.This sentence shows how to use tímido in a negative statement about oneself.Tatoeba #4615460 by Francisco_M, translation #2221143 by Hybrid
- Tom es muy tímido.Tom is very shy.This sentence demonstrates how to describe someone else using tímido.Tatoeba #5508979 by ecorralest101, translation #2549464 by CK
- Soy un poco tímido.I'm a little shy.This sentence shows how to use tímido with the adverbial phrase 'a little'.Tatoeba #3377770 by Shishir, translation #3365635 by CK
- Juan es un chico tímido, pero muy inteligente.Juan is a shy boy, but very intelligent.
- No seas apocado y atrévete a hablar con ella.Don't be shy and dare to talk to her.
- Tienes que conocer a Pedro, es un timidón, pero muy agradable.You have to meet Pedro, he's shy but very friendly.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are at a party with many strangers.
- SofíaJavier, ¿por qué no hablas con nadie?Javier, why aren't you talking to anyone?
- JavierEs que soy un poco tímido con los desconocidos.It is just that I am a little shy with strangers.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, la gente es amable.Don't worry, people are kind.
- JavierLo intentaré, pero sigo siendo tímido.I will try, but I am still shy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tímido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tímido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
