mahiyain
/mahiˈaʔin/
The English word "shy" is translated into Tagalog as mahiyain.
Mahiyain is used to describe someone who is reserved or shy. It can describe a permanent personality trait, such as being a shy person or a temporary state of feeling bashful or embarrassed in a specific situation. While mahiyain describes the person, the related form nahihiya is used to express the specific sense of self-consciousness or embarrassment that often accompanies shyness. Additionally, the word tahimik means quiet or silent, but it can sometimes imply a certain level of shyness or introversion.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective mahiyain is derived from the root word hiya, which means shame or embarrassment.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, mahiyain is an invariant form. It does not change regardless of the gender or the number of people you are describing.
How do you pronounce it?
/mahiˈaʔin/
Did you know?
- The phrase walang hiya literally means 'without shame' and is one of the most severe insults in Tagalog, implying a total lack of manners or conscience.
- In the Philippines, a person might express hiya by refusing a gift or a favor, not because they do not want it, but to show they are not presumptuous.
- The term hiya is often used to describe a 'social glue' that maintains harmony by preventing people from acting too aggressively or selfishly in a group.
Examples in context
- Siguro mahiyain lang si Tom.Tom is probably just shy.This sentence illustrates how to suggest a person might simply be shy.Tatoeba #13651686 by kangkong, translation #6655667 by CK
- May mga Hapong mahiyain namang hanggang namamasdang parang bastos.Some Japanese are shy even to the point of appearing rude.This example shows how shyness can sometimes be perceived by others as rudeness.Tatoeba #1855722 by nonong, translation #281722 by CM
- Mahiyain siya.He's very shy.This is a simple way to state that someone is shy.Tatoeba #10170585 by theSardonyx, translation #2311413 by Hybrid
- Si Maria ay mahiyain na estudyante.Maria is a shy student.
- Ang mga bata ay madalas mahiyain pagkatapos ng unang araw sa paaralan.Children are often shy after their first day of school.
- Ang kanyang tahimik na personalidad ay nagpapakita ng pagiging mahiyain niya.His/her quiet personality reflects his/her shyness.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new person at a party.
- JuanBakit hindi siya kumikibo?Why isn't he/she saying anything?
- AngelaBaka mahiyain lang si Paolo.Maybe Paolo is just shy.
- JuanTotoo ba na mahiyain siya?Is it true that he is shy?
- AngelaOo, mahiyain talaga siya sa simula.Yes, he is really shy at first.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mahiyain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
