Spanish Conversation · Level 24
88 words
Spanish word
timidez
Pronunciation
IPA/timiˈðeθ/
Meaning
- feminine nounshyness
Example
Su timidez le impide hablar en público.
Her shyness keeps her from speaking in public.
More examples
Perder la timidez le ayudó a hacer nuevos amigos.
Overcoming shyness helped her make new friends.
Core concept
Quiet replies or silence in social interaction.
Common phrases
mucha timidez
considerable shyness
perder la timidez
overcome shyness
Similar words
vergüenza: Feels embarrassed or awkward, showing uneasy expressions or fidgeting.
reserva: Keeps feelings and opinions to oneself, staying emotionally reserved.
taciturnidad: Speaks little and usually remains quiet in everyday conversation.
Definition in Spanish
Tendencia a mostrarse reservado por vergüenza o inseguridad en la interacción con otros, dificultando la comunicación espontánea.
Word origin
Derived from Latin timēre "to fear" and the adjective timidus, with the Spanish noun-forming suffix -ez producing timidez for the trait of being reserved.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech speakers often use "vergüenza" or "me da vergüenza" instead of the more formal "timidez", while "me cuesta hablar en grupo" is a natural way to ask for patience or help.