Japanese word

照れる

Pronunciation

Romajitereru

Meaning

  • verbfeel embarrassed

Example

友達に褒められると、照れます。tomo dachi ni ho me ra re ru to te re ma su

I feel embarrassed when a friend compliments me.

Illustration for 照れる (feel embarrassed)

More examples

子どものころの写真を見せられると、照れます。ko do mo no ko ro no sha shin o mi se ra re ru to te re ma su

When someone shows me photos from my childhood, I feel embarrassed.

Core concept

It describes a shy, self-conscious reaction when attention or praise makes someone feel exposed.

Common phrases

  • 人前で照れるhito mae de te re ru

    feel embarrassed in public

  • 褒められて照れるho me ra re te te re ru

    feel embarrassed when praised

Similar words

恥ずかしがるhazukashigaru: To act shy or self-conscious because attention makes a person feel exposed.
はにかむhanikamu: To react to praise or affection with a shy smile and restrained manner.
赤面するsekimensuru: To have the face turn red from embarrassment, shyness, or attention.

Definition in Japanese

人に褒められたり注目されたりして、恥ずかしさや気恥ずかしさを感じる。hito ni ho me ra re ta ri chū moku sa re ta ri shi te ha zu ka shi sa ya ki ha zu ka shi sa o kan ji ru

Word origin

照れる (tereru) is a native Japanese verb related to 照る (teru, "shine"), with its meaning developing toward feeling self-conscious under attention.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, 照れる (tereru) often describes a warm, harmless reaction to praise or affection, so feel embarrassed can sound stronger than the Japanese word.

Other meanings

  • be bashfulverb
  • be shyverb

Related words

Word lists with this word