Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Timid; shy: Describes a person who is easily frightened, lacks courage, or is hesitant and reserved in social situations due to nervousness or a lack of confidence.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé đó rất nhút nhát. (That boy is very shy.)
  • Cô ấy nhút nhát không dám phát biểu. (She is too timid to dare to speak up.)
  • Tính cách nhút nhát khiến anh ấy khó kết bạn. (A shy personality makes it hard for him to make friends.)

Advanced Usage

• The word nhút nhát often implies a temperamental trait that is more inherent and constant, rather than a temporary state of being quiet.
• It can describe behavior in specific situations, such as being nhút nhát trước đám đông (shy in front of a crowd).

Variants and Related Words

• Rụt rè (adj): Also means shy or timid, often used interchangeably with nhút nhát, though rụt rè can sometimes emphasize hesitant, cautious actions.
• E dè (adj): To be apprehensive or cautious, often due to fear of consequences.

Synonyms

• Shy: Nervous or timid in the company of other people.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
• Bashful: Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nhút nhát như thỏ đế: As timid as a rabbit; a simile emphasizing extreme timidity.
  • Đừng nhút nhát như thỏ đế, hãy mạnh dạn lên! (Don't be as timid as a rabbit, be more confident!)

1. Timid, shy
   • Nhút nhát không dám nói thẳng
     To be too timid to speak up