shy
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shy
Being reserved, insecure, and inhibited when dealing with other people. Shy people often avoid being the center of attention or speaking to strangers.
Er war als Kind sehr schüchtern und traute sich kaum, vor der Klasse zu sprechen.
As a child, he was very shy and hardly dared to speak in front of the class.
'Schüchtern' (shy/timid) can either describe a person as a character trait or characterize a single action as hesitant. When it describes an action, it is used like an adverb and is not declined.
Das schüchterne Mädchen versteckte sich hinter seiner Mutter.
The shy girl hid behind her mother.
When 'schüchtern' (shy) describes a person, it often appears with verbs like 'sein' (to be), 'wirken' (to seem), or 'werden' (to become). It is frequently used to characterize children or young people.
In neuen Situationen wirkt sie anfangs immer etwas schüchtern.
In new situations, she always seems a bit shy at first.
In this meaning, 'schüchtern' (timid) often describes nonverbal communication or cautious actions. Typical combinations are 'ein schüchternes Lächeln' (a timid smile), 'eine schüchterne Frage' (a timid question), or 'ein schüchterner Versuch' (a timid attempt).
Sie machte einen ersten, schüchternen Versuch, das Gespräch zu beginnen.
She made a first, timid attempt to start the conversation.
careful / cautious
'vorsichtig' and 'schüchtern' can both describe someone not acting strongly or openly right away. But 'vorsichtig' means that someone is attentive and wants to avoid mistakes, danger, or harm. That can be very sensible. 'schüchtern' more often describes insecurity in contact with other people, or an action done without much self-confidence. Learners may confuse the words because both can sometimes seem like 'zurückhaltend' (reserved). When it is about safety or risk, 'vorsichtig' fits better. When it is about insecurity around people, 'schüchtern' fits better.
Beim ersten Treffen war Tom schüchtern und sprach nur wenig.
At the first meeting, Tom was shy and spoke very little.
Lisa trägt die heiße Suppe vorsichtig zum Tisch.
Lisa carefully carries the hot soup to the table.