reserved / cautious
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reserved
Describes a person who is shy, reserved, and not very talkative. Such a person does not openly show their feelings or opinions.
Er ist ein eher zurückhaltender Typ und braucht etwas Zeit, um aufzutauen.
He is a rather reserved type and needs a little time to warm up.
cautious
Careful and hesitant with regard to an action, decision, or statement; not bold or enthusiastic.
Die Anleger reagierten zurückhaltend auf die Ankündigung des Unternehmens.
Investors reacted cautiously to the company's announcement.
'Zurückhaltend' (reserved / cautious) is the present participle of the separable verb 'zurückhalten' (to hold back). The basic meaning 'to hold something or oneself back' explains why the adjective is used both for shy people and for cautious reactions.
Er hält sich in großen Gruppen immer zurück.
He always holds back in large groups.
'Zurückhaltend' can be used not only as an adjective before a noun or with 'sein' (to be), but also as an adverb describing a verb. In that case, it remains unchanged.
Sie ist eine zurückhaltende Person.
She is a reserved person.
If 'zurückhaltend' describes a person's general character, it means 'shy' or 'reserved'. If, however, it describes a reaction or behavior in a specific situation, it means 'cautious' or 'hesitant'.
Mein neuer Kollege ist sehr freundlich, aber anfangs etwas zurückhaltend.
My new colleague is very friendly, but a bit reserved at first.
careful / cautious
For a preliminary assessment, both vorsichtig and zurückhaltend can fit. Vorsichtig emphasizes that, to hedge the statement, it is not phrased too confidently. Zurückhaltend instead suggests that someone is not yet committing themselves much or is waiting before forming a judgment.
Nach den ersten Daten äußert sich die Expertin zurückhaltend und legt sich noch nicht auf zehn Prozent fest.
Based on the first data, the expert responds cautiously and does not yet commit to ten percent.
Nach den ersten Daten schätzt die Expertin den Anstieg vorsichtig auf etwa zehn Prozent.
Based on the first data, the expert cautiously estimates the increase at around ten percent.
