min5靦腼
Jyutpingmin5
Yalemíhn
Definition
Bashful, shy, or timid.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This term describes a specific kind of shyness that manifests as social awkwardness or embarrassment in front of others. It is distinct from being introverted by nature, as it focuses on the immediate feeling of being self-conscious or easily flustered in a social setting.
Examples
You do not need to be so shy, we are all friends here.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 怕醜, which is the much more common and versatile way to express being shy or bashful in daily conversation. Using 靦 can sound slightly more literary or descriptive of a specific state of being flustered rather than a general personality trait.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
