เขิน
shy
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 shy、self-conscious、embarrassed
This word usually describes feeling shy, self-conscious, or pleasantly embarrassed around other people. I
shy、self-conscious、embarrassed
Describes feeling shy or self-conscious because of attention, praise, affection, or a socially awkward situation.
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เขินจัง khə̌ən caŋ I'm so embarrassed. เขินจัง details
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อย่าชมสิ เขินนะ yàa chom sì khə̌ən ná Don't flatter me—you're making me blush. อย่าชมสิ เขินนะ details
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เขาเขินจนหน้าแดง khǎw khə̌ən con nâa dɛɛŋ They were so embarrassed that they blushed. เขาเขินจนหน้าแดง details
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ไม่ต้องเขิน mây tɔ̂ŋ khə̌ən You don't have to be shy. ไม่ต้องเขิน details
Learning notes
Explanation
In everyday conversation, เขิน most commonly means feeling shy or self-conscious. It often carries a light or even pleasant tone, such as the embarrassment felt after receiving praise or attention from someone you like. As a state word, it can follow the subject directly: ฉันเขิน means “I'm embarrassed” or “I'm feeling shy.” The repeated form เขิน ๆ softens it to “a little shy,” ทำให้เขิน means “make someone feel embarrassed,” and เขินจนหน้าแดง means “be so embarrassed that one blushes.”
Usage
It is commonly used when someone is praised, receives romantic attention, is teased about a crush, or feels awkward around a new person. It is especially natural in casual conversation and on social media.
Caution
เขิน usually expresses mild shyness or self-conscious embarrassment, not deep shame over wrongdoing or humiliation; อาย is more suitable for the latter. For nervousness or stage fright, use ประหม่า.
Differences from similar words
1 shy synonyms
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ประหม่า means nervous or anxious, especially before performing or speaking in public. เขิน focuses on self-conscious shyness or embarrassment rather than anxiety.
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อาย covers embarrassment and shame more broadly, including shame caused by mistakes or loss of face. เขิน more often suggests mild, self-conscious shyness caused by attention, praise, or romantic interest.