怯生生

qièshēngshēng

adjective

Meanings

1 timid and shy
2 nervously hesitant
3 bashfully apprehensive

Characters

timid, cowardly

unfamiliar, raw

Examples

HSK 4

他第一天上班，怯生生地跟同事打招呼。

Tā dìyī tiān shàngbān, qièshēngshēng de gēn tóngshì dǎzhāohu.

On his first day at work, he greeted his colleagues nervously.

HSK 5

小女孩怯生生地躲在妈妈身后，不敢看客人。

Xiǎonǚhái qièshēngshēng de duǒ zài māma shēnhòu, bù gǎn kàn kèren.

The little girl hid timidly behind her mother, too shy to look at the guests.

Tips

usage

Describes shyness tinged with fear - not mere modesty. Often used for children, newcomers, or anyone facing an unfamiliar setting. Pairs with verbs like 躲, 问, 说话, 走.

Stroke Order

怯 qiè

生 shēng