照れます（てれます、teremasu）
- to feel shy

The Japanese word 照れます (teremasu) means "to be shy," "to be embarrassed," or "to blush." It describes the feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness that arises when someone receives attention, praise, or is put in an uncomfortable situation. It often involves a physical reaction, such as blushing. The feeling is generally positive, albeit sometimes slightly uncomfortable.

⚫︎ 褒められて、照れます Translation: I'm embarrassed to be praised. ⚫︎ そんなこと言われると、照れちゃう Translation: I get shy when you say things like that. ⚫︎ みんなの前で名前を呼ばれて、照れました Translation: I was embarrassed when my name was called in front of everyone.

⚫︎You can use 照れます in various situations. It is appropriate when you feel shy or embarrassed by something that someone says or does. ⚫︎ It is also used when you receive compliments, when someone expresses their admiration for you, or when you are the center of attention. ⚫︎It is generally used in casual to polite conversations.

⚫︎The base form of the verb is 照れる (tereru). ⚫︎It is typically written in hiragana as てれます. ⚫︎The kanji form is 照れます. ⚫︎The okurigana (the suffix hiragana) is consistent: 照れ + ます.

⚫︎ 恥ずかしい (hazukashii): embarrassed, ashamed. ⚫︎ 気恥ずかしい (kizukashii): shy, embarrassed. ⚫︎ 面映い (omohayui): shy, bashful.

There aren't direct antonyms, but words expressing opposite feelings could include: ⚫︎ 大胆 (daitan): bold, daring. ⚫︎ 平気 (heiki): unconcerned, indifferent.

素敵なプレゼントをありがとう。照れちゃいます ・Translation: Thank you for the wonderful present. I'm embarrassed. ・Explanation: The speaker is expressing shyness and appreciation for the gift.

そんなに褒められると、照れますね。 ・Translation: If you praise me so much, I get shy, don't I? ・Explanation: The speaker is responding to excessive praise, showing a feeling of embarrassment.

The kanji 照 means "to shine," "to illuminate," or "to be reflected." The verb れる is an auxiliary verb used to make the base word into passive tense. Therefore 照れます implies a sense of the speaker's emotions being "illuminated" or "reflected" outwardly, like blushing.