Usage Note
Kimî describes a person who is bashful, reserved, or timid — especially in social situations or around strangers. It is often used affectionately, as shyness is sometimes seen as endearing in Filipino culture. It is distinct from 'takot' (afraid) and describes social self-consciousness rather than fear.
Examples
" Kimi ang batang babae. "
Natural Translation
The little girl is shy.
Literal Translation
Shy the child female.
" Kimî siya sa harap ng mga hindi niya kakilala. "
Natural Translation
He/She is shy in front of people he/she doesn't know.
Literal Translation
Shy he/she in-front-of the not his/her acquaintances.
" Bagaman kimi siya sa simula, naging masaya at palabiro siya nang makasanayan na niya ang kanyang mga kaklase. "
Natural Translation
Although she was shy at first, she became cheerful and playful once she got used to her classmates.
Literal Translation
Although shy he/she at-the start, became happy and joking he/she when got-used-to already he/she the his/her classmates.
Take Tagalog with you
The full course, a 12,500-word dictionary, and flashcards that make every word stick — free to start on iOS and Android.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Tagalog Time Expressions: Past, Present & Future Guide
Tagalog has no tenses — it uses aspect. Learn time words, days of the week, clock time, and the aspect system, with vocabulary tables and cultural notes.
Spaced Repetition for Tagalog: How Flashcards Make Words Stick
Cramming Tagalog vocabulary fails. See how spaced repetition — the science behind smart flashcards — makes words stick for the long term.
May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is
May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.
Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.