照れる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 照れる (てれる) is an intransitive verb meaning to feel embarrassed or bashful, often in response to praise or thanks.
• Basic usage: It describes becoming embarrassed when praised publicly or smiling shyly after hearing words of gratitude.
  • みんなの前で褒められると、彼はすぐ照れる。 — He quickly becomes embarrassed when praised in front of everyone.
  • 祖父は感謝の言葉を聞いて少し照れたように笑った。 — My grandfather smiled shyly after hearing the thanks.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Bashfulness after praise
  • 照れる is not limited to shame over wrongdoing; it also describes bashfulness prompted by praise or gratitude. 照れたように indicates that someone appears shy.