What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coy
Example
She was being coy about her plans for the weekend. [coy: adjective]
Example
He gave her a coy smile before walking away. [coy: adjective]
shy
Example
She's always been shy around new people. [shy: adjective]
Example
He's too shy to ask her out on a date. [shy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shy is more commonly used than coy in everyday language. Shy is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while coy is a more specific term that is often used in romantic or flirtatious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coy and shy?
Both coy and shy are informal words that are more commonly used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
