What it means
کمرو (kamru) describes a person who is shy or bashful: someone who holds back in social situations, avoids putting themselves forward, or feels uncomfortable around strangers. The word is built from two native Persian elements, کم (kam, meaning little or low) and رو (ru, meaning face), so the literal sense is something like “low-faced” or “with little face to show.” A close synonym is خجالتی (khejâlati), though کمرو feels slightly more neutral and less tied to the idea of blushing or being easily embarrassed.
How to use it
- اون خیلی کمروئه، تو جمع حرف نمیزنه. (un khéyli kamrue, tu jam’ harf nemi-zane.) “He is very shy, he does not speak in groups.”
- بچهی کمرویی بود، ولی حالا خیلی عوض شده. (bache-ye kamruyi bud, vali hâlâ khéyli avaz shodé.) “She was a shy child, but she has changed a lot now.”
- نذار کمروییت مانعت بشه. (nazâr kamruyi-at mâne’t beshe.) “Do not let your shyness get in your way.”
- دخترم جلوی غریبهها کمروئه. (dokhtar-am jelo-ye gharibehâ kamrueh.) “My daughter is bashful around strangers.”
Cultural note
In Persian culture, a degree of کمرویی in children is often viewed with gentle affection rather than concern, sometimes even seen as a sign of good upbringing. Adults who are کمرو may be described warmly as modest or unassuming. However, in professional contexts, excessive کمرویی can be gently discouraged, with elders advising younger people to “show their face” more confidently in social settings.