Gátlott

Gátlott is a Hungarian adjective describing a person who is reserved, inhibited, or self-conscious, especially in social situations. It can refer to a temporary feeling of hesitation or to a more persistent personality trait.

Etymology and nuance: the word is related to gátol, meaning to hinder or restrain, and to the noun gátlás, inhibition or restraint. As such, gátlott implies a tendency to restrain one’s behavior, speech, or expressions in the presence of others. It is commonly used in everyday language without medical overtones, though it can appear in psychological discussions when discussing social or behavioral inhibition.

Usage: in common speech, someone described as gátlott may speak softly, avoid eye contact, or hesitate to contribute in conversations. The term often signals a modest, cautious demeanor rather than a fixed flaw. It can describe both children and adults and may reflect situational anxiety as well as a more stable temperament. Phrasal expressions include gátlott a beszélgetésben or gátlottan viselkedett.

In psychology and popular discourse, inhibition is a broader concept tied to szociális gátlás (social inhibition). A person with strong gátlások may experience difficulties initiating conversations, performing in public, or expressing opinions, though gátlott is not itself a clinical diagnosis. Related terms include félénk (shy) and visszafogott (reticent).