Translation guide
Expressing embarrassment in Japanese involves a range of words and phrases that convey shyness, awkwardness, or shame. The most common and versatile term is 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), but other expressions like 照れる (tereru) and きまりが悪い (kimari ga warui) capture different nuances. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the situation and intensity of the feeling.
Expressing a general feeling of embarrassment, shyness, or self-consciousness, often in social situations.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'embarrassed' or 'shy'. It can describe a feeling about oneself, a situation, or an action. It is often used when one feels exposed or self-conscious.
I'm embarrassed to speak in front of people.
A verb meaning to feel shy or bashful, often in a positive or endearing way, such as when receiving a compliment. It implies a warm, slightly awkward feeling rather than deep shame.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to feel awkward or embarrassed, often due to a social faux pas or an uncomfortable situation. It emphasizes the discomfort of the moment.
I felt embarrassed/awkward for being late.
A verb meaning 'to be shy' or 'to act embarrassed'. It describes someone's behavior of showing embarrassment, often used for children or people who are easily flustered.
Expressing a stronger, more serious feeling of shame, humiliation, or disgrace, often due to a moral failing or a major mistake.
A verb meaning 'to feel ashamed' or 'to be ashamed of oneself'. It carries a heavier, more serious tone than 恥ずかしい and is often used in formal or reflective contexts.
Describing a sense of awkwardness or discomfort in a situation, not necessarily deep shame but a feeling of not fitting in or being out of place.
Expressing the feeling of embarrassment on behalf of someone else who is doing something cringeworthy.
Literally 'embarrassing to watch', this phrase conveys secondhand embarrassment. It is used when someone else's actions make you cringe.
恥ずかしい is a general adjective for embarrassment or shyness, often with a negative or uncomfortable nuance. 照れる is a verb that describes a bashful, often positive reaction to attention or compliments. Use 照れる when you feel shy but not deeply ashamed.
I was so embarrassed my face turned red.
I get embarrassed when I'm praised that much.
褒められて照れた。
I got embarrassed (in a bashful way) when I was praised.
He gets shy in front of her.
誰も笑わなくてきまりが悪い雰囲気になった。
Nobody laughed, and the atmosphere became awkward.
The child hid out of embarrassment.
I am ashamed of my actions.
He has nothing to be ashamed of.
A formal expression meaning 'to feel ashamed' or 'to lose face'. It is often used when one has failed to meet expectations or caused trouble for others, emphasizing loss of honor.
I am ashamed that I couldn't meet your expectations.
A common phrase meaning 'to be embarrassed' or 'to make a fool of oneself'. It focuses on the experience of public humiliation or a blunder.
I tripped in front of everyone and was embarrassed.
You'll embarrass yourself if you do that.
An adjective meaning 'awkward' or 'uncomfortable', often used to describe the atmosphere between people after a disagreement or an embarrassing moment.
An awkward silence continued.
I felt awkward when I ran into my ex-boyfriend.
A phrase meaning 'to feel uncomfortable' or 'out of place' in a physical or social environment. It emphasizes the discomfort of being somewhere you don't belong.
I felt uncomfortable at the party because I didn't know anyone.
His dancing is embarrassing to watch.
A phrase meaning 'it makes me embarrassed (even though it's not about me)'. It expresses that someone else's behavior is so awkward that you feel embarrassed yourself.
That speech made me feel embarrassed for them.
照れて笑った。
I smiled bashfully.
English speakers often say 'I'm embarrassed for you', but a direct translation like あなたのために恥ずかしい is unnatural. Instead, use phrases like 見ていて恥ずかしい or こっちが恥ずかしくなる to express secondhand embarrassment.