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.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
I'm embarrassed to speak in front of people.
そんなに褒められると恥ずかしいです。
I get embarrassed when I'm praised that much.
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.
遅刻してきまりが悪かった。
I felt embarrassed/awkward for being late.
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.
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.
自分の行為を恥じている。
I am ashamed of my actions.
彼は何も恥じることがない。
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.
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.
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.
An adjective meaning 'awkward' or 'uncomfortable', often used to describe the atmosphere between people after a disagreement or an embarrassing moment.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An awkward silence continued.
元彼に会って気まずかった。
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.
パーティーで誰も知らなくて居心地が悪かった。
I felt uncomfortable at the party because I didn't know anyone.
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.
彼のダンスは見ていて恥ずかしい。
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.
あのスピーチはこっちが恥ずかしくなった。
That speech made me feel embarrassed for them.
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.
恥ずかしくて顔が赤くなった。
I was so embarrassed my face turned red.
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.
I got embarrassed (in a bashful way) when I was praised.
彼は彼女の前だと照れてしまう。
He gets shy in front of her.
子供は恥ずかしがって隠れた。
The child hid out of embarrassment.
ご期待に添えず面目ない。
I am ashamed that I couldn't meet your expectations.
人前で転んで恥をかいた。
I tripped in front of everyone and was embarrassed.
そんなことしたら恥をかくよ。
You'll embarrass yourself if you do that.