Translation guide
How to express being embarrassed, humiliated, or outdone in Japanese, from mild awkwardness to deep disgrace.
Expressing that someone feels ashamed or embarrassed, often due to a mistake or social blunder.
A common phrase meaning 'to embarrass oneself' or 'to be put to shame'. It focuses on the feeling of shame from one's own actions.
I tripped in front of everyone and was put to shame.
A more formal expression meaning 'to lose face' or 'to be disgraced'. Often used in professional or serious contexts.
He was put to shame by that failure.
An adjective meaning 'embarrassing' or 'ashamed'. Used to describe the feeling directly, often in first-person.
I'm put to shame when you say things like that.
Expressing that someone else's superior performance makes you look bad or feel inferior.
Literally 'to smear mud on someone's face', meaning to bring shame or disgrace upon someone, often by outdoing them publicly.
His amazing performance put me to shame.
A verb meaning 'to be inferior in comparison' or 'to pale in comparison'. Used when something or someone seems less impressive next to another.
Means 'cannot compete with' or 'is no match for'. Implies being outclassed, leading to a sense of shame.
Expressing a severe loss of reputation or public shaming.
The English phrase 'be put to shame' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. It is usually expressed through phrases about embarrassment, losing face, or being outdone. Translating word-for-word will sound unnatural.
恥をかく is used for everyday embarrassment, while 面目を失う is more serious and formal, implying a loss of honor or reputation.
Standing next to her, I'm put to shame.
彼の知識には敵わないよ。
I'm put to shame by his knowledge.
彼は屈辱を味わった。
He was put to shame (experienced humiliation).