Translation guide
The English word 'disgraceful' describes behavior or situations that are shockingly unacceptable, shameful, or bring dishonor. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether you are criticizing someone's actions, describing a scandalous situation, or expressing personal shame.
To say that someone's actions are disgraceful, shameful, or dishonorable, often implying moral outrage.
Literally 'should be ashamed of'. A strong, formal way to describe disgraceful conduct. Often used in serious criticism.
彼の行動は恥ずべきものだ。
His behavior is disgraceful.
Means 'dishonorable' or 'disgraceful'. Often used for actions that bring shame to a group or family.
それは不名誉な行為だ。
That is a disgraceful act.
Means 'shameful', 'unseemly', or 'disgraceful' in a more everyday sense. Often used for behavior that is embarrassing to witness.
そんなみっともない真似はやめろ。
Stop that disgraceful behavior.
Literally 'shameless'. Stronger than 恥ずべき, implying the person has no sense of shame. Can sound harsh.
彼の恥知らずな態度には呆れる。
I'm disgusted by his disgraceful attitude.
To say that a situation or event is disgraceful, often because it involves failure, corruption, or public embarrassment.
Means 'deplorable' or 'disgraceful'. Used for situations that are regrettable and should not happen.
このような事故が起きるとは嘆かわしい。
It's disgraceful that such an accident occurred.
Means 'pathetic' or 'disgraceful'. Often used when someone or something fails to meet expectations in a shameful way.
A noun meaning 'disgraceful scene' or 'scandalous behavior'. Often used in news or formal contexts.
To say that you feel disgraced or that something is a disgrace to you personally.
Means 'humiliating' or 'disgraceful' from a personal perspective. Emphasizes the feeling of being disgraced.
人前で怒鳴られて屈辱的だった。
Being yelled at in public was disgraceful.
A formal expression meaning 'I am disgraced' or 'I have lost face'. Used to express deep shame, often for failing to meet expectations.
ご期待に添えず、面目ない。
I am disgraced that I couldn't meet your expectations.
The most common word for 'embarrassing' or 'ashamed'. Can be used for personal disgrace in casual contexts.
English speakers often overuse 'disgraceful' in situations where Japanese would use milder words like 恥ずかしい (embarrassing) or 残念 (unfortunate). Reserve strong words like 恥ずべき for serious moral condemnation.
恥ずべき is formal and judgmental, often used in writing or speeches. みっともない is more colloquial and focuses on the unsightly or embarrassing appearance of the behavior.
試合での彼らのプレーは情けなかった。
Their performance in the game was disgraceful.
政治家の醜態が報道された。
The politician's disgraceful behavior was reported.
こんな失敗をして恥ずかしい。
I'm so disgraced by this mistake.