Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing embarrassment depends on the cause and intensity. Common words include 恥ずかしい for general shame or self-consciousness, 照れる for bashfulness from compliments or attention, and 気まずい for awkwardness between people. The choice also depends on whether you're describing your own feeling or someone else's appearance of embarrassment.
Expressing a personal feeling of embarrassment due to a mistake, failure, or situation that makes you feel exposed or judged.
The most common and versatile word for 'embarrassed'. It covers feelings of shame, self-consciousness, and awkwardness about oneself. Can be used for both minor and serious situations.
I was embarrassed because I tripped.
Speaking in public is embarrassing.
A slightly more formal or introspective way to say 'feel embarrassed'. Often used when reflecting on one's actions.
I feel embarrassed about my mistake.
Literally 'to blush', used in written or formal contexts to describe embarrassment visible through blushing.
He blushed with embarrassment.
Expressing a pleasant, flustered embarrassment when receiving compliments, praise, or romantic attention.
Describes a bashful, pleased embarrassment, often accompanied by smiling or blushing. Common when receiving compliments or romantic attention.
I got embarrassed when I was praised.
Similar to 照れる but as an adjective. Often used to describe a situation or feeling that is awkwardly embarrassing in a shy way.
Expressing embarrassment arising from an awkward atmosphere or tension between people, not necessarily personal shame.
Describes an awkward, uncomfortable atmosphere between people. Often used when there is tension after an argument, a misunderstanding, or an embarrassing moment shared with others.
An awkward silence continued.
Means feeling awkward or embarrassed because of a social misstep or an uncomfortable situation. Similar to 気まずい but often more personal.
Expressing embarrassment felt on behalf of someone else's awkward or shameful actions.
Literally 'embarrassing to watch'. Used when you feel embarrassed for someone else's actions.
His dancing is embarrassing to watch.
Means 'it makes me embarrassed (even though it's not about me)'. Expresses secondhand embarrassment.
Expressing that embarrassment prevents you from doing something.
A common pattern meaning 'too embarrassed to do ~'. The verb after て is negated.
I'm too embarrassed to say it.
I was so embarrassed I couldn't lift my face.
Describing the appearance or behavior of someone who seems embarrassed.
恥ずかしい is general embarrassment or shame about oneself. 照れる is bashful embarrassment from positive attention. 気まずい is awkwardness between people. Use 恥ずかしい for most situations; use 照れる when you're flattered; use 気まずい when the atmosphere is tense.
In English, 'embarrassing' can describe a situation that causes embarrassment. In Japanese, 恥ずかしい describes the feeling, not the cause. To say something is embarrassing (causes embarrassment), use 恥ずかしい思いをする or rephrase. For example, 'That was embarrassing' is often 恥ずかしかった (I was embarrassed), not それは恥ずかしい (which can sound like 'that thing is shameful').
Japanese often expresses embarrassment through actions or descriptions rather than stating the feeling directly. Phrases like 顔が熱くなる (my face gets hot) or 穴があったら入りたい (I want to crawl into a hole) are common.
I was so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
Don't be embarrassed.
He looked embarrassed.
I feel embarrassed when she stares at me.
It's embarrassing to be praised this much.
It was awkward meeting my ex-girlfriend.
I felt awkward because I forgot the appointment.
When he brags like that, it makes me embarrassed.