Translation guide
The feeling of being ashamed, self-conscious, or uncomfortable in a social situation. Japanese has several words for embarrassment, but they differ in nuance and usage. The most common and versatile word is 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), which covers personal embarrassment, shyness, and shame. Other terms like 照れる (tereru) focus on bashfulness from praise or attention, while きまりが悪い (kimari ga warui) describes awkwardness from a social blunder. This guide helps you choose the right expression for different situations.
Expressing a feeling of embarrassment, shame, or self-consciousness about oneself or one's actions.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'embarrassed' or 'ashamed'. It can describe personal embarrassment, shyness, or a sense of shame. Often used when you feel self-conscious or when something is embarrassing to you.
I'm embarrassed to speak in public.
A noun meaning 'shame' or 'disgrace'. It is more serious than 恥ずかしい and often implies a loss of honor or public humiliation. Used in formal or literary contexts.
A phrase meaning 'to have an embarrassing experience' or 'to feel embarrassed'. It emphasizes the experience of embarrassment.
Feeling shy or awkward when receiving compliments, attention, or when something personal is revealed.
A verb meaning 'to feel shy' or 'to be bashful', often in a positive or endearing way. It's used when you're embarrassed by compliments, attention, or romantic situations. Unlike 恥ずかしい, it doesn't carry a sense of shame.
Feeling uncomfortable or awkward because of a mistake, an inappropriate action, or an awkward silence.
A set phrase meaning 'to feel awkward' or 'to be embarrassed', often due to a social faux pas or an uncomfortable situation. It focuses on the awkwardness rather than shame.
Feeling embarrassed on behalf of someone else who is doing something cringeworthy.
Literally 'embarrassing to watch'. Used when you feel secondhand embarrassment from observing someone else's awkward or cringey behavior.
Referring to an action or situation that brings shame or dishonor.
恥ずかしい is the general word for embarrassment and can cover shame, shyness, or self-consciousness. 照れる is specifically about bashfulness from positive attention, like compliments or romantic feelings. きまりが悪い is about awkwardness from a social mistake or uncomfortable situation. Use 恥ずかしい when you're ashamed of something, 照れる when you're happily embarrassed, and きまりが悪い when you feel awkward.
I'm embarrassed because I made a mistake.
I was so embarrassed when I tripped in front of everyone.
It's embarrassing to ask something like that.
He was embarrassed/humiliated.
Have you no shame?
I had an embarrassing experience on the train yesterday.
I got embarrassed when I was praised.
He smiled bashfully.
An adjective meaning 'embarrassing' in a bashful, self-conscious way. Similar to 照れる but used to describe a situation or feeling.
It's embarrassing to say this, but thank you.
I got his name wrong and felt awkward.
Nobody was talking, so it was an awkward atmosphere.
An adjective meaning 'awkward' or 'uncomfortable', especially describing an atmosphere or relationship. It implies tension or unease between people.
I ran into my ex and it was awkward.
His dancing is embarrassing to watch.
Literally 'I become embarrassed'. Expresses that you feel embarrassed for someone else's actions.
He sang so loudly that I felt embarrassed for him.
A noun meaning 'disgrace' or 'shameful display'. It implies that someone has brought shame upon themselves or their group. Stronger and more judgmental than 恥.
Doing something like that brings shame on the family.
A noun meaning 'dishonor' or 'disgrace'. Used in formal contexts to describe a stain on one's reputation.
He retired in disgrace.
好きな人に会って照れる。
I feel shy when I see my crush.
Nobody laughed, and it was awkward.
The noun 恥 (はじ) is much stronger than the English 'embarrassment'. It often implies deep shame or dishonor. Using it for minor everyday embarrassments can sound overly dramatic. Stick to 恥ずかしい for most situations.
She blushed from embarrassment.
It's nothing to be embarrassed about.