Translation guide
Expressing shame, embarrassment, or a sense of having done something wrong in Japanese. The language offers several nuanced terms depending on the cause and depth of the feeling.
Expressing a light, often social embarrassment, like feeling awkward or shy about a minor mistake or situation.
The most common and versatile word for feeling embarrassed, shy, or ashamed. It covers a wide range from mild awkwardness to deeper shame, but is often used for everyday situations.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
I feel embarrassed speaking in front of people.
そんなに褒められると恥ずかしいです。
I feel embarrassed when you praise me so much.
To feel shy or bashful, often in a positive or endearing way, like when receiving a compliment. It implies a warm, slightly awkward feeling rather than deep shame.
彼は褒められて照れている。
He's feeling shy after being praised.
Feeling awkward or uncomfortable due to a social misstep or an embarrassing situation. It focuses on the loss of face or the awkwardness of the moment.
遅刻して、きまりが悪かった。
I felt awkward for being late.
Expressing a strong sense of shame, disgrace, or guilt over a serious mistake, moral failing, or dishonorable act.
To feel ashamed of one's actions or qualities, often with a moral or social dimension. It implies a deeper, more reflective shame than 恥ずかしい.
自分の行為を恥じている。
I am ashamed of my actions.
Literally 'to know shame,' meaning to have a sense of shame or to be capable of feeling disgrace. Often used in negative form to criticize shamelessness.
A formal expression of deep shame and loss of face, often used when one has failed to meet expectations or caused trouble. Common in business or serious apologies.
Expressing shame mixed with guilt, often because one has done something wrong that affects others.
Feeling guilty or having a guilty conscience, as if someone is watching or judging you. It implies a lingering sense of wrongdoing.
嘘をついたことが後ろめたい。
I feel guilty about having lied.
Literally 'one's heart hurts,' used to express emotional pain from guilt or regret over one's actions.
彼を傷つけて心が痛む。
It pains me to have hurt him.
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about how one looks, one's circumstances, or something one possesses.
Describes something or someone as shameful or disgraceful in appearance or behavior. Often used to criticize oneself or others for being unseemly.
こんな格好じゃみっともない。
I look shameful in this outfit.
Also used for embarrassment about one's appearance or situation, though it's more general.
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed because of someone else's actions, often a family member or close associate.
To be embarrassed or humiliated, often due to someone else's behavior. It can also mean to cause someone to lose face.
息子のせいで恥をかいた。
I was embarrassed because of my son.
To be utterly embarrassed or humiliated in public. Stronger than 恥をかく.
会議で赤っ恥をかいた。
I was completely humiliated at the meeting.
恥ずかしい is a general feeling of embarrassment or shame, often negative. 照れる is a lighter, more positive shyness, like blushing from a compliment. Use 照れる when the feeling is not deeply unpleasant.
恥ずかしくて顔が真っ赤になった。
I was so embarrassed my face turned bright red.
褒められて照れちゃった。
I got all shy when they praised me.
English 'ashamed' can be strong, but Japanese 恥ずかしい is often used for mild embarrassment. If you want to express deep moral shame, use 恥じる or 面目ない. Using 恥ずかしい for serious matters may sound too light.
自分のしたことを恥じている。
I'm ashamed of what I did.
照れないで！
Don't be shy!
転んだ時、きまりが悪かった。
I felt so awkward when I tripped.
恥を知りなさい。
Have you no shame? (lit. Know shame.)
ご迷惑をおかけして面目ない。
I am deeply ashamed for causing you trouble.
部屋が散らかっていて恥ずかしい。
I'm embarrassed that my room is messy.