Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing embarrassment depends on the cause: social awkwardness, shame from a mistake, self-consciousness, or shyness. The most common word is 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), but other expressions like 照れる (tereru) for bashfulness or 気まずい (kimazui) for awkwardness are also important. This guide helps you choose the right expression for the situation.
Expressing a feeling of embarrassment due to a mistake, social blunder, or shameful situation.
The most common and versatile word for 'embarrassed' or 'ashamed'. Used for personal mistakes, social blunders, or anything that makes you feel self-conscious.
転んで恥ずかしかった。
I was embarrassed because I fell.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
Speaking in public is embarrassing.
A slightly more formal way to say 'feel embarrassed'. Often used in writing or polite speech.
自分の失敗を恥ずかしく思います。
I feel embarrassed about my mistake.
Literally 'to suffer shame', meaning to be embarrassed or humiliated, often due to a public mistake.
パーティーで恥をかいた。
I made a fool of myself at the party.
Expressing a light, often pleasant embarrassment when receiving compliments, attention, or in romantic situations.
Describes a bashful, shy feeling, often with a smile or blushing. Common when receiving compliments or in romantic contexts.
褒められて照れた。
I got embarrassed when I was praised.
彼女は照れながら笑った。
She smiled bashfully.
Similar to 照れる but more adjective-like, meaning 'feel awkwardly shy/embarrassed'. Often used when you feel self-conscious about something nice.
Expressing embarrassment from an awkward atmosphere, tension, or discomfort between people.
Describes an awkward, uncomfortable feeling, often in social situations where there is tension or silence.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An awkward silence continued.
元カノに会って気まずかった。
I felt awkward when I ran into my ex-girlfriend.
Means feeling awkward or embarrassed, often because you did something wrong or are in an uncomfortable position.
Expressing a stronger sense of shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
Means 'shameful' or 'disgraceful', used to describe actions or situations that are morally embarrassing. Formal and strong.
それは恥ずべき行為だ。
That is a shameful act.
Means 'humiliating'. Used for situations that deeply wound one's pride.
恥ずかしい is general embarrassment/shame. 照れる is bashfulness from positive attention. 気まずい is awkwardness from an uncomfortable atmosphere. Use 恥ずかしい for mistakes, 照れる for compliments, and 気まずい for tense silences.
失敗して恥ずかしい。
I'm embarrassed because I made a mistake.
好きな人に会って照れる。
I feel shy when I see my crush.
喧嘩の後、気まずい。
After the fight, it's awkward.
In English, 'embarrassed' can cover shyness, awkwardness, or shame. In Japanese, using 恥ずかしい for a compliment might sound like you're ashamed. Use 照れる instead.
つまずいて恥ずかしかった。
I felt embarrassed when I tripped.
彼女は褒められて照れていた。
She looked embarrassed by the compliment.
その沈黙はとても気まずかった。
The silence was so embarrassing.
そんなに褒められると照れくさいよ。
I feel embarrassed when you praise me so much.
I felt awkward because I was late.
It was a humiliating defeat.