Translation guide
The English phrase "great shame" expresses a strong feeling of disgrace, dishonor, or regret. In Japanese, this concept is often conveyed through nouns like 恥 (haji) or 不名誉 (fumeiyo), or through expressions of deep regret like 残念 (zannen). The appropriate translation depends on whether the shame is personal, public, or a matter of lost honor.
Expressing a strong sense of personal shame or loss of face, often due to one's own actions or a failure to meet social expectations.
The most common word for 'shame' or 'disgrace'. It can be used in phrases like 恥をかく (to be embarrassed/disgraced) or 恥を知る (to know shame).
彼は大きな恥をかいた。
He suffered a great shame.
そんなことをするのは恥だ。
It's a shame to do such a thing.
Means 'dishonor' or 'disgrace', often used in more formal contexts or when referring to a stain on one's reputation.
それは家族にとって大きな不名誉だ。
That is a great shame for the family.
Means 'humiliation' or 'mortification', implying a deep, often public, sense of shame and disgrace.
彼は屈辱に耐えられなかった。
He couldn't bear the great shame.
Expressing that something is unfortunate or a pity, often used in the phrase 'it's a great shame'. This is less about personal disgrace and more about disappointment.
The most natural way to express 'it's a shame' in the sense of 'it's regrettable'. Often used with な (na) as an adjective or in phrases like 残念ながら (unfortunately).
それはとても残念だ。
That's a great shame.
残念ながら、行けません。
It's a shame, but I can't go.
Means 'regrettable' or 'too good to waste', often used when something is almost achieved or when a good opportunity is missed.
Referring to a situation that brings shame in the eyes of society, often involving a scandal or loss of face for a group.
Means 'stigma' or 'bad reputation', often used in phrases like 汚名をそそぐ (to clear one's name).
彼は汚名を着せられた。
He was branded with great shame.
Means 'scandal', implying a shameful event that becomes public.
Directly translating 'great shame' as 大きい恥 (ookii haji) is not natural. Instead, use phrases like 大きな恥 (ookina haji) or intensify with adverbs like とても (totemo) or 非常に (hijou ni) before 残念 or 恥.
それは非常に残念だ。
That is a great shame.
恥 (haji) is used for personal disgrace or embarrassment, while 残念 (zannen) is for expressing regret over a situation. If you feel personally responsible, use 恥; if you are simply disappointed, use 残念.
It's a shame we lost.
Expresses regret over waste or a missed opportunity. Can be used when something good is not taken advantage of, similar to 'what a shame'.
そんな才能が使われないのはもったいない。
It's a great shame that such talent isn't used.
その醜聞は会社に大きな恥をもたらした。
The scandal brought great shame to the company.