Translation guide
How to express the idea of embarrassing oneself through foolish actions or words in Japanese.
The speaker did something silly or clumsy and feels embarrassed or looks stupid as a result.
The speaker deliberately acts foolish or playful to entertain others, not necessarily feeling shame.
Means to act playfully or clown around, often to make others laugh. It implies intentional, light-hearted foolishness.
彼はいつもおどけてみせて、みんなを笑わせる。
He always makes a fool of himself to make everyone laugh.
The speaker said something foolish or inappropriate and now feels embarrassed or looks stupid.
Literally 'to say a stupid thing'. A straightforward way to express that you said something foolish.
会議でばかなことを言ってしまった。
I said something stupid in the meeting and made a fool of myself.
Do not translate 'make a fool of oneself' word-for-word. Phrases like 自分の馬鹿を作る are nonsensical. Use the natural expressions above.
恥をかく is more direct and common for 'making a fool of oneself'. 恥ずかしい思いをする is slightly softer and focuses on the emotional experience of embarrassment. Both are natural.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'to embarrass oneself' or 'to make a fool of oneself'. It focuses on the feeling of shame or loss of face.
パーティーで転んで恥をかいた。
I tripped at the party and made a fool of myself.
彼は人前で緊張して恥をかいた。
He got nervous in front of everyone and made a fool of himself.
Literally 'to have an embarrassing experience'. Slightly softer and more descriptive than 恥をかく.
スピーチで言葉を忘れて、恥ずかしい思いをした。
I forgot my words during the speech and made a fool of myself.
A stronger, more vivid expression meaning 'to expose an unsightly appearance'. Used when someone acts in a truly disgraceful or undignified way.
酔っ払ってみっともない姿をさらしてしまった。
I got drunk and made a complete fool of myself.
A general verb for 'to mess around' or 'to joke around'. Can be used when someone is being silly, though it may also imply misbehavior.
子供たちがふざけて、変な顔をしている。
The kids are making fools of themselves by making funny faces.
Means 'to make a slip of the tongue'. Used when you accidentally say something embarrassing or revealing.
つい口を滑らせて、秘密を話してしまった。
I accidentally let it slip and made a fool of myself by revealing the secret.