Translation guide
The English word 'shame' covers a range of feelings from embarrassment to deep moral disgrace. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on whether the focus is on social embarrassment, personal regret, loss of honor, or the act of shaming someone. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Expressing a feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness about a situation, often in social contexts.
The most common word for 'embarrassing' or 'ashamed' in everyday situations. It describes the feeling of self-consciousness or shyness, not necessarily moral shame.
I feel embarrassed speaking in front of people.
I feel embarrassed when you praise me so much.
To feel shy or bashful, often in a positive or cute way. Used when you're flustered by attention or compliments.
He's feeling shy from being praised.
Feeling awkward or embarrassed, often due to a social faux pas or an uncomfortable situation.
I felt awkward because I forgot our appointment.
Expressing a deep sense of shame about one's actions, often involving guilt or loss of honor.
The noun for 'shame' or 'disgrace'. Often used in phrases about knowing shame or bringing shame.
He has no shame.
It's a disgrace to do such a thing.
Dishonor or disgrace, often used in formal or serious contexts like damaging one's reputation.
A stain on one's honor; a bad reputation. Used in phrases like 'clear one's name'.
Expressing that something is regrettable or a pity, not necessarily about personal shame.
The standard way to say 'that's a shame' or 'that's too bad'. It expresses regret or disappointment.
It's a shame the game was canceled due to rain.
Used when something is almost good but falls short; 'so close!' or 'what a waste'. Can also mean 'regrettable'.
The act of making someone feel ashamed or humiliated.
Referring to the concept of shame as a mechanism of social control, often contrasted with guilt.
The phrase 'shame culture' is used in academic contexts to describe societies where shame is a primary means of enforcing norms. In everyday Japanese, you might simply talk about 世間体 (sekentei, 'appearances in society') or 面目 (menboku, 'face').
Japan is sometimes said to be a shame culture.
恥ずかしい (hazukashii) is an adjective describing the feeling of embarrassment, while 恥 (haji) is a noun meaning shame or disgrace. Use 恥ずかしい for 'I'm embarrassed' and 恥 for 'bring shame' or 'have no shame'.
I was so embarrassed my face turned red.
He brought shame upon his family.
English 'what a shame' is not about personal shame but regret. Never translate it as 恥. Use 残念 (zannen) or 惜しい (oshii) instead.
That's a shame, isn't it?
I'm ashamed of what I did.
It's a shame you can't come.
それは家族にとって不名誉なことだ。
That is a disgrace to the family.
He fought to clear his name.
あと少しで合格だったのに、惜しい！
You almost passed—what a shame!
To humiliate or disgrace someone, often in a more severe or intentional way.
He made remarks that humiliated his opponent.