Translation guide
How to express the idea of bringing shame or dishonor upon oneself in Japanese, ranging from mild embarrassment to serious loss of face.
To do something that causes others to lose respect for you; to act in a way that damages your reputation or honor.
Literally 'to incur shame'. A common, versatile phrase for embarrassing oneself or being put in a shameful situation, often through one's own actions.
To do something awkward or foolish that makes you feel ashamed or self-conscious, but not necessarily involving serious dishonor.
Literally 'to have an embarrassing experience'. A natural way to say you felt embarrassed by your own actions.
スピーチで言葉を間違えて恥ずかしい思いをした。
I embarrassed myself by saying the wrong word in my speech.
To bring shame not just on oneself but on one's family, company, or social group.
Literally 'to stain the family name'. Used when someone's actions bring dishonor to the family, often in traditional or dramatic contexts.
犯罪を犯して家名を汚した。
He disgraced the family name by committing a crime.
The English phrase 'disgrace oneself' does not have a single direct equivalent. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 自分を不名誉にする) sounds unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases above depending on the nuance.
恥をかく is used for everyday embarrassment or shame, while 面目を失う is more serious and formal, implying a loss of honor or dignity in a social/professional context.
彼はパーティーで酔っ払って恥をかいた。
He disgraced himself by getting drunk at the party.
Literally 'to lose face'. A more formal expression for losing honor or dignity, often used in serious or professional contexts.
彼は不正が発覚して面目を失った。
He lost face when his misconduct was exposed.
An old-fashioned or literary expression meaning to bring disgrace to one's name or reputation.
そのスキャンダルで彼の家名は名折れになった。
The scandal brought disgrace upon his family name.
A more emphatic, colloquial phrase meaning 'to be deeply embarrassed' or 'to make a fool of oneself'.
人前で転んで赤っ恥をかいた。
I tripped in front of everyone and made a complete fool of myself.
Literally 'to smear mud on one's face'. An idiomatic expression meaning to bring shame or dishonor to someone (often a group or superior).
彼の不正は会社の顔に泥を塗った。
His misconduct brought disgrace upon the company.