Translation guide
The English word "embarrassing" describes a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you are describing a situation, your own feeling, or someone else's behavior. The most common and versatile word is 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), but other expressions like 気まずい (kimazui) for awkward atmospheres or ばつが悪い (batsu ga warui) for personal discomfort are also important.
恥ずかしい！
That's embarrassing!
Expressing that something makes you feel embarrassed, shy, or self-conscious in a broad sense.
The most common and direct translation for 'embarrassing'. It can describe a situation, action, or feeling. It covers shyness, shame, and awkwardness. Often used for personal embarrassment.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
Speaking in public is embarrassing.
そんなこと聞くのは恥ずかしいよ。
It's embarrassing to ask something like that.
Describes a bashful, shy embarrassment, often from receiving compliments or attention. More about feeling awkwardly flattered than deeply ashamed.
褒められると照れくさい。
I feel embarrassed when I get praised.
Feeling awkward or embarrassed due to a social faux pas or an uncomfortable situation. Literally 'the rule is bad', implying a breach of social norms.
遅刻してきまりが悪かった。
I felt embarrassed for being late.
Describing a situation or mood that is awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassing for everyone involved.
Specifically refers to an awkward atmosphere between people, often after an argument, misunderstanding, or when something uncomfortable has happened. Not used for personal shyness.
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。
It was awkward meeting my ex-girlfriend.
Similar to きまりが悪い, but often implies a personal sense of awkwardness or guilt in a social situation. Can be used for both the feeling and the situation.
Expressing that something is not just embarrassing but deeply shameful, disgraceful, or mortifying.
The attributive form of 恥ず (to be ashamed). Means 'shameful' or 'disgraceful', often used to criticize behavior. More formal and stronger than 恥ずかしい.
それは恥ずべき行為だ。
That is a shameful act.
A formal expression meaning 'to feel ashamed' or 'to lose face'. Used when one has failed to meet expectations or caused trouble.
Feeling embarrassed on behalf of someone else who is doing something cringeworthy.
Literally 'embarrassing to watch'. Used when someone else's actions make you cringe.
彼のダンスは見ていて恥ずかしい。
His dancing is embarrassing to watch.
Literally 'I become embarrassed'. Conveys secondhand embarrassment, as if you are the one feeling it.
あんなに自慢されるとこっちが恥ずかしくなる。
When he brags like that, it makes me feel embarrassed for him.
恥ずかしい is about personal embarrassment or shyness. 気まずい is about an awkward atmosphere between people. You can feel 恥ずかしい alone, but 気まずい always involves others.
転んで恥ずかしかった。
I was embarrassed because I fell.
喧嘩の後、気まずい雰囲気になった。
After the fight, the atmosphere became awkward.
While 恥ずかしい can mean 'ashamed', for deep moral shame or guilt, words like 恥じる (はじる) or 後悔 (こうかい) might be more appropriate. 恥ずかしい often sounds lighter, like 'embarrassed'.
まだぬいぐるみと寝ているなんて恥ずかしい。
It's embarrassing to admit I still sleep with a stuffed animal.
冗談の後の沈黙がすごく気まずかった。
The silence after my joke was so awkward.
I feel awkward in front of him.
ご迷惑をおかけして面目ない。
I am deeply ashamed for causing you trouble.