Japanese · Emotions & Feelings
恥ずかしい
hazukashii
Embarrassed / Ashamed / Shy
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Describes the feeling of embarrassment or shyness. Saving face (顔を立てる kao wo tateru) and avoiding public embarrassment is a significant social value in Japan.
Example
人前で失敗して恥ずかしかったです。
I was embarrassed to fail in front of people.
Etymology
恥ずかしい (hazukashii) combines 恥, meaning 'shame,' with ずかしい, an adjectival form. It historically reflects feelings of shame or discomfort in social situations.
How & Where It’s Used
恥ずかしい is typically used in informal contexts, focusing on personal feelings of embarrassment. It is a widely shared experience and understood across all regions of Japan.