At the A1 level, the concept of 'envergonhar-se' is usually introduced through its simpler adjective form, 'envergonhado' (ashamed/embarrassed), or the phrase 'ter vergonha' (to have shame). Beginners learn to say 'Eu tenho vergonha' to express shyness. The reflexive verb 'envergonhar-se' might be too complex for the very first weeks of study, but it is important to recognize the root word 'vergonha'. At this stage, learners should focus on the basic idea of feeling social discomfort. For example, 'Eu tenho vergonha de falar' (I am shy to speak). Understanding that 'vergonha' is a noun and 'envergonhado' is an adjective is the foundation for later learning the reflexive verb. A1 learners should also start noticing the 'nh' sound, which is crucial for the word's pronunciation. Simple sentences like 'Ele está envergonhado' are more common than 'Ele se envergonha' at this level. The goal is to build a basic emotional vocabulary that includes feelings like happy, sad, and embarrassed.
At the A2 level, learners begin to encounter reflexive verbs like 'envergonhar-se'. This is where you learn that the 'se' at the end of the infinitive indicates that the action is something you do to yourself or feel yourself. You will start practicing the conjugation: 'Eu me envergonho', 'Tu te envergonhas', 'Ele se envergonha'. At this level, the focus is on daily life situations, such as feeling ashamed for arriving late or making a mistake in class. You also learn to use the preposition 'de' to connect the feeling to its cause: 'Eu me envergonho de chegar atrasado'. This is a significant step up from A1 because it requires managing both the reflexive pronoun and the prepositional contraction (do, da, etc.). A2 learners should be able to describe simple social faux pas using this verb and understand its use in basic stories or dialogues. It's about moving from 'I am shy' to 'I feel ashamed of this specific thing'.
By the B1 level, learners should be comfortable using 'envergonhar-se' in various tenses, including the preterite and the imperfect. You will use it to discuss past experiences and feelings in more detail. For example, 'Eu me envergonhei muito quando caí na rua' (I felt very ashamed when I fell in the street). At this level, you also start to understand the difference between 'envergonhar-se' and 'sentir-se humilhado' or 'arrepender-se'. B1 learners can use the verb to express opinions on social issues, such as being ashamed of pollution or political scandals. The use of the verb followed by an infinitive is also common here: 'Ela se envergonha de não falar a verdade'. You are expected to handle the pronoun placement more naturally, especially the difference between Brazilian and European Portuguese. This level is about expanding the context of the word from personal mishaps to broader social and moral reflections.
At the B2 level, 'envergonhar-se' is used with more nuance and in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive mood. For example, 'É uma pena que ele se envergonhe de sua família' (It's a pity that he is ashamed of his family). Learners at this stage can discuss abstract concepts like national shame, corporate responsibility, and deep psychological states. You will also encounter the word in more formal media, such as editorials or academic essays. B2 students should be familiar with related idioms and more sophisticated synonyms. You can use the verb to describe complex emotional states in literature or film reviews. The focus here is on precision—knowing when 'envergonhar-se' is more appropriate than 'ter vergonha' to convey a specific tone. You also start to use the verb in the future and conditional tenses to discuss hypothetical situations: 'Eu me envergonharia se fizesse isso'.
At the C1 level, 'envergonhar-se' is part of a rich, nuanced vocabulary used for advanced analysis and expression. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts of shame and guilt, drawing distinctions between internal and external moral regulators. C1 learners are expected to use the verb flawlessly in formal writing, including correct pronoun placement in complex sentences. You might encounter the word in classical literature or legal documents where 'envergonhar-se' takes on a more heavy, moralistic tone. At this level, you also understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different Lusophone cultures. For example, how 'vergonha' functions in the context of 'honra' (honor) in traditional Portuguese society. You can use the verb in rhetorical questions and sophisticated arguments: 'Como não se envergonhar diante de tamanha injustiça?'. Your mastery of the word includes its use in all moods and tenses, including the more obscure ones like the pluperfect.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'envergonhar-se'. You can use it with absolute precision to convey the exact shade of shame or embarrassment intended. You are familiar with its use in the highest forms of literature, from the works of Camões to modern-day novelists. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence the word's modern usage. At this level, you can play with the word's placement and use it in highly stylized or poetic ways. You are also aware of very rare synonyms and how 'envergonhar-se' has evolved over centuries. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing the weight the word carries in the collective psyche of Portuguese speakers. You can participate in high-level debates about ethics and morality where 'envergonhar-se' is a key concept, using it to articulate complex emotional and social positions with ease and elegance.

envergonhar-se في 30 ثانية

  • A reflexive verb meaning 'to be ashamed' or 'to feel embarrassed'.
  • Requires reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, vos).
  • Commonly followed by the preposition 'de' (of).
  • Used in both formal and emotional contexts.

The Portuguese reflexive verb envergonhar-se is a sophisticated way to express the internal state of feeling shame, embarrassment, or guilt. Unlike the more common colloquial phrase ter vergonha (to have shame/be shy), envergonhar-se specifically denotes the action of the emotion taking hold of the subject. It is deeply rooted in the Latin word verecundia, which relates to modesty and respect. In contemporary Portuguese, it covers a spectrum from mild social awkwardness to deep moral regret. You will encounter this word in formal writing, literature, and serious conversations where one discusses personal accountability or social standing.

Emotional Depth
This verb is used when the feeling of shame is an active process. It implies a reaction to a specific event or realization about one's behavior or circumstances.
Social Context
It is frequently used in discussions about public image or family honor. If a person feels they have let down their community, they 'se envergonham'.
Grammatical Requirement
As a reflexive verb, it must always be accompanied by a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos) that matches the subject performing the action.

The nuance of envergonhar-se often leans toward a more profound or lasting sense of shame than the English 'to be embarrassed,' which can sometimes be fleeting. For instance, if you trip in public, you might be envergonhado (the adjective), but if you commit a moral transgression, you envergonha-se (the verb action) of your past. It is a word that carries weight in Portuguese culture, where 'vergonha' is a significant social regulator.

Ele envergonha-se do que disse ontem à noite na festa.

Nós nos envergonhamos da falta de infraestrutura na cidade.

Não precisas de envergonhar-te por cometer erros ao falar português.

Muitos políticos deveriam envergonhar-se de suas ações corruptas.

Eu me envergonho de não ter ajudado quando tive a chance.

Furthermore, the concept of 'envergonhar-se' is central to many Portuguese idioms. It isn't just about the personal feeling; it's about the social mirror. When you 'envergonha-se', you are acknowledging a gap between who you are and who you should be according to social or personal standards. This makes it a powerful verb in narrative storytelling and dramatic dialogues. It contrasts with 'sentir-se humilhado' (to feel humiliated), which is often something done to you by others, whereas 'envergonhar-se' is an internal realization.

Using envergonhar-se correctly requires mastering two key components: the reflexive pronoun and the prepositional bridge. Because it is a reflexive verb, the action reflects back onto the subject. If I am the one feeling the shame, I must use 'me'. If you are the one, you use 'te' or 'se'. This structure is vital for clarity in Portuguese. Without the pronoun, 'envergonhar' means 'to shame someone else,' which changes the meaning entirely. Therefore, accuracy in pronoun usage is the first step toward fluency with this word.

Reflexive Pronoun Placement
In declarative sentences in Brazil: 'Eu me envergonho'. In Portugal: 'Envergonho-me'. After negatives like 'não': 'Não me envergonho'.
The Preposition 'De'
Always connect the verb to the cause of shame using 'de'. Example: 'Envergonho-me DE ti' (I am ashamed of you).
Tense Changes
Past: 'Eu me envergonhei' (I felt ashamed). Future: 'Eu me envergonharei' (I will feel ashamed).

Let's look at how the meaning shifts slightly depending on the context. In a professional setting, 'envergonhar-se' might refer to a mistake in a report. In a romantic context, it might refer to a betrayal or a clumsy comment. The verb is flexible but always maintains its core of internal discomfort. It is also important to note that the verb can be followed by an infinitive verb: 'Eu me envergonho de admitir' (I am ashamed to admit). This is a very common structure for expressing reluctance or confession.

Ela se envergonha de ter mentido para os pais.

Vocês se envergonham do comportamento dos seus amigos?

O menino envergonhou-se quando a professora o elogiou na frente de todos.

Nós nunca nos envergonharemos das nossas origens humildes.

Ele se envergonhava de sua calvície precoce.

Finally, consider the difference between 'envergonhar-se' and 'ficar envergonhado'. While 'envergonhar-se' is the action of feeling shame, 'ficar envergonhado' focuses on the transition into that state (to become embarrassed). In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 'envergonhar-se' often feels more literary and deliberate. If you want to sound more sophisticated in your Portuguese writing, opting for the reflexive verb form over the 'ficar + adjective' construction is a great strategy.

You will hear envergonhar-se in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from intense family dramas to news broadcasts and religious sermons. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, the concept of 'vergonha' (shame) is a powerful social glue. Thus, the verb that describes the act of feeling that shame is frequently used. In soap operas (telenovelas), characters often exclaim their shame or accuse others of it. For example, a parent might say to a child, 'Não te envergonhas do que fizeste?' (Are you not ashamed of what you did?). This emotional weight makes the word a staple in dramatic dialogue.

News and Media
Journalists use it when reporting on scandals. 'A nação se envergonha da corrupção' is a common headline structure.
Literature and Poetry
Poets use it to describe the vulnerability of the human soul. It often appears in 19th-century romantic literature.
Daily Conversations
Though 'ter vergonha' is more common in casual chat, 'envergonhar-se' is used when someone wants to emphasize the depth of the feeling.

In Brazil, you might hear this word in public discourse regarding social inequalities. Activists might say that the country 'se envergonha' of its history of slavery or current poverty levels. In Portugal, the word might be heard in more traditional settings, perhaps in a village where social reputation is paramount. The word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a window into the values of the Lusophone world. Whether it's a teenager feeling 'envergonhado' by their parents' behavior or a citizen 'envergonhando-se' of their government, the verb is everywhere.

No tribunal, o réu disse que se envergonhava profundamente de seus crimes.

Muitas pessoas se envergonham de chorar em público.

Ao ver as fotos antigas, ela envergonhou-se do seu penteado dos anos 80.

When listening to Portuguese music, particularly Fado or Bossa Nova, keep an ear out for this verb. In Fado, it often relates to the 'saudade' and the regret of past actions. In modern pop, it might be used in a more lighthearted way, perhaps about a crush. The versatility of 'envergonhar-se' across genres and social strata proves its importance in the language. It is a word that bridges the gap between the purely emotional and the strictly social.

English speakers often struggle with envergonhar-se due to the reflexive nature of the verb and the false cognate 'embarrassed'. One of the most frequent errors is omitting the reflexive pronoun entirely. Saying 'Eu envergonho de você' instead of 'Eu me envergonho de você' is a major mistake that changes the meaning to 'I shame you.' Another common pitfall is using the wrong preposition. English uses 'ashamed OF,' and luckily Portuguese uses 'de,' but students often forget to contract 'de' with articles, resulting in 'de o' instead of 'do'.

The 'Embaraçar' Trap
Never use 'embaraçar' to mean 'to be embarrassed.' In Portuguese, 'embaraçar' means to entangle, to clutter, or to make something complicated. Use 'envergonhar-se' instead.
Pronoun Placement Errors
Mixing up European and Brazilian placement. While both are usually understood, using the wrong one in a specific context can sound unnatural.
Confusing Verb with Adjective
Using 'Eu sou envergonhado' (I am a shy person) when you mean 'Eu me envergonho' (I feel ashamed of this specific thing).

Another subtle mistake is the over-reliance on 'ter vergonha'. While 'ter vergonha' is perfectly correct, using 'envergonhar-se' shows a higher level of linguistic competence. Students also sometimes forget that 'envergonhar-se' can be followed by a verb in the infinitive. For example, 'Eu me envergonho de ter feito isso' is the correct way to say 'I am ashamed of having done that.' Forgetting the 'de' before the infinitive is a common error for beginners.

Errado: Eu envergonho do meu erro.
Correto: Eu me envergonho do meu erro.

Errado: Ela está embaraçada (meaning ashamed).
Correto: Ela está envergonhada.

Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'nh' sound. It is similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon' or the 'ñ' in Spanish. Many English speakers pronounce it as a simple 'n,' which can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize. Practice saying 'en-ver-go-nyar-se' slowly to master the nasalized sound. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your ability to express complex emotions in Portuguese.

While envergonhar-se is a powerful verb, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the intensity and context of the feeling. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. For instance, 'ter vergonha' is the most common way to say 'to be ashamed' or 'to be shy' in everyday speech. It is less formal than 'envergonhar-se' and very versatile. If you want to describe the physical reaction of turning red, you would use 'corar' or 'ficar vermelho'.

Ter vergonha vs. Envergonhar-se
'Ter vergonha' is often a trait (shyness) or a general feeling. 'Envergonhar-se' is a more specific, often more intense, reaction to an event.
Sentir-se humilhado
To feel humiliated. This is stronger and usually implies that someone else has caused the shame.
Arrepender-se
To repent or regret. While different from shame, it often accompanies the act of 'envergonhar-se' after a moral mistake.

Another interesting alternative is 'acanhado', an adjective meaning shy or sheepish. If someone is 'acanhado', they might 'envergonhar-se' easily. In slang, especially in Brazil, you might hear 'pagar mico', which means to do something embarrassing in public. While not a direct synonym for the verb, it describes the situation that leads to one 'envergonhando-se'. Knowing these distinctions allows for much more precise communication.

Ele corou de vergonha ao ser elogiado.

Eu tenho vergonha de cantar no karaokê.

Ela sentiu-se humilhada com os comentários do chefe.

In literary contexts, you might find 'pejar-se', a very formal and somewhat archaic synonym for 'envergonhar-se'. Using 'pejar-se' today would be very rare but might be seen in classical Portuguese texts. For the modern learner, sticking to 'envergonhar-se' for formal/serious contexts and 'ter vergonha' for informal ones is the best approach. Each of these words adds a different layer to the expression of social and personal discomfort, enriching your Portuguese vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

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محايد

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غير رسمي

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Child friendly

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عامية

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حقيقة ممتعة

The root word 'verecundia' also gives us the English word 'revere', showing an ancient link between shame, respect, and reverence.

دليل النطق

UK /ẽ.vɛɾ.ɡu.ˈɲaɾ.sɨ/
US /ẽ.veɾ.ɡo.ˈɲaɾ.si/
The primary stress is on the syllable 'nhar'.
يتقافى مع
apanhar-se acompanhar-se banhar-se ganhar-se amanhar-se desenhar-se estranhar-se alinhar-se
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing 'nh' as a simple 'n'.
  • Failing to nasalize the initial 'en'.
  • Pronouncing the 'r' at the end too strongly (it should be light or dropped in some dialects).
  • Treating the reflexive 'se' as part of the stress pattern.
  • Confusing the 'v' sound with a 'b' sound (common for Spanish speakers).

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Easy to recognize the root 'vergonha'.

الكتابة 4/5

Reflexive pronouns and prepositions require care.

التحدث 5/5

The 'nh' sound and pronoun placement can be tricky.

الاستماع 3/5

Clear sound, but often spoken quickly in reflexive form.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

vergonha me se de ficar

تعلّم لاحقاً

arrepender-se orgulhar-se queixar-se lembrar-se esquecer-se

متقدم

pejar-se abismar-se constranger

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Reflexive Pronoun Agreement

Eu me envergonho, nós nos envergonhamos.

Prepositional Complement with 'de'

Envergonho-me DE ti.

Pronoun placement after 'Não'

Não me envergonho.

Contraction of 'de' + articles

de + o = do, de + a = da.

Infinitive Personal after 'de'

Envergonho-me de termos perdido.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Eu tenho vergonha de falar.

I am shy to speak.

A1 usually uses 'ter vergonha' for shyness.

2

Ele está envergonhado hoje.

He is ashamed today.

Use of the adjective 'envergonhado' with 'estar'.

3

Você tem vergonha?

Are you shy?

Simple question using the noun 'vergonha'.

4

Ela não tem vergonha.

She is not shy / She has no shame.

Negative sentence with 'ter vergonha'.

5

O menino está com vergonha.

The boy is feeling shy.

The phrase 'estar com' is common for temporary feelings.

6

Muita vergonha!

So much shame!

Exclamatory use of the noun.

7

Eu sou envergonhado.

I am a shy person.

'Ser' + adjective describes a permanent trait.

8

Não fique envergonhado.

Don't be embarrassed.

Imperative with 'ficar'.

1

Eu me envergonho do meu erro.

I am ashamed of my mistake.

Reflexive verb 'envergonhar-se' + preposition 'de'.

2

Ela se envergonha de cantar.

She is ashamed to sing.

Reflexive pronoun 'se' + 'envergonhar' + 'de' + infinitive.

3

Nós nos envergonhamos disto.

We are ashamed of this.

Reflexive pronoun 'nos' for the 'nós' form.

4

Você se envergonha de mim?

Are you ashamed of me?

Question with reflexive 'se' and preposition 'de' + 'mim'.

5

Eles se envergonham muito.

They feel very ashamed.

Third person plural reflexive.

6

Não te envergonhes disso.

Don't be ashamed of that.

Negative imperative with 'te'.

7

Eu me envergonhei ontem.

I felt ashamed yesterday.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) of the reflexive verb.

8

Ele se envergonha da casa.

He is ashamed of the house.

Contraction 'da' (de + a).

1

Eu me envergonhava de falar em público quando era criança.

I used to be ashamed of speaking in public when I was a child.

Imperfect tense (Pretérito Imperfeito) for habitual past actions.

2

Se eu errar, eu me envergonharei.

If I make a mistake, I will be ashamed.

Future tense (Futuro do Presente) of the reflexive verb.

3

Ela se envergonha de ter mentido para você.

She is ashamed of having lied to you.

Use of 'de ter' + past participle.

4

Nós nos envergonhamos de não ter ajudado mais.

We are ashamed of not having helped more.

Negative infinitive construction.

5

Ele se envergonha por causa do seu comportamento.

He is ashamed because of his behavior.

Use of 'por causa de' to show reason.

6

Você se envergonharia se eles soubessem a verdade?

Would you be ashamed if they knew the truth?

Conditional tense (Futuro do Pretérito).

7

Muitas pessoas se envergonham de sua situação financeira.

Many people are ashamed of their financial situation.

General statement using the present tense.

8

Eu me envergonho profundamente do que aconteceu.

I am deeply ashamed of what happened.

Use of the adverb 'profundamente' for emphasis.

1

É provável que ele se envergonhe do que fez.

It is likely that he is ashamed of what he did.

Present Subjunctive (Presente do Subjuntivo) after 'é provável que'.

2

Mesmo que eu me envergonhe, eu vou confessar.

Even if I feel ashamed, I will confess.

Subjunctive after the conjunction 'mesmo que'.

3

Ela se envergonha de que ninguém a tenha ajudado.

She is ashamed that nobody helped her.

Subjunctive in a subordinate clause.

4

Nós nos envergonhamos de que a nossa cidade esteja tão suja.

We are ashamed that our city is so dirty.

Expressing an emotional reaction with the subjunctive.

5

Se você se envergonhasse, pediria desculpas.

If you were ashamed, you would apologize.

Imperfect Subjunctive in a conditional 'if' clause.

6

Ele agiu como se não se envergonhasse de nada.

He acted as if he weren't ashamed of anything.

Subjunctive after 'como se'.

7

Espero que eles se envergonhem e mudem de atitude.

I hope they feel ashamed and change their attitude.

Subjunctive expressing a wish.

8

Eu não queria que você se envergonhasse por minha causa.

I didn't want you to feel ashamed because of me.

Past tense 'queria' triggering the imperfect subjunctive.

1

O autor envergonha-se de suas primeiras obras, considerando-as imaturas.

The author is ashamed of his early works, considering them immature.

Formal European Portuguese placement of the pronoun.

2

A instituição envergonha-se de não ter cumprido os padrões éticos.

The institution is ashamed of not having met the ethical standards.

Formal usage in an institutional context.

3

Quem se envergonha da própria história está condenado a repeti-la.

He who is ashamed of his own history is condemned to repeat it.

Philosophical/Proverbial usage.

4

Ela envergonha-se sobremaneira da passividade diante da injustiça.

She is exceedingly ashamed of her passivity in the face of injustice.

Use of the advanced adverb 'sobremaneira'.

5

Não há por que envergonhar-se de buscar ajuda profissional.

There is no reason to be ashamed of seeking professional help.

Reflexive infinitive in a formal construction.

6

Ele se envergonha do hiato entre seus ideais e suas ações.

He is ashamed of the gap between his ideals and his actions.

Abstract usage of 'hiato' (gap).

7

A sociedade envergonha-se do estigma que ainda cerca as doenças mentais.

Society is ashamed of the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.

Sociological context.

8

Envergonhar-se é o primeiro passo para a redenção moral.

To feel ashamed is the first step toward moral redemption.

Substantive use of the infinitive verb.

1

O diplomata envergonhara-se da gafe, embora tenha mantido a compostura.

The diplomat had been ashamed of the gaffe, though he maintained his composure.

Use of the Pluperfect (Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito) for literary effect.

2

Oxalá todos se envergonhassem da hipocrisia reinante.

Would that everyone were ashamed of the prevailing hypocrisy.

Use of 'Oxalá' with the subjunctive for a strong wish.

3

A alma envergonha-se da crueza de seus desejos inconfessáveis.

The soul is ashamed of the rawness of its unspeakable desires.

High literary/poetic usage.

4

Houve quem se envergonhasse, mas a maioria permaneceu indiferente.

There were those who felt ashamed, but the majority remained indifferent.

Complex sentence structure with indefinite 'quem'.

5

O réu, ao envergonhar-se publicamente, logrou atenuar sua pena.

The defendant, by shaming himself publicly, managed to mitigate his sentence.

Gerundial construction showing cause and effect.

6

Não se envergonhar do erro é persistir na ignorância.

To not be ashamed of the error is to persist in ignorance.

Philosophical aphorism.

7

Envergonhar-se-ia ele se soubesse a extensão do dano?

Would he be ashamed if he knew the extent of the damage?

Mesoclisis (envergonhar-se-ia), a very formal structure.

8

A nação, ao envergonhar-se de seu passado, forja um futuro mais digno.

The nation, by being ashamed of its past, forges a more dignified future.

Political/Historical analysis.

تلازمات شائعة

envergonhar-se profundamente
envergonhar-se de si mesmo
envergonhar-se do passado
não se envergonhar de nada
envergonhar-se do erro
envergonhar-se da família
envergonhar-se publicamente
envergonhar-se por alguém
envergonhar-se da pobreza
envergonhar-se de admitir

العبارات الشائعة

Não te envergonhas?

— Used to challenge someone's behavior. 'Are you not ashamed?'

Não te envergonhas de tratar assim a tua mãe?

De que te envergonhas?

— Asking for the cause of shame. 'What are you ashamed of?'

De que te envergonhas? Fizeste o teu melhor.

Envergonhar-se da própria sombra

— To be extremely shy or fearful.

Ele é tão tímido que se envergonha da própria sombra.

Sem se envergonhar

— Doing something without feeling any shame.

Ele mentiu sem se envergonhar.

Morrer de se envergonhar

— To be extremely embarrassed (figurative).

Quase morri de me envergonhar quando caí.

Envergonhar-se de ser quem é

— To have low self-esteem regarding one's identity.

Nunca te envergonhes de ser quem és.

Ter de que se envergonhar

— To have a reason to feel guilty.

Ele realmente tem de que se envergonhar.

Não há nada de que se envergonhar

— Reassuring someone that they did nothing wrong.

Fica tranquilo, não há nada de que se envergonhar.

Envergonhar-se até à alma

— To feel shame very deeply.

Envergonhou-se até à alma com aquela traição.

Saber envergonhar-se

— To have the decency to feel shame.

Um homem de caráter sabe envergonhar-se de seus erros.

يُخلط عادةً مع

envergonhar-se vs envergonhar

Without the 'se', it means to shame someone else.

envergonhar-se vs embaraçar

Means to entangle or complicate, not to be ashamed.

envergonhar-se vs ter vergonha

More common for shyness, while 'envergonhar-se' is for the act of feeling shame.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Cair a cara de vergonha"

— To be extremely embarrassed, as if your face is falling off.

Caiu-me a cara de vergonha quando o segredo foi revelado.

Informal
"Sem vergonha"

— A person with no morals or who doesn't feel shame (often used as an insult).

Aquele sem-vergonha roubou o meu dinheiro!

Informal/Slang
"Vergonha alheia"

— Second-hand embarrassment; feeling ashamed for someone else.

Senti muita vergonha alheia ao ver aquela apresentação.

Neutral
"Cara de pau"

— Literally 'wood face'; someone who is bold and has no shame.

Que cara de pau! Ele pediu dinheiro de novo.

Informal
"Enterrar a cabeça na areia"

— To hide out of shame or to avoid a problem.

Ele queria enterrar a cabeça na areia de tanta vergonha.

Neutral
"Passar vergonha"

— To go through an embarrassing situation.

Não quero passar vergonha na frente dos meus amigos.

Informal
"Perder a vergonha"

— To stop being shy or to lose one's moral compass.

Ela perdeu a vergonha e subiu no palco para dançar.

Neutral
"Vergonha na cara"

— Self-respect or dignity (often used in 'ter vergonha na cara').

Tome vergonha na cara e vá trabalhar!

Informal
"Calar-se de vergonha"

— To be so ashamed that one cannot speak.

Ele calou-se de vergonha diante das acusações.

Formal
"Pagar mico"

— To do something very embarrassing (Brazil).

Paguei o maior mico quando chamei o professor de pai.

Slang

سهل الخلط

envergonhar-se vs envergonhado

It is the adjective form.

The verb is the action, the adjective is the state.

Eu me envergonho (verb) vs Eu estou envergonhado (adjective).

envergonhar-se vs tímido

Both relate to social discomfort.

Tímido is a personality trait; envergonhar-se is a reaction.

Ele é tímido, mas não se envergonha de seus ideais.

envergonhar-se vs humilhado

Both involve a loss of dignity.

Humiliation is usually external; shame is usually internal.

Ele foi humilhado pelo chefe e se envergonhou de sua reação.

envergonhar-se vs constrangido

Means 'awkward' or 'embarrassed'.

Constrangido is more about social pressure or awkwardness than moral shame.

Fiquei constrangido com o silêncio.

envergonhar-se vs arrepentido

Often felt at the same time.

Arrependimento is about the wish to change the past; vergonha is about the feeling of the self.

Estou arrependido do que fiz e me envergonho disso.

أنماط الجُمل

A2

Eu me envergonho de [noun].

Eu me envergonho do meu erro.

A2

Ela se envergonha de [verb].

Ela se envergonha de dançar.

B1

Não se envergonhe de [verb]!

Não se envergonhe de perguntar!

B1

Nós nos envergonhamos de que [subjunctive].

Nós nos envergonhamos de que isso tenha acontecido.

B2

Se você se envergonhasse, [conditional].

Se você se envergonhasse, não faria isso de novo.

C1

Envergonhar-se de [infinitive compound].

Ele envergonha-se de ter sido tão rude.

C1

[Noun] de que me envergonho.

O erro de que me envergonho foi grave.

C2

Quem se envergonha, [result].

Quem se envergonha mostra que tem consciência.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in both written and spoken Portuguese, especially in emotional contexts.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Eu envergonho de você. Eu me envergonho de você.

    Missing the reflexive pronoun 'me'.

  • Ela está embaraçada. Ela está envergonhada.

    'Embaraçada' means tangled or complicated, not ashamed.

  • Eu me envergonho com meu erro. Eu me envergonho do meu erro.

    The verb requires the preposition 'de', not 'com'.

  • Nós envergonhamos de nós. Nós nos envergonhamos de nós mesmos.

    Incorrect reflexive pronoun 'nos' was missing.

  • Ele envergonha-se por mentir. Ele envergonha-se de mentir.

    While 'por' can work in some contexts, 'de' is the standard preposition.

نصائح

Pronoun Match

Always match the pronoun to the subject: Eu/me, Tu/te, Ele/se, Nós/nos, Vocês/se.

The NH Sound

The 'nh' in envergonhar is like the 'ny' in onion. Don't pronounce it as a plain 'n'.

Preposition 'De'

Remember the contraction: 'envergonhar-se do' (de+o) or 'da' (de+a).

Don't use 'Embaraçar'

It's a false friend. Avoid it when you mean 'embarrassed'.

Formal Writing

Use 'envergonhar-se' in essays to sound more academic than 'ter vergonha'.

Shame vs. Shyness

In Portuguese, the same root (vergonha) covers both shyness and moral shame.

Nasal 'En'

The first syllable 'en' is nasal. Try to let the air come through your nose.

Visual Aid

Visualize a red face (vermelho) to remember 'vergonha'.

Reflexive Flow

Practice 'Eu-me-envergonho' as one single fluid sound.

No 'Eu envergonho'

Never forget the 'me'. 'Eu envergonho' means you are shaming someone else.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'EN-VER-GONHAR'. 'EN' is like 'in', 'VER' is like 'view', and 'GONHAR' sounds like 'gone'. You feel 'in view' and wish you were 'gone' because of shame.

ربط بصري

Imagine someone standing on a stage with a bright spotlight, turning bright red and trying to hide behind a tiny curtain.

Word Web

vergonha reflexivo de me te se nos sentimento

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'envergonhar-se' in a sentence about a historical event and a personal event today.

أصل الكلمة

From the Portuguese prefix 'en-' (in/into) + 'vergonha' (shame), originating from the Latin 'verecundia'.

المعنى الأصلي: To bring into a state of shame or modesty.

Romance (Latin root).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful when telling someone they should 'envergonhar-se', as it is a strong moral judgment.

English speakers often use 'embarrassed' for minor things, but 'envergonhar-se' can feel heavier, closer to 'ashamed'.

Used frequently in the works of Eça de Queirós to describe social hypocrisy. Common in Brazilian MPB lyrics about regret. Often found in biblical translations into Portuguese.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Social Mistakes

  • Me envergonhei muito.
  • Que vergonha!
  • Não se envergonhe.
  • Foi um erro.

Moral Regret

  • Eu me envergonho do que fiz.
  • Peço desculpas.
  • Estou arrependido.
  • Nunca mais.

Family/Honor

  • Você envergonha a família.
  • Tenha vergonha na cara.
  • Isso é vergonhoso.
  • Respeite-nos.

Public Speaking

  • Tenho vergonha de falar.
  • Fico vermelho.
  • Me envergonho fácil.
  • Sou tímido.

Politics/News

  • A nação se envergonha.
  • Escândalo vergonhoso.
  • Falta de ética.
  • Vergonha nacional.

بدايات محادثة

"Você já se envergonhou muito em público?"

"Do que as pessoas geralmente se envergonham no seu país?"

"Você se envergonha de cometer erros quando fala português?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você se envergonhou de algo que disse?"

"Você acha que os políticos deveriam se envergonhar mais?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você se envergonhou e o que aprendeu com isso.

Você acha que envergonhar-se é um sentimento útil para a sociedade? Por quê?

Descreva um momento em que você se orgulhou em vez de se envergonhar.

Como você lida com a sensação de se envergonhar na frente de estranhos?

Escreva uma carta fictícia de alguém que se envergonha de um segredo antigo.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, but Brazilians often prefer 'ter vergonha' or 'ficar envergonhado' in casual speech. 'Envergonhar-se' sounds a bit more formal or dramatic.

Yes, if you are specifying what you are ashamed of. For example: 'Eu me envergonho DE você'. Without the 'de', the sentence is incomplete.

'Envergonhar' is to shame someone else (e.g., 'Você me envergonha'). 'Envergonhar-se' is to feel shame yourself (e.g., 'Eu me envergonho').

You can say 'Estou envergonhado' or 'Que vergonha!'. 'Envergonhar-se' might sound a bit too heavy for just tripping.

No! In Portuguese, 'embaraçado' usually means 'tangled' (like hair) or 'complicated'. Use 'envergonhado' for people.

In Brazil, 'me envergonho' is standard. In Portugal, 'envergonho-me' is the default unless there's a reason to pull the pronoun forward (like a 'não').

It's regular: Eu me envergonhei, tu te envergonhaste, ele se envergonhou, etc.

Yes, 'ter vergonha' is the standard way to say someone is shy.

It can be, but 'sentir-se culpado' is more specific for guilt. 'Envergonhar-se' is more about the social or self-image aspect.

It's an insult meaning 'shameless' or 'scoundrel'. Use it carefully!

اختبر نفسك 185 أسئلة

writing

Write a sentence using 'Eu me envergonho' and 'erro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'She is ashamed of her brother.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a negative sentence using 'envergonhar-se' for 'nós'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Don't be ashamed to speak Portuguese.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'envergonhar-se' in the past tense (ele).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about a politician being ashamed.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I would be ashamed if I were you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'vergonha alheia'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'They are ashamed of the poverty in the city.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use the subjunctive 'envergonhe' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Are you (informal) ashamed of me?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'envergonhar-se' and 'público'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'We were ashamed of the results.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'profundamente' with 'envergonhar-se'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Nobody should be ashamed of their family.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using the future tense of 'envergonhar-se'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I am not ashamed of my past.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'envergonhar-se' in a question about a mistake.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'He is ashamed of having no money.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'morrer de vergonha'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'envergonhar-se' slowly.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Eu me envergonho do meu erro.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Não se envergonhe!'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Ela se envergonha de cantar.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Nós nos envergonhamos.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain in Portuguese why someone might 'envergonhar-se'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Você se envergonha de mim?'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Eu me envergonhei ontem.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Eles se envergonham da sujeira.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Não te envergonhes disso.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Vergonha alheia.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Cara de pau.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Eu me envergonho profundamente.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Tenha vergonha na cara!'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Não há nada de que se envergonhar.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Ela corou de vergonha.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Eu me envergonho de não saber.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Vocês se envergonham do quê?'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Ele se envergonha de sua família.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Nós nos envergonhamos da situação.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to the word: 'envergonhar-se'. What is the last sound?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Eu me envergonho do meu erro.' What is the speaker ashamed of?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to the tone: 'Não te envergonhas?!' Is the speaker happy or angry?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen for the nasal sound in 'envergonhar'. Which syllable is it?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Ela se envergonha de cantar.' Does she like singing in public?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen for the pronoun: 'Nós nos envergonhamos.' Which pronoun was used?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Ele se envergonhou.' What tense is it?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Não se envergonhe.' Is it a positive or negative instruction?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Tenho muita vergonha.' Is the speaker using the verb or the noun?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Vergonha alheia.' What does it refer to?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Eu me envergonho de ti.' Who is the person ashamed of?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Eles se envergonham.' Is it singular or plural?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Eu me envergonharia.' What is the mood?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Que vergonha!' Is this an exclamation?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to: 'Sinto-me envergonhado.' Is this using the verb 'envergonhar-se'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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