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A2 noun #2,000 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

창피

At the A1 level, 창피 is a word you use to describe a simple feeling. Think of it as 'very embarrassed.' You use it when you make a mistake, like saying the wrong word in Korean class. You usually use it as '창피해요.' It's a useful word to explain why you are blushing or why you are hiding your face. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember 'Mistake + 창피해요.' It's one of the first 'feeling' words you learn after 'happy' and 'sad' because it happens so often when learning a new language!
At the A2 level, you start to see 창피 in more complete sentences. You can explain *why* you are embarrassed using '-아서/어서.' For example, '틀려서 창피해요' (I'm embarrassed because I'm wrong). You also begin to understand that it's a social word—it's about what other people think. You might hear it in simple stories or cartoons. You should be able to distinguish it from '미안해요' (I'm sorry). While '미안해요' is for when you hurt someone, '창피해요' is for when you feel silly or awkward in front of them.
By B1, you should understand the different forms of 창피. You can use '창피를 주다' (to embarrass someone) and '창피를 당하다' (to be embarrassed/humiliated by someone). You also start to recognize the difference between 창피하다 and 부끄럽다. You can use it to describe past experiences in more detail, like '그때는 정말 창피했는데 지금은 웃겨요' (It was really embarrassing then, but it's funny now). You are also becoming aware of the slang version '쪽팔리다' but know when not to use it.
At the B2 level, you understand 창피 within the context of Korean social values like 'face' (체면). You can discuss how social pressure leads to feelings of 창피. You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as '창피하게도...' (Embarrassingly enough...). You also understand how 창피 can be used as a tool for social control—how the fear of being embarrassed keeps people following social norms. You can use it in writing to add emotional depth to your descriptions of social interactions.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the nuance between 창피 and more academic terms like '수치심' (sense of shame) or '모욕감' (feeling of being insulted). You can use 창피 in idiomatic expressions and understand its use in literature to reflect a character's social anxiety. You can discuss the psychological aspects of embarrassment in Korean and how it differs from Western concepts of shame. Your usage is natural, and you can use the word to express subtle social discomfort or to navigate complex social situations with 'Nunchi.'
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 창피. You can use it with perfect register, knowing exactly when the slang '쪽팔리다' is appropriate and when the formal '수치' is required. You can analyze the etymological roots and cultural evolution of the word. You can use it in high-level debates about social psychology or in creative writing to evoke specific cultural atmospheres. You understand the deep connection between 창피 and the collective identity in Korean society, and you can use this understanding to communicate with extreme precision and cultural sensitivity.
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창피 in 30 Sekunden

  • 창피 is the standard Korean word for social embarrassment or feeling red-faced.
  • It is most commonly used as the adjective '창피하다' (to be embarrassed).
  • It differs from '부끄럽다' which can also mean general shyness or internal shame.
  • Cultural context: It is deeply tied to the concept of 'face' and social standing.

The word 창피 (Changpi) is a foundational Korean noun that encapsulates the multifaceted experience of embarrassment, shame, and the loss of face in social contexts. At its core, it refers to a state of being where one feels exposed or judged by others, leading to a desire to hide or disappear. Unlike internal guilt, which focuses on a moral failing, 창피 is inherently social; it requires an audience, whether real or imagined. In the hierarchy of Korean social emotions, it sits comfortably at the A2 level because it describes a universal human experience that learners encounter early in their social interactions. When you trip in public, forget someone's name, or make a linguistic blunder, the heat you feel in your cheeks is 창피.

Social Exposure
The feeling of being seen in an unfavorable light by others.
Loss of Face
A reduction in one's social standing or dignity due to a mistake.
Physical Reaction
Often associated with blushing or looking away.

사람들 앞에서 실수해서 너무 창피했어요. (I was so embarrassed because I made a mistake in front of people.)

To understand 창피, one must understand the Korean concept of 'Chemyeon' (체면) or 'face.' Maintaining a respectable public image is crucial in Korean culture. Therefore, 창피 is the emotional response to a crack in that image. It is more intense than 'shy' (부끄럽다) but less heavy than 'profound shame' (수치심). It is the everyday embarrassment that makes you want to crawl into a hole. It is often used with the verb '하다' to form the adjective '창피하다' (to be embarrassed).

옷을 거꾸로 입어서 창피해요. (It's embarrassing because I put my clothes on inside out.)

In literature and media, 창피 is used to humanize characters. A protagonist who experiences 창피 is relatable because everyone has felt that sting of public awkwardness. It is a word that bridges the gap between the individual and the collective, highlighting how much we value the opinions of those around us. Whether it's a child hiding behind their mother after a spill or an adult mispronouncing a word in a meeting, 창피 is the common thread of human vulnerability.

내 실수가 창피해서 얼굴이 빨개졌어요. (My face turned red because I was embarrassed by my mistake.)

Synonym Note
Often interchangeable with 부끄럽다 in casual speech, but 창피하다 is more specific to social embarrassment.

그는 창피를 당하고도 웃었다. (He laughed even after being humiliated.)

이런 일로 창피해할 필요 없어요. (There is no need to feel embarrassed about something like this.)

Using 창피 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. While it is a noun, it most frequently appears as part of the descriptive verb 창피하다. This is the standard way to say 'to be embarrassed.' However, you can also use it with verbs like '당하다' (to suffer/undergo) to mean 'to be humiliated' or '주다' (to give) to mean 'to humiliate someone.' This versatility allows you to describe both your internal feelings and external social dynamics.

창피하다 (Adjective)
To be embarrassed. Used to describe one's state.
창피를 당하다 (Verb Phrase)
To be humiliated or put to shame by someone else.
창피를 주다 (Verb Phrase)
To embarrass or humiliate someone else.

When constructing sentences, the cause of the embarrassment is often marked with the particle '-아서/어서' (because) or '-기 때문에'. For example, '넘어져서 창피해요' (I'm embarrassed because I fell). If you want to say something is an 'embarrassing thing,' you use the noun-modifying form: '창피한 일'. This is common when reflecting on past events or warning someone about potential social pitfalls.

정말 창피한 기억이에요. (It is a truly embarrassing memory.)

Another important nuance is the level of formality. In casual settings (Banmal), you would say '창피해.' In polite settings (Haeyoche), '창피해요.' In very formal settings (Hasipsyeoche), '창피합니다.' It is rarely used in highly academic or legal texts, where '수치' or '굴욕' are preferred, but it is ubiquitous in daily conversation, dramas, and variety shows. It is a 'living' word that carries the weight of immediate social pressure.

친구들 앞에서 창피를 당했어요. (I was humiliated in front of my friends.)

When you want to emphasize the intensity of the feeling, you can add adverbs like '너무' (too/very), '진짜' (really), or '정말' (truly). You might also hear the phrase '창피해서 죽을 뻔했다' which literally means 'I almost died of embarrassment.' This hyperbolic expression is very common among younger speakers to convey extreme social discomfort.

그는 나에게 창피를 주려고 일부러 그랬어요. (He did that on purpose to embarrass me.)

Negative Usage
'창피하지 않다' (Not embarrassed) is used to show confidence or lack of care for social opinion.

전혀 창피하지 않아요. (I'm not embarrassed at all.)

You will encounter 창피 in almost every corner of Korean life. In schools, students use it when they get a low grade or make a mistake during a presentation. In the workplace, it’s used when someone makes a typo in a company-wide email or fails to follow protocol. In K-Dramas, it’s a staple for romantic comedy scenes where the lead character does something clumsy in front of their crush. The word acts as a social barometer, indicating when the 'unwritten rules' of behavior have been breached.

Variety Shows
Comedians often use self-deprecating humor involving '창피' to get laughs.
Daily Life
Parents might say '창피하게 왜 이래?' (Why are you being so embarrassing?) to a child misbehaving in public.

엄마, 사람들 보는데 창피하게 하지 마세요! (Mom, don't embarrass me while people are watching!)

On social media, you might see the hashtag #창피해 used with photos of failed DIY projects or funny accidents. It is also common in webtoons, where characters are often drawn with red swirls on their cheeks to visualize the feeling of 창피. Because Korean culture places high value on 'Nunchi' (the ability to read the room), being 창피 is often the result of a 'Nunchi' failure—not realizing how one's actions appear to others until it's too late.

어제 술 취해서 한 행동이 너무 창피해요. (I'm so embarrassed about what I did while drunk yesterday.)

In songs, especially ballads or indie tracks, 창피 might be used to describe the feeling of being vulnerable in love—feeling 'naked' or 'exposed' by one's feelings. It adds a layer of raw honesty to the lyrics. In news reports, though rarer, it might appear in quotes from public figures apologizing for scandals, though they often pivot to more formal terms like '송구하다' (to be sorry/humbled) as the situation becomes more serious.

거짓말이 들통나서 정말 창피했어요. (I was so embarrassed because my lie was found out.)

Common Context
Public speaking, social gatherings, family meetings, and romantic encounters.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 창피하다 with 부끄럽다. While they overlap, 부끄럽다 is broader. It can mean 'shy' (a personality trait) or 'ashamed' (internal moral feeling). 창피하다 is almost always about the external social gaze. You wouldn't usually say you are '창피' because you are shy to meet a new person; you would say '부끄러워요.' Use 창피하다 when there is a specific event that caused you to lose face.

Confusing with 'Shy'
Don't use 창피하다 for general shyness. Use 부끄럽다.
Object Particle Error
Never say '창피를 해요' to mean 'I am embarrassed.' It must be '창피해요.'

Incorrect: 저는 창피를 잘 타요. (I get embarrassed easily - wrong usage). Correct: 저는 부끄러움을 많이 타요.

Another mistake is using 창피 when you actually mean 'guilty' (죄책감). If you stole something and feel bad about it internally, that's '죄책감' or '미안함.' If you feel bad because you were *caught* stealing and everyone is looking at you, that's 창피. The distinction is between the internal moral compass and the external social mirror. Learners also sometimes confuse it with '당황하다' (to be flustered/panicked). While you might be both flustered and embarrassed, '당황' is about the confusion of the moment, while 창피 is about the social shame.

실수했을 때 당황하지 말고 창피해하지 마세요. (Don't be flustered and don't be embarrassed when you make a mistake.)

Lastly, be careful with '창피를 주다.' This is a strong action. If you tell a friend they are 'giving you 창피' (창피를 주다), it implies they are actively doing something to make you look bad. In a culture that values harmony, accusing someone of this can be quite confrontational. Use it carefully in social settings.

To truly master 창피, you should understand the spectrum of related words. Korean has a rich vocabulary for social emotions. 부끄럽다 is the closest cousin, often used interchangeably in casual talk but leaning more towards shyness or a sense of conscience. 민망하다 is another common word, often used when a situation is awkward or 'cringe-worthy,' even if you aren't the one who did something wrong. If you see someone else fail and you feel awkward for them, that's '민망하다.'

부끄럽다
Shy, ashamed, or embarrassed (broadest term).
민망하다
Awkward, embarrassed for oneself or others in a cringey way.
수치스럽다
Profoundly shameful or disgraceful (much stronger than 창피).

그 상황이 너무 민망해서 고개를 들 수 없었어요. (The situation was so awkward/embarrassing I couldn't lift my head.)

Then there is 무안하다, which specifically describes the feeling when someone ignores your gesture or when you are proven wrong in front of others. It's that 'blank' feeling of having your expectations dashed publicly. 겸연쩍다 is a more nuanced, literary term for feeling awkward or sheepish, often used when you've done something slightly out of character or are receiving unexpected praise.

칭찬을 받으니 겸연쩍네요. (I feel a bit sheepish/awkward receiving praise.)

Finally, 쪽팔리다 is the slang version of 창피하다. You will hear this constantly among friends and in casual media. It is very informal and should be avoided in professional settings, but knowing it is essential for understanding natural Korean. It literally comes from '쪽' (face) and '팔리다' (to be sold/exposed), meaning your face is being 'sold' or exposed in a bad way.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Umgangssprache

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

너무 창피해요.

I'm so embarrassed.

Basic 'Subject + Adjective' structure.

2

창피해?

Are you embarrassed?

Question form in casual speech.

3

실수해서 창피해요.

I'm embarrassed because I made a mistake.

-아서/어서 indicating cause.

4

얼굴이 창피해요.

My face is embarrassed (I'm blushing).

Noun + Adjective.

5

안 창피해요.

I'm not embarrassed.

Negative '안' + Adjective.

6

정말 창피해요.

I'm really embarrassed.

Adverb '정말' for emphasis.

7

이거 창피해요.

This is embarrassing.

Demonstrative pronoun + Adjective.

8

창피하지 마세요.

Don't be embarrassed.

-지 마세요 (Don't...).

1

사람들이 봐서 창피했어요.

I was embarrassed because people were watching.

Past tense '했어요'.

2

창피한 일이었어요.

It was an embarrassing thing/event.

Noun-modifying form '창피한'.

3

노래를 못해서 창피해요.

I'm embarrassed because I can't sing well.

-지 못해서 (Because I can't...).

4

창피하게 왜 그래요?

Why are you being so embarrassing?

-게 adverbial form.

5

옷이 이상해서 창피해요.

I'm embarrassed because my clothes are strange.

Adjective + -아서.

6

창피해서 도망갔어요.

I was embarrassed, so I ran away.

Sequential action.

7

그는 창피를 잘 느껴요.

He feels embarrassment easily.

Noun '창피' + Object marker.

8

창피해도 괜찮아요.

It's okay even if you're embarrassed.

-아/어도 (Even if...).

1

친구들 앞에서 창피를 당했어요.

I was humiliated in front of my friends.

창피를 당하다 (to be humiliated).

2

나에게 창피를 주지 마세요.

Don't embarrass me.

창피를 주다 (to give embarrassment).

3

창피해서 얼굴을 들 수 없었어요.

I was so embarrassed I couldn't lift my head.

-을 수 없다 (cannot).

4

창피한 줄 알아야지!

You should know how embarrassing that is! (Shame on you!)

-ㄴ 줄 알다 (to know that...).

5

거짓말이 들통나서 창피해요.

I'm embarrassed because my lie was discovered.

Passive verb '들통나다'.

6

창피함을 무릅쓰고 고백했어요.

I braved the embarrassment and confessed.

창피함 (Noun form) + 무릅쓰다.

7

그렇게 말하면 제가 창피하잖아요.

If you say that, I'll be embarrassed, you know.

-잖아요 (As you know/right?).

8

창피한 기억은 빨리 잊으세요.

Please forget embarrassing memories quickly.

Imperative form.

1

창피하게도 저는 그 사실을 몰랐습니다.

Embarrassingly enough, I didn't know that fact.

Adverbial usage '창피하게도'.

2

남의 시선 때문에 창피를 느껴요.

I feel embarrassment because of others' gazes.

Noun + 때문에.

3

창피를 무릅쓰고 다시 도전했습니다.

I braved the shame and tried again.

Formal expression.

4

그의 행동은 정말 창피하기 짝이 없었다.

His behavior was beyond embarrassing.

-기 짝이 없다 (beyond/extremely).

5

창피를 모르는 사람처럼 행동하네요.

You're acting like someone who doesn't know shame.

-는 사람처럼 (like a person who...).

6

실수는 누구나 하지만 창피해할 필요는 없어요.

Everyone makes mistakes, but there's no need to feel embarrassed.

-ㄹ 필요가 없다.

7

창피를 당한 후 그는 자취를 감췄다.

After being humiliated, he disappeared.

Narrative style.

8

그녀는 창피해서 쥐구멍에라도 들어가고 싶었다.

She was so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a mouse hole.

Idiomatic expression.

1

사회적 지위에 걸맞지 않은 행동은 창피를 자초하는 일이다.

Behavior not befitting one's social status is inviting shame.

자초하다 (to bring upon oneself).

2

그는 창피함을 내색하지 않으려 애썼다.

He tried hard not to show his embarrassment.

내색하다 (to show/express).

3

창피를 무릅쓴 그의 용기에 박수를 보낸다.

I applaud his courage in braving the embarrassment.

Formal rhetoric.

4

공개적인 장소에서 창피를 주는 행위는 폭력과 다름없다.

The act of embarrassing someone in a public place is no different from violence.

-와 다름없다 (no different from).

5

창피함이라는 감정은 사회적 규범을 유지하는 기제이다.

The emotion of embarrassment is a mechanism for maintaining social norms.

Academic tone.

6

그는 자신의 무지가 창피해서 공부를 시작했다.

He started studying because he was embarrassed by his ignorance.

Causal link in biography.

7

창피를 당하고도 의연한 태도를 유지하기란 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to maintain a resolute attitude after being humiliated.

-기란 (as for doing...).

8

그의 실수는 단순한 해프닝을 넘어 창피한 기록으로 남았다.

His mistake went beyond a simple happening and remained as an embarrassing record.

Complex sentence structure.

1

창피라는 감정의 이면에는 타인의 승인을 갈구하는 욕망이 서려 있다.

Behind the emotion of embarrassment lies a longing for the approval of others.

Philosophical tone.

2

그는 창피를 무릅쓰고 자신의 과오를 낱낱이 고백했다.

Braving the shame, he confessed his errors in detail.

낱낱이 (in detail/thoroughly).

3

창피를 모르는 후안무치한 태도가 사회적 공분을 샀다.

The thick-skinned attitude of not knowing shame sparked public outrage.

후안무치 (thick-skinned/shameless).

4

인간은 창피함을 느낌으로써 비로소 사회적 존재로 거듭난다.

Humans finally become social beings by feeling embarrassment.

비로소 (finally/for the first time).

5

그의 문학 세계에서 창피는 자아 성찰의 핵심적인 동력이다.

In his literary world, shame is a core driver of self-reflection.

Literary analysis.

6

창피를 당하는 순간의 수치심은 영혼에 깊은 낙인을 남긴다.

The shame of the moment of being humiliated leaves a deep brand on the soul.

Metaphorical language.

7

창피를 무릅쓴 발언이 조직의 부패를 막는 계기가 되었다.

The remarks made despite the embarrassment became the catalyst for preventing organizational corruption.

Complex social context.

8

창피함의 역치는 개인의 가치관과 문화적 배경에 따라 상이하다.

The threshold of embarrassment varies according to individual values and cultural backgrounds.

Scientific/Sociological terminology.

Häufige Kollokationen

창피를 당하다 (To be humiliated)
창피를 주다 (To humiliate someone)
창피를 느끼다 (To feel embarrassed)
창피를 무릅쓰다 (To brave the shame)
창피를 모르다 (To be shameless)
너무 창피하다 (To be very embarrassed)
창피해서 죽겠다 (To be dying of embarrassment)
창피한 일 (An embarrassing thing)
창피한 기억 (An embarrassing memory)
창피를 면하다 (To avoid embarrassment)

Häufige Phrasen

창피하게 왜 이래? (Why are you being so embarrassing?)

창피한 줄 알아! (Shame on you!)

정말 창피해서 못 살겠어. (I'm so embarrassed I can't live.)

창피하니까 조용히 해. (It's embarrassing, so be quiet.)

뭐가 창피해? (What's there to be embarrassed about?)

창피를 톡톡히 당했다. (To be thoroughly humiliated.)

창피한 줄도 모르고... (Without even knowing it's embarrassing...)

창피해서 얼굴이 화끈거려요. (My face is burning from embarrassment.)

이게 무슨 창피야? (What kind of embarrassment is this?)

창피를 씻다 (To wash away the shame/redeem oneself)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

창피 vs 부끄럽다 (Often broader/internal)

창피 vs 당황하다 (Flustered/Panicked)

창피 vs 미안하다 (Sorry/Guilty)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

창피 vs

창피 vs

창피 vs

창피 vs

창피 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

Avoidance

In very formal business meetings, use '송구하다' or '부끄럽다' instead of '창피하다' if apologizing for a professional error.

Intensity

'창피' is medium intensity. '수치' is high. '민망' is low/awkward.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using '창피를 해요' instead of '창피해요'.
  • Using '창피하다' to mean 'I am shy' (should be 부끄럽다).
  • Using it in a very formal apology to a boss (should be 송구합니다).
  • Confusing '창피를 주다' (active) with '창피를 당하다' (passive).
  • Thinking it means 'guilty' (should be 죄책감이 들다).

Tipps

Verb vs Adjective

Remember '창피하다' is an adjective. Use it with '이/가' for the subject, not '을/를'.

Saving Face

In Korea, helping someone avoid '창피' is a sign of great social skill (Nunchi).

Slang Alert

Only use '쪽팔려' with close friends. It's very common but informal.

Synonym Choice

Use '수치' for historical or very serious shame, '창피' for daily life.

Reaction Word

Koreans often say '아, 창피해!' as a quick reaction to their own small mistakes.

Adverbial Form

'창피하게도' is a great way to start a sentence when sharing a funny story.

Group Shame

If your friend does something silly, you might feel '창피' too. This is '대리 창피' (vicarious embarrassment).

Shy vs Embarrassed

If you are shy to speak, say '부끄러워요'. If you said something wrong, say '창피해요'.

Visualizing

Imagine a 'Picture' (Pi) that you want to 'Change' (Chang) because it's embarrassing.

Common Verb

Pair it with '당하다' (to suffer) to describe being bullied or mocked.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Chang' (Change) and 'Pi' (Picture). You want to 'Change' the 'Picture' of yourself because you are embarrassed.

Wortherkunft

Sino-Korean

Kultureller Kontext

Being aware of '창피' requires high social sensitivity (Nunchi).

Maintaining dignity in public is a core social value.

Embarrassment is often shared by the group (family, company).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"가장 창피했던 기억이 뭐예요? (What is your most embarrassing memory?)"

"오늘 정말 창피한 일이 있었어요. (Something really embarrassing happened today.)"

"이런 상황에서 창피하지 않으세요? (Aren't you embarrassed in this situation?)"

"창피해서 말을 못 하겠어요. (I'm too embarrassed to speak.)"

"누가 당신을 창피하게 했나요? (Who embarrassed you?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you felt '창피' in a foreign country.

How do you handle feeling '창피' in front of others?

Is '창피' a necessary emotion for society?

Describe a character in a book who suffered a great '창피'.

Compare '창피' and '부끄러움' based on your experiences.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is a standard word for embarrassment. However, the slang version '쪽팔리다' can be considered rude in formal settings.

It's better to use '부끄럽다' for shyness. '창피' is specifically for feeling embarrassed by an event.

'창피하다' is the feeling you have. '창피를 당하다' is when someone else makes you feel that way publicly.

You can say '창피해서 죽을 것 같아요' or '창피해서 죽겠어요'.

Generally no, it is a negative social emotion.

Yes, but usually in quotes or when describing a public scandal.

Children often use it when they are teased by friends or scolded by parents.

It is 猖披 (Chang-pi), originally meaning disheveled clothes.

Yes, '그는 창피한 줄 모른다' (He doesn't know shame).

'민망하다' is closer to 'cringe,' but '창피' can be used if you are the one doing the cringey thing.

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