Signification
To feel embarrassment or humiliation.
Contexte culturel
The expression 'vergonha na cara' is a powerful social motivator. It is often used in political protests or family arguments to demand integrity. In Portugal, 'ter vergonha' can be linked to the concept of 'decoro' (decorum). There is a slightly more formal social expectation in public spaces compared to Brazil. In Angolan Portuguese, 'vergonha' is often used in social contexts to maintain community respect. Being 'sem-vergonha' can lead to social exclusion in tight-knit neighborhoods. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, 'vergonha' is tied to the respect for elders. A younger person 'ter vergonha' in front of an elder is seen as a sign of good upbringing.
Use 'Estar com'
If you want to sound more like a native during a specific moment, use 'Estou com vergonha' instead of 'Tenho vergonha'.
Careful with 'Sem-vergonha'
Calling someone a 'sem-vergonha' can be a light joke or a heavy insult depending on your tone. Use with caution!
Signification
To feel embarrassment or humiliation.
Use 'Estar com'
If you want to sound more like a native during a specific moment, use 'Estou com vergonha' instead of 'Tenho vergonha'.
Careful with 'Sem-vergonha'
Calling someone a 'sem-vergonha' can be a light joke or a heavy insult depending on your tone. Use with caution!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ter' and the preposition if needed.
Eu ______ vergonha ______ falar em público.
We use 'tenho' (I have) and the preposition 'de' to connect to the action 'falar'.
Which sentence is correct for a temporary feeling of embarrassment?
Você derrubou o suco na mesa. Como você se sente?
'Estou com vergonha' is used for temporary states of embarrassment.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common idiomatic variations of the word 'vergonha'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Você quer cantar no karaokê?' B: 'Não, eu ______.'
The person is expressing shyness about singing.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Vergonha
Social
- • Shyness
- • Blushing
- • Meeting strangers
Moral
- • Regret
- • Lying
- • Bad behavior
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu ______ vergonha ______ falar em público.
We use 'tenho' (I have) and the preposition 'de' to connect to the action 'falar'.
Você derrubou o suco na mesa. Como você se sente?
'Estou com vergonha' is used for temporary states of embarrassment.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common idiomatic variations of the word 'vergonha'.
A: 'Você quer cantar no karaokê?' B: 'Não, eu ______.'
The person is expressing shyness about singing.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot necessarily. It can simply mean you are shy or modest, which can be seen as a neutral or even positive trait in some contexts.
'Timidez' is the noun for the personality trait (shyness). 'Vergonha' is the emotion you feel in the moment.
It's more natural to say 'Sinto vergonha por você' or 'Tenho vergonha alheia'.
Expressions liées
Vergonha alheia
specialized formEmbarrassment felt on behalf of someone else.
Ter vergonha na cara
idiomTo have a sense of decency or responsibility.
Ficar vermelho
similarTo blush.
Sem-vergonha
contrastShameless or a scoundrel.
