はずかしい 30 सेकंड में
- Hazukashii is an i-adjective meaning 'embarrassing' or 'shy'.
- It covers a range from mild bashfulness to deep social shame.
- Use 'hazukashigaru' when describing someone else's feelings.
- It is a key word for understanding Japanese social harmony and modesty.
The Japanese word はずかしい (hazukashii) is a cornerstone of Japanese social emotional vocabulary. At its core, it describes a feeling of discomfort arising from being the center of attention in a way that feels negative or exposed. While often translated as 'embarrassing' or 'ashamed,' its scope is much broader than its English counterparts, encompassing everything from mild shyness to deep, soul-crushing social shame. In a culture that values 'wa' (harmony) and 'haji' (shame), understanding this word is crucial for navigating social dynamics. It is an i-adjective, meaning its conjugation follows standard patterns, but its emotional weight varies significantly depending on the context of the speaker and the audience.
- The Internal State
- It refers to the subjective feeling of wanting to hide or disappear because of one's actions, appearance, or status.
- The External Pressure
- It often reflects the pressure of the 'public eye' (seken), where one feels they have failed to meet social expectations.
- The Shy Nuance
- In many contexts, especially for children or in romantic situations, it simply means 'shy' or 'bashful'.
「みんなの前で歌うのは、とてもはずかしいです。」 (Singing in front of everyone is very embarrassing/makes me feel shy.)
Historically, the kanji 恥 (haji) combines the radical for 'ear' (耳) and 'heart' (心). This suggests a physical reaction—ears turning red—combined with an internal emotional response. When you use hazukashii, you aren't just stating a fact; you are expressing a vulnerability. It is frequently used to decline compliments (as a form of modesty) or to apologize for a mistake that might seem clumsy. In Japanese society, being 'hazukashii' is often seen as a sign that one possesses 'haji' (a sense of shame), which is paradoxically viewed as a positive trait because it means the person is aware of social norms and cares about others' opinions.
「穴があったら入りたいくらいはずかしい。」 (I'm so embarrassed I want to crawl into a hole.)
Furthermore, the word can be applied to things outside oneself. You can feel 'hazukashii' for a friend who is acting out in public, or for a family member who makes a mistake. This 'vicarious embarrassment' is a key part of the Japanese experience of social cohesion. If someone says 'hazukashii koto wo suru na' (Don't do embarrassing things), they are often reminding you that your actions reflect on the entire group, whether that be your family, your school, or your company. Thus, the word serves as a powerful social regulator.
「こんなに汚い部屋にお客さんを呼ぶのははずかしい。」 (It's embarrassing to invite guests to such a dirty room.)
「プロとして、こんなミスははずかしい。」 (As a professional, this kind of mistake is shameful.)
- Modesty vs. Shame
- When someone praises you, saying 'hazukashii' is a common way to deflect the praise humbly.
- Physical Reaction
- The word is often accompanied by physical cues like looking down or covering the mouth.
「名前を間違えられて、はずかしかった。」 (I was embarrassed because they got my name wrong.)
Using はずかしい correctly requires understanding its grammar as an i-adjective and its pragmatic functions in conversation. Because it describes a personal feeling, there are specific rules about how you apply it to yourself versus others. In Japanese, you generally don't state another person's internal feelings as a direct fact (e.g., 'He is embarrassed') unless you use an auxiliary verb like '~garu' to indicate you are observing their behavior.
1. Basic Conjugation
As an i-adjective, it follows these patterns:
- Present Affirmative: はずかしい (hazukashii) - is embarrassing
- Present Negative: はずかしくない (hazukashikunai) - is not embarrassing
- Past Affirmative: はずかしかった (hazukashikatta) - was embarrassing
- Past Negative: はずかしくなかった (hazukashikunakatta) - was not embarrassing
- Te-form: はずかしくて (hazukashikute) - being embarrassing and...
「昨日は失敗して、とてもはずかしかったです。」 (I made a mistake yesterday and was very embarrassed.)
2. Describing Others
When talking about someone else feeling embarrassed, you should use はずかしがる (hazukashigaru). This turns the adjective into a verb meaning 'to act embarrassed' or 'to show signs of being shy'.
「彼女ははずかしがって、何も言いませんでした。」 (She was acting shy and didn't say anything.)
3. Modifying Nouns
You can place it directly before a noun to describe an embarrassing situation or thing.
- はずかしい経験 (Hazukashii keiken)
- An embarrassing experience.
- はずかしい思い出 (Hazukashii omoide)
- An embarrassing memory.
4. The 'Hazukashii' of Modesty
In response to a compliment, saying 'Hazukashii desu' implies that the praise is so high it makes you blush. It is a polite way to accept a compliment without sounding arrogant.
「そんなに褒められると、はずかしいです。」 (I'm embarrassed/blushing to be praised that much.)
You will encounter はずかしい in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the most casual anime tropes to formal business apologies. It is a word that bridges the gap between the personal and the social.
1. Anime and Manga
This is perhaps the most common place for learners to hear the word. Characters often shout 'Hazukashii!' when caught in a compromising situation or when their crush talks to them. The 'tsundere' archetype frequently uses this word to hide their true feelings of affection.
「もう、変なこと言わないで！はずかしいじゃない！」 (Geez, don't say weird things! It's embarrassing, isn't it?!)
2. Daily Conversations
In daily life, people use it to describe minor social blunders. Forgetting someone's name, tripping in public, or having a piece of food stuck in your teeth are all 'hazukashii' moments.
- At the Office
- 'Konna kantan na kanji wo wasureru nante, hazukashii.' (It's embarrassing to forget such a simple kanji.)
- With Friends
- 'Kino no nomikai de no koto, omoidasu dake de hazukashii.' (Just thinking about what happened at yesterday's drinking party is embarrassing.)
3. News and Media
When a public figure or a company commits a scandal, the media might describe their actions as 'hazukashii' or 'haji subeki' (shameful). It implies a betrayal of public trust.
「日本代表として、はずかしくない試合をしたい。」 (As representatives of Japan, we want to play a game we won't be ashamed of.)
4. Parenting
Parents often use the word to teach children social boundaries. 'Hazukashii deshou?' (Isn't that embarrassing?) is a common refrain to stop a child from crying loudly or acting out in a store.
While はずかしい seems straightforward, learners often stumble on its nuances and grammatical restrictions. Here are the most frequent pitfalls.
1. Confusing 'Hazukashii' with 'Tereru'
Both can mean 'embarrassed' or 'shy,' but they have different flavors. Tereru (照れる) is almost always positive or neutral—it's the 'blushing' you do when praised or when you're with someone you like. Hazukashii can be negative (shame) or neutral (shyness).
- Incorrect
- Using 'hazukashii' when you are simply feeling bashful from a compliment in a cute way (though 'hazukashii' is okay, 'tereru' is often more precise).
- Correct
- 'Homerarete tereru' (I'm blushing because I was praised).
2. Misusing the Subject
In Japanese, adjectives of emotion like 'hazukashii' usually describe the speaker's own feelings. If you say 'Tanaka-san wa hazukashii desu,' it sounds like you are saying 'Tanaka-san is an embarrassing person (to be around),' rather than 'Tanaka-san feels embarrassed.'
3. Overusing it for 'Sorry'
Sometimes learners use 'hazukashii' when they should use 'moushiwakenai' (I feel terrible/apologetic). While you might feel embarrassed about a mistake, an apology should focus on the other person's inconvenience, not your own feeling of shame.
「遅刻してはずかしいです。」 (I'm embarrassed I'm late.) - This focuses on your feelings. Use 'Okurete moushiwake arimasen' to focus on the apology.
4. Forgetting the 'i' in Conjugation
Common learner error: saying 'hazukashiku deshita' instead of 'hazukashikatta desu'. Remember, i-adjectives carry the tense in the adjective itself, not the 'desu'.
To truly master はずかしい, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. Each carries a different level of intensity and social context.
- 照れる (Tereru)
- Specifically refers to being bashful or self-conscious in a positive way, like when receiving a compliment or being near a crush. It's the 'warm' kind of embarrassment.
- 気まずい (Kimazui)
- Means 'awkward'. This is used when there is a social tension between people, like an awkward silence after an argument. 'Hazukashii' is about your own shame; 'kimazui' is about the atmosphere.
- 情けない (Nasakenai)
- Means 'miserable' or 'pathetic'. This is a much stronger word than 'hazukashii'. It implies a total loss of face or a shameful lack of spirit.
- 面目ない (Menboku nai)
- A formal expression meaning 'I am ashamed to face you' or 'I have lost face'. Used in professional apologies.
「褒められて照れるのと、失敗してはずかしいのは違います。」 (Blushing from being praised and being embarrassed by a failure are different.)
Another related word is 内気 (uchiki), which means 'shy' as a personality trait. While 'hazukashii' describes a temporary state or a reaction, 'uchiki' describes who a person is. Similarly, 人見知り (hitomishiri) refers specifically to being shy around strangers.
「元カノと会うのは気まずい。」 (Meeting my ex-girlfriend is awkward.)
How Formal Is It?
कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
i-adjective conjugation
~garu (expressing others' feelings)
~te form for reasons
Nominalization with 'no' or 'koto'
~hodo (to the extent of)
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
はずかしいです。
I am embarrassed/shy.
Basic present polite form.
日本語は少しはずかしいです。
Speaking Japanese is a bit embarrassing (for me).
Subject + wa + adjective.
はずかしいですか。
Are you embarrassed?
Question form.
名前を言うのははずかしいです。
Saying my name is embarrassing.
Verb nominalizer 'no wa'.
はずかしくないです。
I am not embarrassed.
Negative polite form.
とてもはずかしい！
So embarrassing!
Casual exclamation with 'totemo'.
はずかしい写真です。
It is an embarrassing photo.
Adjective modifying a noun.
はずかしいから、見ないで！
It's embarrassing, so don't look!
Reason 'kara' + command.
昨日、道で転んではずかしかったです。
I fell on the street yesterday and was embarrassed.
Past tense 'hazukashikatta'.
はずかしくて、顔が赤くなりました。
I was so embarrassed that my face turned red.
Te-form indicating cause.
彼ははずかしがっています。
He is acting shy.
Using '~garu' for others' feelings.
はずかしい思いをしました。
I had an embarrassing experience.
Common phrase 'omoi wo suru'.
みんなの前で話すのははずかしいですか。
Is it embarrassing to speak in front of everyone?
Nominalized phrase as subject.
はずかしくなかったと言えば、嘘になります。
If I said I wasn't embarrassed, I'd be lying.
Conditional 'ba' + negative past.
そんなにはずかしがらないでください。
Please don't be so shy.
Negative 'garu' + kudasai.
はずかしい間違いをしてしまいました。
I ended up making an embarrassing mistake.
Adjective + noun + '~te shimau'.
プロとして、このミスははずかしいことです。
As a professional, this mistake is an embarrassing thing.
Noun modification with 'koto'.
親にはずかしい姿を見せたくない。
I don't want to show my parents my embarrassing side.
Adjective modifying 'sugata' (appearance).
はずかしながら、そのことを知りませんでした。
Embarrassingly (I'm ashamed to say), I didn't know that.
Concessive 'nagara' usage.
彼ははずかしさのあまり、逃げ出した。
He ran away out of extreme embarrassment.
Noun form 'hazukashisa' + 'no amari'.
人前で褒められるのは、かえってはずかしい。
Being praised in public is actually embarrassing.
Adverb 'kaette' (on the contrary).
はずかしい話ですが、財布を忘れました。
It's an embarrassing story, but I forgot my wallet.
Introductory phrase 'hazukashii hanashi desu ga'.
自分をはずかしいと思わないで。
Don't think of yourself as shameful.
Adjective + 'to omou'.
そんなはずかしい格好で外に出るな。
Don't go outside in such embarrassing clothes.
Negative imperative 'na'.
世間に対してはずかしくない行動をとりなさい。
Act in a way that is not shameful to society.
Relative clause modifying 'koudou'.
穴があったら入りたいほどはずかしかった。
I was so embarrassed I wanted to crawl into a hole.
Idiomatic expression with 'hodo'.
はずかしげもなく、彼は嘘をついた。
Without a hint of shame, he told a lie.
Suffix '~ge' (looking like) + 'mo naku'.
自分の無知をはずかしく思う。
I feel ashamed of my own ignorance.
Adverbial form 'hazukashiku' + 'omou'.
はずかしい限りです。
It is extremely embarrassing (nothing could be more so).
Grammar point '~kagiri da'.
あんな振る舞いをするなんて、はずかしいと思わないのか。
Don't you feel ashamed for acting like that?
Nominalized clause 'suru nante'.
親の名前をはずかしめるようなことはするな。
Don't do anything that would bring shame to your parents' name.
Verb form 'hazukashimeru' (to shame/disgrace).
はずかしながら、再婚することになりました。
I'm a bit embarrassed to say, but I've decided to remarry.
Humble introductory usage.
その政治家の発言は、国民としてはずかしい。
As a citizen, that politician's remarks are embarrassing.
Contextual shame 'as a... (toshite)'.
彼ははずかしさを隠しきれなかった。
He couldn't completely hide his embarrassment.
Potential negative 'kakushi-kirenai'.
後世にはずかしくない歴史を残すべきだ。
We should leave behind a history that we won't be ashamed of for future generations.
Negative adjective modifying 'rekishi'.
はずかしいという感情は、社会性の表れである。
The emotion of shame is an expression of sociality.
Quoted concept 'to iu kanjou'.
彼は赤面し、はずかしさに身を震わせた。
He turned red and trembled with shame.
Literary description.
そんなことを言うのは、はずかしいと思いませんか。
Don't you think it's shameful to say such things?
Rhetorical question.
はずかしながら、私の作品を披露させていただきます。
Though I am embarrassed, allow me to present my work.
Formal humble speech (Keigo).
日本文化における「はずかしい」の概念は多層的だ。
The concept of 'hazukashii' in Japanese culture is multi-layered.
Academic description.
「恥の多い生涯を送って来ました」という有名な一節がある。
There is a famous passage: 'I have lived a life full of shame.'
Direct quote from literature.
自己の存在そのものをはずかしく感じるという実存的苦悩。
The existential suffering of feeling ashamed of one's very existence.
Complex philosophical phrasing.
それは、人類の歴史においてはずかしく、かつ悲劇的な出来事だった。
It was a shameful and tragic event in human history.
Formal conjunction 'katsu'.
はずかしさを美徳とする日本的な感性。
The Japanese sensibility that regards a sense of shame as a virtue.
Cultural analysis.
彼は、自らの行為を死ぬほどはずかしく思っていたに違いない。
He must have felt his actions were embarrassingly shameful to the point of death.
Conjecture 'ni chigai nai'.
はずかしめを受けるくらいなら、死を選んだ武士たち。
Samurai who chose death rather than suffer disgrace.
Grammar 'kurai nara' (if it's a matter of...).
その沈黙には、言葉にできないはずかしさが漂っていた。
In that silence, an unspeakable embarrassment lingered.
Abstract literary subject.
はずかしさを超克した先に、真の自由があるのかもしれない。
Perhaps true freedom lies beyond the overcoming of shame.
Philosophical speculation.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Tereru is usually for positive things like compliments; Hazukashii can be negative.
Kimazui is about the atmosphere between people; Hazukashii is about your own feeling.
Nasakenai is much stronger, meaning 'shameful' or 'pathetic'.
Moushiwakenai is for apologies; Hazukashii is for your feelings.
Uchiki is a personality trait (shy); Hazukashii is a feeling.
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
It is often used to show you are not arrogant.
Often associated with blushing (sekimen).
You can feel it for others.
-
Hazukashii deshita
i-adjectives conjugate for tense themselves.
-
Tanaka-san wa hazukashii desu
The first implies Tanaka is an embarrassing person, not that he feels embarrassed.
-
Hazukashii de
The te-form of i-adjectives is '~kute', not '~de'.
-
Using it for 'guilt'
Hazukashii is about social shame, not necessarily moral guilt.
-
Hazukashii no hito
To describe a 'shy person', use the specific noun 'hazukashigariya'.
सुझाव
The Power of Shame
In Japan, showing that you feel 'hazukashii' after a mistake can actually make people forgive you faster because it shows you have a conscience.
Conjugation Check
Always remember the 'i' in 'hazukashii'. When making it negative, change 'i' to 'ku' then add 'nai'.
Compliment Response
If someone says your Japanese is great, smile and say 'Iie, hazukashii desu' to sound very natural and humble.
Noun Form
The noun form is 'hazukashisa'. Use it when you want to say 'The embarrassment was too much'.
Tone Matters
A playful 'hazukashii!' sounds different from a serious, low-toned 'hazukashii...'. Pay attention to the speaker's pitch.
Kanji Usage
While often written in hiragana, using the kanji 恥ずかしい makes your writing look more advanced.
Group Harmony
Using this word shows you care about how your actions affect the group, which is highly valued.
Rhyme Time
Hazukashii rhymes with 'shy' (sort of). Use that to remember the 'shy' meaning.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too much, you might seem like you have very low self-esteem. Use it appropriately for real blunders.
Shy vs. Ashamed
Context is everything. In a classroom, it's 'shy'. In a scandal, it's 'ashamed'.
याद करें
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Old Japanese
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Using 'hazukashii' to deflect compliments is a standard social script.
Ruth Benedict famously described Japan as a 'shame culture' where social standing is paramount.
The fear of 'hazukashii' moments keeps public spaces in Japan very orderly.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"最近、何かはずかしい経験をしましたか？ (Have you had any embarrassing experiences lately?)"
"人前で話すのははずかしいですか？ (Is it embarrassing for you to speak in front of people?)"
"子供の時、はずかしがり屋でしたか？ (Were you a shy child?)"
"どんな時に一番はずかしいと感じますか？ (When do you feel the most embarrassed?)"
"はずかしい間違いをしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever made an embarrassing mistake?)"
डायरी विषय
Write about your most 'hazukashii' memory from school.
Do you think feeling 'hazukashii' is a good thing? Why?
Describe a time you felt 'hazukashii' for someone else.
How do you react when you feel 'hazukashii'?
Compare 'hazukashii' with the word for 'embarrassed' in your native language.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, but use 'hazukashigaru' or 'hazukashisou' to describe their visible state, as you cannot directly know their internal feelings.
No, it can be used for shyness or as a humble response to a compliment, which is socially positive.
'Haji' is the noun for 'shame', while 'hazukashii' is the adjective describing the feeling.
You can say 'Hazukashigariya desu' (I am a shy person) or 'Hazukashii desu' in the moment.
Yes, if you made a mistake, saying 'hazukashii kagiri desu' shows you take the error seriously.
No, 'guilty' is 'tsumi no ishiki' or 'moushiwakenai'. 'Hazukashii' is about shame/exposure.
Yes, 'hazukashii joukyou' (an embarrassing situation).
'誇らしい' (hokorashii - proud) is a common opposite.
Yes, it is a standard 'h' sound as in 'hat'.
Because it's a common reaction to romantic tension or social teasing, which are frequent in anime.
खुद को परखो 180 सवाल
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Hazukashii is more than just 'embarrassed'; it is a social compass in Japan that signals one's awareness of group norms and personal modesty. Mastering its use helps you navigate everything from small talk to formal apologies.
- Hazukashii is an i-adjective meaning 'embarrassing' or 'shy'.
- It covers a range from mild bashfulness to deep social shame.
- Use 'hazukashigaru' when describing someone else's feelings.
- It is a key word for understanding Japanese social harmony and modesty.
The Power of Shame
In Japan, showing that you feel 'hazukashii' after a mistake can actually make people forgive you faster because it shows you have a conscience.
Conjugation Check
Always remember the 'i' in 'hazukashii'. When making it negative, change 'i' to 'ku' then add 'nai'.
Compliment Response
If someone says your Japanese is great, smile and say 'Iie, hazukashii desu' to sound very natural and humble.
Noun Form
The noun form is 'hazukashisa'. Use it when you want to say 'The embarrassment was too much'.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
संबंधित ग्रामर रूल्स
emotions के और शब्द
ぼんやり
B1अस्पष्ट रूप से; बेखयाली में। धुंधली दृष्टि या ध्यान की कमी का वर्णन करने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1किसी उड़ती हुई वस्तु को पकड़ना या किसी की भावनाओं या आलोचना को गंभीरता से स्वीकार करना।
達成感
B1जब आप किसी कार्य को सफलतापूर्वक पूरा करते हैं या कोई लक्ष्य प्राप्त करते हैं तो संतुष्टि और गर्व की भावना। यह आपके प्रयासों का पुरस्कार है।
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1नए माहौल में ढलना (अनुकूल होना) सफलता की कुंजी है।
健気な
B2किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति (अक्सर बच्चे या कमजोर) का वर्णन करता है जो कठिनाई के बावजूद सराहनीय साहस और भावना दिखाता है।
感心な
B1प्रशंसनीय; सराहनीय। 'वह एक सराहनीय बच्चा है जो हमेशा मदद करता है।' 'काम के प्रति उसका दृष्टिकोण वास्तव में सराहनीय है।'
感心
B1किसी के व्यवहार या प्रयास से प्रभावित होना या उसकी प्रशंसा करना।
感心する
B1किसी के कौशल या व्यवहार से प्रभावित होना।
