A2 adjective #1,800 सबसे आम 11 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

부끄럽다

bukkeureopda
At the A1 level, learning the word 부끄럽다 is all about expressing basic feelings of shyness. When you are just starting to learn Korean, you will often find yourself in situations where you feel a bit timid or shy, especially when trying to speak the language with native speakers. In these moments, simply knowing how to say '부끄러워요' (I am shy/embarrassed) is incredibly useful. It acts as a polite and endearing way to explain your hesitation. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex nuances of moral shame or deep social embarrassment. Focus on the physical feeling of your face turning red when you meet someone new or when you make a small mistake in class. You will learn to use it with the basic polite ending, -아요/어요. Because the dictionary form is 부끄럽다, and it is a ㅂ-irregular word, you must remember that it changes to 부끄러워요. You can use it as a standalone sentence: '저 부끄러워요' (I am shy). You will also learn to recognize when others use it, such as a parent saying their child is shy. Remember that at this level, you only use adjectives to describe your own feelings. If you want to say someone else is shy, you will learn the specific grammar for that later. For now, mastering '부끄러워요' will help you navigate those early, slightly awkward interactions with grace and a smile. It is a very common and natural word that instantly makes you sound more human and relatable to Korean speakers. Practice saying it when you feel nervous about speaking, and you will find that people are very understanding and encouraging.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 부끄럽다 expands beyond just saying 'I am shy.' You begin to explain the reasons behind your feelings using simple conjunctions and clauses. You will start using grammar patterns like -아서/어서 (because) to connect your feeling of embarrassment to a specific event. For example, you can say '한국어를 잘 못해서 부끄러워요' (I am embarrassed because I can't speak Korean well) or '실수를 해서 부끄러워요' (I am embarrassed because I made a mistake). This allows you to communicate much more effectively about your internal state. You also learn how to use 부끄럽다 as a modifier before a noun, changing it to 부끄러운. This lets you talk about 'a shy friend' (부끄러운 친구) or 'an embarrassing memory' (부끄러운 기억). Furthermore, at the A2 level, you are introduced to the crucial grammatical rule for describing third-person emotions. You learn that you cannot say '제 친구는 부끄러워요' to mean 'my friend is shy.' Instead, you must use the verb form 부끄러워하다, resulting in '제 친구는 부끄러워해요.' This is a major milestone in Korean grammar. You will also start to distinguish 부끄럽다 from other basic emotion words like 슬프다 (sad) or 화나다 (angry), recognizing that 부끄럽다 is specifically tied to social interactions and self-consciousness. You will hear it often in daily life, such as when someone is receiving a compliment and wants to show modesty. By mastering these A2 grammar points, you can use 부끄럽다 in a variety of everyday situations, from explaining why you are hesitant to participate in an activity to describing the personality of someone you know.
At the B1 level, the concept of 부끄럽다 deepens significantly as you begin to navigate more complex social situations in Korean. You are no longer just expressing basic shyness; you are differentiating between shyness, embarrassment, and mild shame. At this stage, you learn to contrast 부끄럽다 with its close synonyms, particularly 창피하다 (to be humiliated/embarrassed) and 쑥스럽다 (to feel awkward/bashful). You understand that while dropping your tray in the cafeteria makes you 창피하다, receiving a grand public award might make you 쑥스럽다, and realizing you lied to a friend makes you 부끄럽다. This semantic precision is key to B1 fluency. You also start using more advanced grammar structures with the word. For instance, you might use the -기(가) 부끄럽다 pattern to express that an action is embarrassing to do, such as '노래하기가 부끄러워요' (It is embarrassing to sing). You will encounter the adverbial form 부끄럽게 (shyly/embarrassingly) to describe how an action is performed: '부끄럽게 웃었어요' (Smiled shyly). Additionally, you begin to understand the cultural weight of the word. You realize that expressing 부끄러움 is often a polite social strategy to show humility, rather than a genuine expression of negative emotion. When someone praises your Korean, responding with '아직 부족해서 부끄럽습니다' (I am embarrassed because I am still lacking) is a highly natural and culturally appropriate B1-level response. You will also read and hear the word in broader contexts, such as news stories or essays, where people express shame over societal issues or personal failings. Mastering 부끄럽다 at B1 means you are not just learning vocabulary, but acquiring Korean emotional intelligence.
At the B2 level, your grasp of 부끄럽다 extends into abstract concepts and sophisticated social commentary. You are now dealing with the profound cultural implications of shame and face-saving in Korean society. The word is no longer just about personal feelings; it is used to discuss morality, ethics, and social responsibility. You will encounter phrases like '부끄러운 줄 알아야지' (You should know shame / You should be ashamed of yourself), which is a strong reprimand used when someone violates social norms or ethical boundaries. You will read opinion pieces or listen to debates where public figures are criticized for their '부끄러운 행동' (shameful behavior). At this level, you can comfortably discuss the psychological aspects of the emotion, explaining how a sense of 부끄러움 acts as a moral compass in society. You use complex grammar to articulate these ideas, such as '-는 것조차 부끄럽다' (even doing [something] is shameful) or '-을/를 부끄럽게 여기다' (to consider [something] shameful). You also fully master the nuances between all related vocabulary—민망하다, 무안하다, 수줍다, 창피하다—and can explain these differences to lower-level learners. In professional settings, you know how to use the word to take accountability for major errors in a formal and respectful manner, saying '이런 결과를 초래하여 대단히 부끄럽게 생각합니다' (I consider it highly shameful to have brought about these results). Your use of the word is precise, culturally attuned, and capable of expressing deep regret, profound modesty, or sharp moral judgment, reflecting a high level of fluency and cultural integration.
At the C1 level, your use of 부끄럽다 is nearly indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You encounter and utilize the word in literary, academic, and highly formal contexts. You understand its historical and philosophical roots in Korean culture, where the concept of shame (치, 恥) is deeply intertwined with Confucian values of morality and social order. You can analyze literature where the protagonist's internal conflict is driven by a profound sense of 부끄러움 regarding their identity, their past, or their societal role. A classic example is the famous poem '서시' (Prologue) by Yun Dong-ju, which begins with the iconic line '죽는 날까지 하늘을 우러러 한 점 부끄럼이 없기를' (Hoping to have not a single speck of shame when looking up at the sky until the day I die). Understanding the existential weight of '부끄럼' in this context is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You are adept at using idiomatic and advanced expressions, such as '부끄러움을 무릅쓰고' (braving the shame / at the risk of embarrassment) when asking for a difficult favor. You can engage in deep sociological discussions about how the 'shame culture' affects modern Korean society, from the pressure of the education system to corporate dynamics. Your vocabulary includes advanced derivatives and related Hanja words like 수치심 (sense of shame) and 염치 (sense of honor/shame), and you know exactly when to use the pure Korean 부끄럽다 versus its Sino-Korean counterparts for stylistic effect. At this stage, the word is a powerful rhetorical tool in your arsenal.
At the C2 level, you possess a master's understanding of the word 부끄럽다, encompassing its deepest psychological, sociological, and linguistic dimensions. You can effortlessly deconstruct how the concept of shame operates as both a coercive social mechanism and a profound expression of personal integrity in Korea. You can critically analyze academic texts, psychological studies, and historical documents that explore the evolution of '부끄러움' from traditional Confucian ethics to contemporary digital society, where public shaming and 'cancel culture' manifest in unique ways. You intuitively grasp the subtle irony, sarcasm, or profound humility intended when the word is used in complex political discourse or high-level literary criticism. You can play with the word stylistically, using it to craft compelling narratives or persuasive arguments that resonate deeply with Korean cultural sensibilities. You understand the phonetic and morphological subtleties of the word, perhaps even its etymological origins, and how it relates to the physiological response of blushing. At this ultimate level of proficiency, you don't just use the word correctly; you understand its soul. You recognize that in the Korean psyche, the capacity to feel 부끄럽다 is not a weakness, but a fundamental requirement for being a decent, moral human being. Your ability to articulate this paradox—that shame is both a burden and a virtue—demonstrates an absolute mastery of the Korean language and the culture it embodies.

부끄럽다 30 सेकंड में

  • Expresses shyness, embarrassment, or moral shame.
  • Conjugates as a ㅂ-irregular adjective (부끄러워요).
  • Used for first-person feelings; use 부끄러워하다 for others.
  • Deeply tied to Korean concepts of 'face' and modesty.

The Korean adjective 부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) is a deeply nuanced word that encompasses a wide spectrum of emotions, primarily translating to being shy, embarrassed, or ashamed. Understanding this word requires a deep dive into Korean social dynamics, where the concept of face, social harmony, and interpersonal relationships play a massive role in daily life. When a Korean person says they feel 부끄럽다, they might be expressing a mild, endearing shyness, such as a child hiding behind their mother's leg when meeting a stranger. Alternatively, they could be expressing a profound sense of moral shame or deep embarrassment resulting from a significant social faux pas. This duality makes it one of the most essential emotion words for learners to master, as it bridges the gap between internal feelings and external social expectations. The root of the word connects to the feeling of one's face turning red, a universal physiological response to both shyness and shame. In Korean culture, acknowledging this feeling is often a way to show humility and respect for social norms. By admitting you are 부끄럽다, you signal to others that you are aware of your position, your mistakes, or your modesty, which can actually serve to repair social bonds or endear you to others. It is not merely a negative emotion to be avoided; rather, it is a complex social tool. For instance, when receiving a compliment, a Korean person might say they are 부끄럽다 to deflect praise and demonstrate modesty, which is highly valued. This contrasts with Western cultures where accepting a compliment with a simple 'thank you' is the norm. Furthermore, the feeling of 부끄럽다 is often tied to the concept of 'nunchi' (눈치), the ability to gauge the mood and social dynamics of a situation. A person with good nunchi knows when to feel and express 부끄럽다 appropriately. The word can be used in personal contexts, such as feeling shy around a crush, or in professional contexts, such as feeling ashamed for making a critical error in a presentation. The versatility of 부끄럽다 means that learners must pay close attention to the context, tone of voice, and accompanying body language to fully grasp the speaker's intended meaning. Whether it is a lighthearted giggle and a covered face, or a deep bow and a solemn apology, the underlying emotion is captured by this single, powerful word.

Core Meaning 1
Shyness: The feeling of being timid or reserved in the presence of others, especially strangers or people of higher status.

처음 만나는 사람들 앞에서는 항상 부끄럽다.

Core Meaning 2
Embarrassment: The feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness caused by a mistake, an accident, or being the center of attention.

길에서 넘어졌을 때 정말 부끄러웠다.

Core Meaning 3
Shame: A deep sense of guilt or disgrace arising from morally wrong or socially unacceptable behavior.

거짓말을 한 내 자신이 너무 부끄럽다.

칭찬을 들으니 조금 부끄럽네요.

아이들이 낯선 사람을 보고 부끄러워한다.

Grammatically, 부끄럽다 is a ㅂ-irregular adjective, which means its conjugation follows specific rules that are crucial for learners to master. When the stem 부끄럽- meets a suffix starting with a vowel, the final consonant ㅂ changes to 우. Therefore, in the polite present tense (아/어요 form), it becomes 부끄러워요 (bukkeureowoyo), not 부끄럽어요. In the past tense, it becomes 부끄러웠어요 (bukkeureowosseoyo). When used as a modifier before a noun, it takes the form 부끄러운 (bukkeureoun), meaning 'shy' or 'shameful' depending on the noun it modifies. For example, 부끄러운 기억 means 'a shameful memory' or 'an embarrassing memory', while 부끄러운 미소 means 'a shy smile'. It is important to note that as an adjective, 부끄럽다 describes a state of being, so it cannot take a direct object with 을/를. Instead, the cause of the shyness or embarrassment is often marked with the particle 에 (at/to) or (으)로 (due to), or expressed through a preceding clause ending in -아서/어서 (because). For instance, 'I am embarrassed because of my mistake' would be 실수 때문에 부끄러워요, or 실수를 해서 부끄러워요. Another vital grammatical point is how to express that someone else is feeling shy or embarrassed. In Korean, adjectives describing internal feelings can generally only be used directly for the first person (I) in statements, or the second person (you) in questions. To describe a third person's feelings, you must use the verb form 부끄러워하다 (bukkeureowohada), which means 'to act shy' or 'to show embarrassment'. This is a fundamental rule of Korean grammar that applies to many emotion words. So, while you can say 저는 부끄러워요 (I am shy), you must say 그 사람은 부끄러워해요 (That person is shy/acting shy). Mastering these conjugation patterns and syntactic rules is essential for using 부끄럽다 naturally and accurately in everyday conversation. Furthermore, the adverbial form 부끄럽게 (bukkeureopge) is used to describe an action done shyly or in an embarrassing manner, such as 부끄럽게 웃다 (to smile shyly). By understanding these various forms—the basic adjective, the noun modifier, the third-person verb, and the adverb—learners can articulate a wide range of emotional experiences with precision and cultural appropriateness.

Conjugation: Present Tense
ㅂ changes to 우 before a vowel: 부끄럽다 -> 부끄러워요 (Polite), 부끄러워 (Casual), 부끄럽습니다 (Formal).

사람들 앞에서 말하는 것이 부끄러워요.

Conjugation: Noun Modifier
To modify a noun, use 부끄러운. Example: 부끄러운 일 (an embarrassing thing).

그것은 정말 부끄러운 실수였습니다.

Third Person Usage
For third-person subjects, use the verb form 부끄러워하다.

제 동생은 낯을 가려서 많이 부끄러워해요.

학생이 질문하는 것을 부끄러워합니다.

그녀는 부끄럽게 얼굴을 가렸어요.

In everyday Korean society, you will hear 부끄럽다 used in a multitude of contexts, ranging from casual conversations among friends to formal apologies in professional settings. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in social situations involving new people. When introducing someone who is naturally introverted, a friend might say, '이 친구가 좀 부끄러움이 많아요' (This friend has a lot of shyness/is quite shy). In romantic contexts, feeling shy around a crush or on a first date is frequently described using this word. You might hear someone confess, '네 앞에만 서면 부끄러워져' (I become shy whenever I stand in front of you). In educational settings, teachers often encourage students not to be shy when asking questions or speaking up in class, saying, '부끄러워하지 말고 질문하세요' (Don't be shy and please ask questions). Moving into the professional world, the word takes on a heavier connotation of embarrassment or professional shame. If an employee makes a significant error that affects the team, they might express their deep regret by saying, '이런 실수를 하다니 정말 부끄럽습니다' (I am truly ashamed to have made such a mistake). This demonstrates accountability and a recognition of the social impact of their actions. Furthermore, in public discourse, politicians or public figures who are caught in scandals will often use this word in their public apologies, stating that they are '부끄러운 모습을 보여드려 죄송합니다' (I am sorry for showing you a shameful side of myself). This usage highlights the deep cultural importance of maintaining a respectable public image and the profound shame associated with losing face. Even in media, such as K-dramas and variety shows, you will frequently hear characters exclaiming '아, 부끄러워!' (Ah, I'm embarrassed!) when they are teased, when they have to perform a silly task, or when their secret feelings are revealed. The physical reactions accompanying the word—covering the face with hands, turning away, blushing, or bowing the head—are just as communicative as the word itself. By observing these various contexts, learners can appreciate the emotional depth and cultural significance of 부끄럽다, moving beyond a simple dictionary translation to a true understanding of Korean emotional expression.

Context 1: Social Introductions
Used to describe someone's personality or behavior when meeting new people.

우리 아이가 낯을 가려서 좀 부끄러워해요.

Context 2: Romantic Situations
Expressing the fluttery, shy feeling when interacting with someone you like.

좋아하는 사람 앞에서는 눈을 마주치기가 부끄럽다.

Context 3: Making Mistakes
Admitting fault and expressing embarrassment or shame over an error.

발표 중에 큰 실수를 해서 너무 부끄러웠어요.

과거의 내 사진을 보면 정말 부끄럽다.

국민 여러분께 부끄러운 모습을 보여 죄송합니다.

Learners of Korean frequently stumble when trying to distinguish between 부끄럽다 and other emotion words, particularly 창피하다 (changpihada) and 쑥스럽다 (ssukseureopda). While all three can be translated as 'embarrassed' or 'shy' in English, their nuances and appropriate contexts differ significantly. The most common mistake is using 부끄럽다 when 창피하다 would be more appropriate, or vice versa. 창피하다 specifically refers to the acute embarrassment or humiliation that comes from losing face in a social situation, often due to a silly mistake, a wardrobe malfunction, or being publicly reprimanded. It carries a stronger sense of 'I want to hide in a hole' due to external judgment. For example, if your pants rip in public, you would feel 창피하다. While you could also say 부끄럽다 in this situation, 부끄럽다 has a broader scope that includes moral shame and innate shyness, which 창피하다 does not. You cannot use 창피하다 to describe a naturally shy child; you must use 부끄럽다. Another frequent point of confusion is with 쑥스럽다. 쑥스럽다 describes the awkward, slightly uncomfortable, but often positive feeling of being out of one's element, such as receiving unexpected praise, doing something uncharacteristic, or acting affectionate when you usually don't. If you are asked to sing a song in front of your friends and you feel awkward but not necessarily ashamed, 쑥스럽다 is the perfect word. Using 부끄럽다 here is acceptable but might sound a bit too strong or imply a deeper level of shyness. Additionally, learners often make grammatical errors, such as forgetting the ㅂ-irregular conjugation and saying 부끄럽어요 instead of 부끄러워요. Another major grammatical mistake is using the adjective form for a third person, saying 그 사람은 부끄러워요 instead of the correct verb form 그 사람은 부끄러워해요. It is crucial to remember that in Korean, you cannot directly state the internal feelings of another person using an adjective; you must describe their outward behavior using the -아/어하다 form. Overcoming these semantic and grammatical hurdles requires practice and a keen ear for context. By paying attention to how native speakers choose between 부끄럽다, 창피하다, and 쑥스럽다, and by rigorously practicing the correct conjugations, learners can significantly improve the naturalness and accuracy of their Korean emotional expression.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 창피하다
Using 부끄럽다 for acute, humiliating public embarrassment when 창피하다 is more precise.

길에서 크게 넘어졌을 때는 창피하다가 더 자연스럽습니다.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Conjugation
Saying 부끄럽어요 instead of the correct ㅂ-irregular form 부끄러워요.

저는 춤추는 게 부끄러워요. (Not 부끄럽어요)

Mistake 3: Third Person Adjective
Using the adjective form for 'he/she'. You must use 부끄러워하다.

지민이는 칭찬을 받으면 부끄러워해요.

갑자기 사랑한다고 말하려니 쑥스럽네요.

시험에 떨어져서 부끄럽다 (ashamed of failing, not disappointed).

The Korean language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to emotions, particularly those involving social dynamics, face-saving, and interpersonal relationships. When exploring words similar to 부끄럽다, we uncover a fascinating landscape of nuanced feelings. As previously mentioned, 창피하다 (changpihada) is the closest synonym when it comes to the 'embarrassment' aspect. It focuses heavily on the humiliation of losing face in public, such as tripping and falling, or having your stomach growl loudly in a quiet room. It is a sharper, more acute feeling of wanting to disappear. 쑥스럽다 (ssukseureopda), on the other hand, captures the awkwardness of unfamiliar positive attention or acting out of character. It's the feeling you get when everyone sings 'Happy Birthday' to you, or when you wear a very flashy outfit for the first time. Another related word is 수줍다 (sujupda), which translates purely to 'shy' or 'bashful'. Unlike 부끄럽다, which can mean both shy and ashamed, 수줍다 does not carry any connotation of shame or wrongdoing. It is often used to describe a gentle, introverted personality, like a shy maiden or a quiet child. It is a very soft, almost poetic word. 민망하다 (minmanghada) is another crucial word in this emotional family. It describes the feeling of second-hand embarrassment, or feeling awkward and pitiful because of a situation. If you witness someone else being scolded publicly, or if a joke falls completely flat and the room goes silent, you feel 민망하다. It's an empathetic embarrassment. Finally, 무안하다 (muanhada) is used when you feel awkward or embarrassed because you were rejected, ignored, or put on the spot unexpectedly. If you wave at someone and they don't wave back, you feel 무안하다. Understanding these distinctions allows learners to express their exact emotional state with incredible precision. While a beginner might use 부끄럽다 for all these situations, an advanced speaker will select the specific word that perfectly captures the flavor of the awkwardness, shyness, or shame they are experiencing, thereby demonstrating a deep mastery of Korean emotional intelligence.

Comparison: 창피하다
Humiliated, acutely embarrassed by a public mistake or loss of face.

바지가 찢어져서 너무 창피했어요.

Comparison: 쑥스럽다
Awkward but often in a positive or unfamiliar situation, like receiving praise.

사람들이 박수를 쳐주니 쑥스럽네요.

Comparison: 수줍다
Purely shy or bashful, describing a gentle personality trait without any shame.

그 소녀는 수줍게 미소를 지었다.

친구가 큰 소리로 노래를 불러서 내가 다 민망했다.

인사를 했는데 안 받아줘서 무안했어요.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

""

कठिनाई स्तर

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स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

저는 부끄러워요.

I am shy.

ㅂ-irregular conjugation: 부끄럽다 + 어요 -> 부끄러워요.

2

아이가 부끄러워해요.

The child is shy.

Use -아/어하다 for third-person emotions.

3

부끄러운 얼굴이에요.

It is a shy face.

Noun modifier form: 부끄러운 + Noun.

4

너무 부끄러워요!

I am so embarrassed!

너무 (too/very) intensifies the emotion.

5

부끄러워하지 마세요.

Don't be shy.

-지 마세요 is the negative imperative (don't).

6

조금 부끄럽습니다.

I am a little shy.

Formal polite ending: -습니다.

7

왜 부끄러워요?

Why are you shy?

왜 (why) is used to ask the reason.

8

정말 부끄러웠어요.

I was really embarrassed.

Past tense: 부끄러워 + ㅆ어요.

1

한국어 말하기가 부끄러워요.

I am shy to speak Korean.

Verb stem + 기가 부끄럽다 (shy to do something).

2

실수를 해서 부끄러웠어요.

I was embarrassed because I made a mistake.

-아서/어서 is used to show the cause (because).

3

사람들 앞에서 춤추는 것이 부끄럽습니다.

Dancing in front of people is embarrassing.

-는 것 turns the verb phrase into a noun.

4

제 친구는 낯을 가려서 부끄러워해요.

My friend is shy because they are afraid of strangers.

낯을 가리다 means to be shy with strangers.

5

칭찬을 들으면 부끄러워요.

When I hear a compliment, I feel shy.

-(으)면 means 'if' or 'when'.

6

부끄러운 기억이 있어요.

I have an embarrassing memory.

부끄러운 modifies the noun 기억 (memory).

7

부끄럽게 웃었어요.

I smiled shyly.

-게 turns the adjective into an adverb.

8

그 옷은 입기 부끄러워요.

That clothes is embarrassing to wear.

Verb stem + 기 부끄럽다.

1

창피한 것과 부끄러운 것은 조금 다릅니다.

Being humiliated and being shy/ashamed are slightly different.

Comparing two concepts using -과/와.

2

자신의 잘못을 모르는 것이 가장 부끄러운 일입니다.

Not knowing one's own faults is the most shameful thing.

가장 (most) + 부끄러운 일 (shameful thing).

3

부끄러움을 타는 성격이라서 발표가 힘듭니다.

Because I have a shy personality, presentations are hard.

부끄러움을 타다 is a common phrase meaning 'to be prone to shyness'.

4

그는 부끄러운 듯이 고개를 숙였다.

He lowered his head as if he were ashamed.

-(으)ㄴ/는 듯이 means 'as if'.

5

아무리 부끄러워도 사과는 해야 합니다.

No matter how embarrassed you are, you must apologize.

아무리 -아/어도 means 'no matter how'.

6

제가 한 행동이 너무 부끄러워서 쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶었어요.

I was so ashamed of my actions that I wanted to hide in a mouse hole.

쥐구멍에 숨고 싶다 is an idiom for extreme embarrassment.

7

부끄럽지 않은 삶을 살기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

I am making an effort to live a life without shame.

-지 않다 is the negative form.

8

그 사실을 이제야 알게 되어 부끄럽기 짝이 없습니다.

I am incredibly ashamed to only learn of this fact now.

-기 짝이 없다 is an expression for 'incomparably [adjective]'.

1

정치인들은 자신의 부끄러운 과거를 숨기려고 애썼다.

The politicians tried hard to hide their shameful pasts.

-(으)려고 애쓰다 means 'to make an effort to do'.

2

사회의 소외된 이웃을 돕지 못해 부끄러움을 느낍니다.

I feel a sense of shame for not being able to help the marginalized neighbors in our society.

부끄러움을 느끼다 means 'to feel shame'.

3

부끄러운 줄 알면 그런 행동을 할 수 없을 텐데요.

If they knew shame, they wouldn't be able to act like that.

-(으)ㄹ 텐데 expresses an assumption or regret.

4

그는 가난을 부끄럽게 여기지 않고 오히려 자랑스러워했다.

He did not consider his poverty shameful, but rather was proud of it.

-게 여기다 means 'to consider as'.

5

이런 기초적인 질문을 하기가 부끄럽지만, 꼭 알아야겠습니다.

It is embarrassing to ask such a basic question, but I must know.

-지만 connects contrasting clauses (but/although).

6

역사 앞에 부끄럽지 않은 결정을 내려야 합니다.

We must make a decision that we will not be ashamed of before history.

역사 앞에 (before history) is a formal rhetorical phrase.

7

자신의 무지를 인정하는 것은 결코 부끄러운 일이 아닙니다.

Admitting one's ignorance is by no means a shameful thing.

결코 -지 않다 means 'never' or 'by no means'.

8

그의 뻔뻔한 태도에 내가 다 부끄러워질 지경이었다.

I was at the point of feeling ashamed myself due to his shameless attitude.

-(으)ㄹ 지경이다 means 'to be on the verge of' or 'to the point of'.

1

하늘을 우러러 한 점 부끄럼이 없기를 바랐다.

I hoped to have not a single speck of shame when looking up at the sky.

A famous literary quote using the noun form 부끄럼.

2

그는 부끄러움을 무릅쓰고 대중 앞에 나서서 진실을 밝혔다.

Braving the shame, he stepped in front of the public and revealed the truth.

무릅쓰다 means 'to brave' or 'to risk'.

3

지식인으로서 사회적 부조리에 침묵하는 것은 몹시 부끄러운 처사다.

As an intellectual, remaining silent on social absurdities is a highly shameful act.

처사 refers to a way of handling things or an act.

4

염치와 부끄러움을 상실한 사회는 도덕적 붕괴를 맞이할 수밖에 없다.

A society that has lost its sense of honor and shame has no choice but to face moral collapse.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 means 'have no choice but to'.

5

그녀의 글에는 시대의 아픔에 대한 깊은 부끄러움이 배어 있다.

Her writing is imbued with a deep shame regarding the pain of the era.

배어 있다 means 'to be saturated' or 'to be imbued'.

6

자본주의 사회에서 가난은 종종 개인의 부끄러움으로 치부되곤 한다.

In a capitalist society, poverty is often dismissed as an individual's shame.

치부되다 means 'to be regarded as' (usually negatively).

7

그는 자신의 알량한 자존심 때문에 사과하지 못한 것을 뼈저리게 부끄러워했다.

He felt bone-deep shame for failing to apologize due to his petty pride.

뼈저리게 means 'to the bone' or 'deeply'.

8

도덕적 해이가 만연한 작금의 사태에 대해 참담함과 부끄러움을 금할 길이 없다.

I cannot suppress my devastation and shame regarding the current situation where moral hazard is rampant.

금할 길이 없다 is a highly formal expression meaning 'cannot suppress/hold back'.

1

한국의 전통적인 '체면' 문화는 부끄러움이라는 감정을 사회 통제의 핵심 기제로 활용해 왔다.

Korea's traditional 'face' culture has utilized the emotion of shame as a core mechanism of social control.

기제 means 'mechanism'.

2

타자의 시선에 의해 규정되는 수동적 부끄러움을 넘어, 실존적 성찰을 통한 능동적 부끄러움으로 나아가야 한다.

We must move beyond the passive shame defined by the gaze of the other, towards an active shame through existential reflection.

실존적 성찰 means 'existential reflection'.

3

그의 문학 세계에서 부끄러움은 단순한 감정적 반응이 아니라, 윤리적 주체로서 정립하기 위한 통과의례로 기능한다.

In his literary world, shame functions not merely as an emotional response, but as a rite of passage to establish oneself as an ethical subject.

통과의례 means 'rite of passage'.

4

현대 디지털 사회의 '조리돌림'은 개인에게 영구적인 낙인을 찍음으로써 회복 불가능한 부끄러움을 강요한다.

The 'public shaming' in modern digital society forces irrecoverable shame by placing a permanent stigma on the individual.

조리돌림 refers to public humiliation or shaming.

5

맹자가 말한 수오지심(羞惡之心), 즉 자신의 옳지 못함을 부끄러워하는 마음이야말로 의(義)의 단서이다.

Mencius's concept of Suojishim, the mind that is ashamed of one's own unrighteousness, is the very clue to righteousness.

수오지심 is a Confucian philosophical term.

6

국가 폭력에 가담했던 자들이 일말의 부끄러움조차 느끼지 못하는 현상은 악의 평범성을 여실히 증명한다.

The phenomenon where those who participated in state violence feel not even a shred of shame clearly proves the banality of evil.

악의 평범성 refers to Hannah Arendt's 'banality of evil'.

7

치욕과 부끄러움의 경계에서, 그는 비로소 위선으로 가득 찬 자신의 민낯을 직시할 수 있었다.

At the boundary of disgrace and shame, he was finally able to face his bare face, which was full of hypocrisy.

민낯 literally means 'bare face' but metaphorically means 'true nature'.

8

부끄러움을 아는 자만이 진정한 용기를 낼 수 있다는 역설은 인간 본성에 대한 깊은 통찰을 제공한다.

The paradox that only those who know shame can muster true courage provides deep insight into human nature.

역설 means 'paradox'.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

부끄러움을 타다
부끄러움을 느끼다
부끄러운 줄 알다
부끄러운 일
부끄러운 과거
부끄럽게 생각하다
부끄러움을 감추다
부끄러움을 무릅쓰다
한 점 부끄럼 없이
부끄러워 고개를 숙이다

सामान्य वाक्यांश

아, 부끄러워!

부끄러운 줄 아세요.

부끄러워하지 마세요.

부끄러워서 죽는 줄 알았어.

부끄러운 이야기지만...

조금 부끄럽네요.

뭐가 부끄러워?

부끄러운 모습을 보여 죄송합니다.

부끄러움을 많이 타요.

얼굴이 부끄러워 빨개졌다.

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

부끄럽다 vs 창피하다

부끄럽다 vs 쑥스럽다

부끄럽다 vs 수줍다

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

부끄럽다 vs

부끄럽다 vs

부끄럽다 vs

부끄럽다 vs

부끄럽다 vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

nuance

Context determines if it means shy, embarrassed, or ashamed.

formality

Can be used in all levels of formality by changing the ending.

colloquialism

Often shortened to '부끄' in text slang (e.g., 부끄부끄).

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Saying 부끄럽어요 instead of 부끄러워요.
  • Using 부끄럽다 to mean 'It's a pity/disappointing' (should be 아쉽다).
  • Saying 그 사람은 부끄러워요 instead of 그 사람은 부끄러워해요.
  • Using 부끄럽다 for public humiliation when 창피하다 is more appropriate.
  • Forgetting to use the modifier form 부끄러운 before a noun (saying 부끄럽다 기억 instead of 부끄러운 기억).

सुझाव

The ㅂ-Irregular Rule

Always remember that 부끄럽다 drops the ㅂ and adds 우 before vowel endings. It becomes 부끄러워요, not 부끄럽어요. This is the most common mistake beginners make.

Third Person Rule

Never say '제 친구는 부끄러워요'. You must use the -아/어하다 form for third parties: '제 친구는 부끄러워해요'. This applies to most emotion adjectives in Korean.

Accepting Compliments

When someone praises your Korean skills, try responding with '아직 부족해서 부끄럽습니다' (I'm embarrassed because I'm still lacking). It sounds incredibly natural and polite.

창피하다 vs. 부끄럽다

If you want to hide in a hole because you did something silly in public, use 창피하다. If you are just naturally shy or feel moral guilt, use 부끄럽다.

The Mouse Hole

To express extreme embarrassment, use the idiom '쥐구멍에라도 들어가고 싶다' (I want to go into even a mouse hole). It's the Korean equivalent of wanting the ground to swallow you up.

Noun Modifier

To describe a noun, use 부끄러운. For example, '부끄러운 실수' (an embarrassing mistake) or '부끄러운 기억' (an embarrassing memory).

Not for 'Disappointment'

English speakers often say 'It's a shame' to mean 'It's too bad'. Do not translate this to 부끄럽다. Use 아쉽다 (It's a pity) instead.

Texting Slang

In casual texting, you might see '부끄부끄' (bukkeu-bukkeu). This is a cute, mimetic way to say 'I'm feeling shy/embarrassed'.

Adverb Form

Use 부끄럽게 to describe how an action is done. '부끄럽게 웃다' means 'to smile shyly'. It modifies the verb that follows it.

Nunchi and Shame

Understanding when to feel '부끄럽다' is a big part of having good 'nunchi' (social awareness). It shows you understand your place and the impact of your actions on others.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Imagine a BOOK (부) that you GREW (끄러) UP (럽) reading, but now you realize it's a baby book and you feel SHY and EMBARRASSED when someone sees it. Bu-kkeu-reop-da!

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Native Korean word.

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Knowing when to feel and show 부끄러움 is a sign of high 'nunchi' (social intelligence).

Deflecting compliments with 부끄럽다 is a core part of Korean etiquette.

Admitting 부끄러움 can paradoxically help save face by showing self-awareness.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

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

"처음 한국어를 말할 때 부끄러웠어요? (Were you shy when you first spoke Korean?)"

"어떤 상황에서 제일 부끄러움을 느껴요? (In what situations do you feel the most shy/embarrassed?)"

"칭찬을 받으면 부끄러워하는 편인가요? (Do you tend to feel shy when you receive compliments?)"

"부끄러움을 극복하는 방법이 있을까요? (Is there a way to overcome shyness?)"

डायरी विषय

Write about a time you felt really '부끄럽다' and what you did.

Describe a situation where someone else's actions made you feel '민망하다' (second-hand embarrassment).

Explain the difference between '부끄럽다' and '창피하다' using your own experiences.

Write a short apology letter in Korean for a mistake, using '부끄럽다'.

Reflect on why modesty (feeling 부끄럽다 when praised) is important in Korean culture.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

No. In English, 'it's a shame' means 'it's a pity'. In Korean, you must use 아쉽다 (to be a pity/disappointing). 부끄럽다 is strictly for personal shyness, embarrassment, or moral shame.

In Korean culture, modesty is highly valued. Accepting a compliment directly can seem arrogant. Saying '부끄럽다' (I'm embarrassed/shy) is a polite way to deflect the praise and show humility.

부끄러워요 is an adjective used for the first person (I am shy) or second person in a question (Are you shy?). 부끄러워해요 is a verb used for the third person (He/She is shy). Korean grammar requires this distinction for internal emotions.

Not necessarily. While it can mean moral shame (negative), it is very often used for innocent shyness or polite modesty, which are seen as positive or endearing traits in Korea.

Because it is a ㅂ-irregular word, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. Then you add the past tense marker '었'. So it becomes 부끄러웠어요 (bukkeureowosseoyo).

Yes, '부끄러운 사람' can mean a shy person, but it can also mean 'a shameful person' depending on the context. To be clear that someone is just naturally shy, it's better to say '부끄러움을 많이 타는 사람' or '수줍음이 많은 사람'.

It translates to 'Know shame' or 'You should be ashamed of yourself.' It is a strong reprimand used when someone has done something morally wrong or socially unacceptable and doesn't seem to feel guilty.

You can, but '창피하다' (changpihada) is much more natural and common for acute, public humiliation like tripping, dropping food, or having a wardrobe malfunction.

You say '부끄러워하지 마세요' (bukkeureowohaji maseyo). Notice that it uses the verb form (부끄러워하다) because you are talking about the other person's actions/feelings.

The noun form is 부끄러움 (bukkeureoum). It means shyness, embarrassment, or shame. It is often used in the phrase '부끄러움을 타다' (to be prone to shyness).

खुद को परखो 99 सवाल

writing

Write a simple sentence saying 'I am shy.'

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'Don't be shy' to a friend.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence explaining that you are embarrassed because you made a mistake.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'My friend is shy.' (Remember the 3rd person rule!)

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence comparing a time you felt 창피하다 vs a time you felt 쑥스럽다.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Use the idiom '쥐구멍에라도 들어가고 싶다' in a sentence.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using '부끄러운 줄 알아야지' in an appropriate context.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a formal sentence apologizing for a 'shameful mistake' at work.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a short paragraph analyzing the cultural difference between accepting a compliment in the West vs. expressing '부끄러움' in Korea.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Discuss the concept of 'shame' (부끄러움) as a mechanism for social control in traditional Korean society.

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

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Why won't Person B sing?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

How did the speaker physically react to their mistake?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

How did the friend feel when receiving the gift?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What is the speaker disappointed about?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What bizarre phenomenon is occurring in modern society according to the speaker?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:

/ 99 correct

Perfect score!

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