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수치심

A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

수치심

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 수치심 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 수치심 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '수치심' often, but it's helpful to know it means 'a very bad feeling of shame.' Think of it as being much stronger than 'I'm sorry.' It's like when you do something so wrong that you want to hide. You might see it in simple stories where a character does something bad and feels very sad and 'red in the face.' At this level, just remember: 수치심 = Big Shame. It's a noun, and we usually say '수치심을 느껴요' (I feel shame). It's not for small things like forgetting your homework, but for big things like lying to your parents.

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish '수치심' from '창피함' (embarrassment). '창피함' is for when you trip or make a mistake in front of friends. '수치심' is for when you feel like you've lost your dignity. For example, if someone treats you very poorly and you feel small, that is 수치심. You should learn the basic pattern: [Reason] 때문에 수치심을 느껴요. (I feel shame because of [Reason]). This word is often used in movies or dramas when a character is caught doing something illegal or very mean. It's a formal way to talk about feeling bad about yourself.

At the B1 level, you should understand that '수치심' is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based). The '심' (Sim) means heart or mind, which tells you this is an internal emotional state. You will encounter this word in news reports, essays, and more complex social situations. It is often used to discuss social ethics. For example, '수치심을 모르는 행동' (behavior that doesn't know shame) is a common way to criticize someone's lack of manners or morals. You should also be aware of the adjective form, '수치스럽다' (to be shameful), which is used to describe an action or a situation rather than just the feeling.

At the B2 level, '수치심' becomes a key word for discussing social issues and psychological states. You will see it in legal contexts, particularly regarding '성적 수치심' (sexual humiliation), which is a crucial term in Korean law. You should also be able to use it metaphorically, such as '수치심을 씻다' (to wash away shame/clear one's name). At this level, you should understand the nuance between 수치심 and '굴욕감' (humiliation from others). You might use it in a debate about history or politics to describe how a group feels after a scandal.

At the C1 level, you should explore the philosophical and literary depth of '수치심.' In Korean literature, shame is a recurring theme representing moral integrity. You can analyze how poets like Yun Dong-ju used shame as a tool for self-reflection. You should also be comfortable using the word in academic writing about sociology or psychology, discussing how 'shame culture' (수치 문화) differs from 'guilt culture' (죄책감 문화). You should master complex collocations like '수치심을 유발하다' (to trigger shame) and '수치심을 내면화하다' (to internalize shame).

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native understanding of the existential nuances of '수치심.' You can discuss the ontological implications of shame in modern society, perhaps in the context of 'cyber-shaming' or historical reconciliation. You understand the subtle difference between '치욕,' '오욕,' and '수치' in historical texts. You can use the word in high-level legal arguments or psychological research papers. You recognize that in Korean, 수치심 is often the boundary between the private self and the social self, and you can articulate this complexity in both speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

수치심 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning deep shame or humiliation.
Often paired with '느끼다' (to feel) or '주다' (to give).
Used in formal, legal, and moral contexts.
More serious and identity-focused than '창피함' (embarrassment).

The Korean word 수치심 (Suchisim) is a profound and multi-layered noun that translates to 'shame' or 'a sense of humiliation.' At its core, it describes a painful emotion arising from an awareness of something dishonorable, improper, or ridiculous done by oneself or another person with whom one is closely associated. Unlike simple embarrassment, which might occur if you trip in public, 수치심 often involves a deeper moral or social failure that touches upon one's dignity and character.

Linguistic Root: The word is composed of three Hanja (Chinese characters): 羞 (Su - shame), 恥 (Chi - shame/dishonor), and 心 (Sim - heart/mind). Together, they literally mean a 'heart feeling shame.'

In Korean society, where 'face' (체면) and social standing are historically significant, 수치심 is more than just an internal feeling; it is a social barometer. It is used when someone feels they have fallen below the expectations of their community or their own moral standards. For instance, a politician caught in a lie or an athlete disqualified for cheating would likely feel 수치심.

그는 자신의 거짓말이 탄로나자 깊은 수치심을 느꼈다. (He felt a deep sense of shame when his lie was exposed.)

Furthermore, the term is frequently encountered in legal contexts, particularly regarding '성적 수치심' (sexual shame or humiliation), which refers to the distress caused by sexual harassment or non-consensual acts. This highlights that 수치심 is often linked to the violation of one's personal integrity. In daily life, you might use this word when discussing heavy topics like ethics, history (e.g., national shame), or deep personal regret. It suggests a weight that '창피함' (embarrassment) simply does not carry.

Emotional Intensity: Shame is often described as an 'avoidance' emotion. When someone feels 수치심, their natural reaction is to hide, look down, or disappear from the public eye.

패배의 수치심을 견디지 못하고 그는 경기장을 떠났다. (Unable to endure the shame of defeat, he left the stadium.)

Understanding this word requires recognizing that it is an evaluation of the self. While guilt (죄책감) says 'I did something bad,' shame (수치심) says 'I am bad.' This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp the weight of the word in conversation.

Social Context: In collective cultures like Korea, 수치심 can also be felt on behalf of a group, such as a family or a nation, when one member fails to uphold common values.

남에게 수치심을 주는 행동은 삼가야 한다. (One should refrain from actions that cause shame to others.)

그는 수치심 때문에 얼굴이 붉어졌다. (His face turned red because of shame.)

In summary, 수치심 is the heavy, serious cousin of '창피함.' Use it when you want to convey a significant loss of dignity or a deep moral failing.

Using 수치심 (Suchisim) correctly involves understanding its grammatical pairings and its emotional weight. As a noun, it typically functions as the object of a sentence. The most frequent construction is 수치심을 느끼다 (to feel shame). This is used to describe one's internal emotional state. For example, if you realize you've made a terrible ethical error, you might say, '나는 내 행동에 대해 수치심을 느낀다.'

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 느끼다 (to feel): Describes the internal state.
2. 주다 (to give): Describes causing someone else to feel shame.
3. 유발하다 (to trigger): Often used in formal or legal contexts.
4. 견디다 (to endure): Used when the feeling is overwhelming.
5. 씻다 (to wash away): Metaphorical use for clearing one's name.

When you want to say someone else made you feel ashamed, you use the causative form: 수치심을 주다. This is often used in social commentary about bullying or harassment.

그의 무례한 농담은 나에게 수치심을 주었다. (His rude joke gave me a sense of shame/humiliation.)

Another important construction is using 수치심 with particles like '에' to show cause.

그는 수치심에 고개를 들지 못했다. (He could not lift his head out of shame.)

This phrase '고개를 들지 못하다' (cannot lift one's head) is a common idiomatic pairing with shame. It visually represents the desire to hide.

Adjective Modifiers: Common adjectives that describe 수치심 include '깊은' (deep), '참을 수 없는' (unbearable), '뼈저린' (aching to the bone), and '막대한' (immense).

그는 뼈저린 수치심을 느끼며 반성했다. (He reflected while feeling a bone-aching sense of shame.)

You can also describe someone as having 'no shame' by saying 수치심이 없다 or 수치심을 모르다. This is a strong insult in Korean, implying the person lacks basic human decency or moral conscience.

그는 수치심도 모르는 사람이다. (He is a person who doesn't even know shame.)

In more literary or historical contexts, 수치심 is used to discuss collective history. '국가적 수치심' (national shame) refers to times when a country was humiliated. This shows the word's versatility from personal feelings to national identity.

Negative Constructions: To say someone 'overcame' shame, use '수치심을 극복하다'. To say they 'ignored' it, use '수치심을 무릅쓰다' (to brave the shame).

그녀는 수치심을 무릅쓰고 진실을 밝혔다. (She braved the shame and revealed the truth.)

Understanding these patterns allows you to express complex emotional states and social critiques accurately. Remember that 수치심 is a heavy word; use it when the situation has gravity.

You will encounter 수치심 (Suchisim) in various high-stakes environments in Korea. It is not a word usually heard in a casual conversation about a small mistake, but rather in contexts involving morality, law, history, and deep personal reflection.

In News and Media: News anchors often use 수치심 when reporting on scandals involving public figures. If a celebrity is caught in a drug scandal or a politician is found to be corrupt, the media might discuss the 'public shame' or the 'shame felt by the individual's family.' It is a standard term for social disgrace.

이번 사건은 우리 사회에 큰 수치심을 안겨주었습니다. (This incident has brought great shame to our society.)

Legal and Formal Contexts: The phrase '성적 수치심' (sexual shame) is a vital term in South Korean law. It is used to define the emotional harm caused to victims of sexual crimes. When a court determines if an act was harassment, they often look at whether the victim felt '성적 수치심.' This makes the word a frequent topic in legal discussions and human rights reporting.

피해자는 피고인의 행동으로 인해 극심한 성적 수치심을 느꼈다고 증언했습니다. (The victim testified to feeling extreme sexual shame due to the defendant's actions.)

Literature and Poetry: Korean literature, particularly from the early 20th century, is filled with the theme of 수치심. Famous poet Yun Dong-ju often wrote about the shame of not being able to fight for independence. His poem 'Prologue' (서시) mentions feeling shame even at the wind blowing through the leaves, representing a hyper-sensitive moral conscience.

그는 조국의 비극을 보며 지식인으로서 수치심을 느꼈다. (As an intellectual, he felt shame witnessing the tragedy of his homeland.)

Psychology and Counseling: In therapy or self-help books, 수치심 is discussed as a toxic emotion that needs to be healed. You might hear phrases like '수치심을 치유하다' (to heal shame) or '건강한 자존감과 수치심' (healthy self-esteem and shame).

어린 시절의 수치심은 성인이 되어서도 영향을 줄 수 있다. (Shame from childhood can affect one even as an adult.)

Whether it's the 9 PM news, a classic novel, or a legal courtroom, 수치심 is the word Koreans use when human dignity is at stake.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with 수치심 (Suchisim) is distinguishing it from other words that mean 'shame' or 'embarrassment.' Because English often uses 'shame' broadly, learners tend to overuse 수치심 in situations where it is too heavy or formal.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '창피함' (Embarrassment): If you spill coffee on your shirt, you feel '창피하다' (embarrassed). If you use 수치심 for a coffee spill, it sounds like you've suffered a massive moral failure. 수치심 is about your core identity and honor, while '창피함' is about a temporary, often humorous, social slip-up.

❌ 옷에 음식을 흘려서 수치심을 느꼈다. (Too heavy)
✅ 옷에 음식을 흘려서 창피했다. (Natural)

Mistake 2: Confusing with '부끄러움' (Shyness/Shame): '부끄러움' is a very versatile native Korean word. It can mean shyness (like a child meeting a stranger) or a general sense of shame. 수치심 is never used for 'shyness.' If you are shy to speak in front of a class, you feel '부끄러움,' not 수치심.

❌ 저는 낯선 사람 앞에서 수치심을 많이 타요. (Incorrect)
✅ 저는 낯선 사람 앞에서 부끄러움을 많이 타요. (Correct: I am very shy.)

Mistake 3: Misapplying '성적 수치심': As mentioned, '성적 수치심' is a legal term. Some learners use it to mean 'sexual modesty' or 'feeling sexy/ashamed about one's body' in a casual way. In modern Korean, this phrase almost exclusively refers to the humiliation felt by a victim of a crime. Using it casually can be very confusing or even offensive.

Mistake 4: Incorrect Verb Choice: Learners often try to turn 수치심 into a verb by adding '하다' (수치심하다). This is incorrect. It must be used as a noun with '느끼다' (to feel) or '들다' (to enter/arise). Alternatively, you can use the adjective '수치스럽다' (to be shameful).

❌ 나는 어제 정말 수치심했다.
✅ 나는 어제 정말 수치심을 느꼈다.
✅ 나의 행동은 정말 수치스러웠다.

Finally, remember that 수치심 is a 'heavy' noun. Using it for trivial things makes you sound like a character in a tragedy or a very dramatic person. Stick to '창피하다' for the small stuff!

To truly master 수치심 (Suchisim), you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms and near-synonyms. Korean has many words for 'shame' and 'humiliation,' each with a slightly different flavor.

수치심 vs. 굴욕감 (Humiliation): While 수치심 is an internal feeling of being 'less than' or 'bad,' 굴욕감 (Gulyokgam) specifically refers to the feeling of being humbled or debased by an external force. If a bully makes you kneel, you feel 굴욕감. If you lie and feel bad about it, you feel 수치심.

그는 적군에게 항복하며 심한 굴욕감을 느꼈다. (He felt severe humiliation while surrendering to the enemy.)

수치심 vs. 자괴감 (Self-loathing/Sense of shame): 자괴감 (Jagwaegam) is a sense of shame directed inward, often involving a loss of self-respect. It's the feeling of 'I'm so disappointed in myself.' While 수치심 can be caused by social exposure, 자괴감 is purely between you and yourself.

수치심 vs. 모욕감 (Feeling Insulted): 모욕감 (Moyokgam) is the feeling of being insulted or offended. It is more about the other person's action against you. If someone spits on you, you feel 모욕감. You might also feel 수치심 as a result, but the insult itself is the 모욕.

그녀는 상사의 폭언에 깊은 모욕감을 느꼈다. (She felt a deep sense of insult at her boss's verbal abuse.)

수치심 vs. 치욕 (Disgrace/Dishonor): 치욕 (Chiyok) is a more formal and historical term for 'disgrace' or 'dishonor.' It is often used to describe national or family-level shame. It is a 'stain' on one's history. 수치심 is the feeling, while 치욕 is the state or the event itself.

그것은 가문의 치욕이다. (That is a disgrace to the family.)

Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right level of emotional intensity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Confucian philosophy, having a sense of shame (수치심) was considered one of the four essential virtues for a human being. It was believed that without shame, one could not distinguish right from wrong.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sutɕʰiɕim/

US /sutɕʰiɕim/

The stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but the 'chi' (치) might feel slightly emphasized due to the aspiration.

Rhymes With

의심 (uisim) 관심 (gwansim) 결심 (gyeolsim) 진심 (jinsim) 안심 (ansim) 욕심 (yoksim) 조심 (josim) 중심 (jungsim)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chi' as 'ji' (unaspirated).
Merging the 'i' sounds too much.
Omitting the final 'm' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is common, but the contexts (legal, literary) can be difficult.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding the nuance between shame and embarrassment to use correctly.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's a 'heavy' word for casual speech.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in news and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

부끄럽다 창피하다 마음 느끼다 잘못

Learn Next

굴욕감 모욕감 자괴감 치욕 존엄성

Advanced

현상학 실존주의 도덕철학 사회심리학

Grammar to Know

Noun + 을/를 느끼다

그는 깊은 수치심을 느꼈다.

Noun + 에 (Cause)

그는 수치심에 얼굴이 붉어졌다.

상사는 직원에게 수치심을 주었다.

Adjective form: -스럽다

그의 행동은 정말 수치스러웠다.

Noun + 때문에 (Reason)

수치심 때문에 아무 말도 할 수 없었다.

Examples by Level

저는 수치심을 느껴요.

I feel shame.

Noun + 를 (object particle) + 느끼다 (to feel).

그는 수치심이 없어요.

He has no shame.

Noun + 이 (subject particle) + 없다 (to not have).

수치심은 나쁜 기분이에요.

Shame is a bad feeling.

Noun + 은 (topic particle) + 이다 (to be).

거짓말은 수치심을 줘요.

Lying gives (causes) shame.

Noun + 을 + 주다 (to give).

동생이 수치심에 울어요.

My younger sibling is crying out of shame.

Noun + 에 (particle indicating cause).

수치심 때문에 힘들어요.

It is hard because of shame.

Noun + 때문에 (because of).

그녀는 수치심을 참아요.

She endures the shame.

Noun + 을 + 참다 (to endure).

우리는 수치심을 알아요.

We know (what) shame (is).

Noun + 을 + 알다 (to know).

실패해서 수치심을 느꼈어요.

I felt shame because I failed.

Verb stem + 아/어/해서 (because).

사람들 앞에서 수치심을 주지 마세요.

Please don't shame me in front of people.

-지 마세요 (Please don't).

그 행동은 수치심을 유발해요.

That action triggers shame.

유발하다 (to trigger/cause).

수치심을 느끼는 것은 당연해요.

It is natural to feel shame.

-는 것 (nominalizing a verb).

그는 수치심도 모르고 또 거짓말을 해요.

He lies again without even knowing shame.

-도 모르고 (without even knowing).

수치심에 얼굴이 빨개졌어요.

My face turned red with shame.

-아/어지다 (to become).

수치심을 이겨내야 해요.

You must overcome the shame.

이겨내다 (to overcome).

그녀는 수치심을 숨기려고 노력해요.

She tries to hide her shame.

-려고 노력하다 (to try to).

가난이 수치심이 되어서는 안 됩니다.

Poverty should not become a source of shame.

-어서는 안 되다 (must not).

그는 자신의 과거에 대해 깊은 수치심을 느꼈다.

He felt deep shame about his past.

-에 대해 (about).

수치심을 자극하는 광고가 많아지고 있다.

There are more and more ads that stimulate shame.

자극하다 (to stimulate).

그녀는 수치심을 무릅쓰고 고백했다.

She braved the shame and confessed.

무릅쓰다 (to brave/risk).

수치심은 인간의 도덕성을 지켜주는 감정이다.

Shame is an emotion that protects human morality.

-는 (adjective clause).

그의 무례함은 나에게 큰 수치심을 안겨주었다.

His rudeness brought me great shame.

안겨주다 (to give/bestow - formal).

수치심을 느끼지 못하는 것은 병적인 증상일 수 있다.

Not being able to feel shame can be a pathological symptom.

-일 수 있다 (can be).

우리는 역사의 수치심을 잊지 말아야 한다.

We must not forget the shame of history.

잊지 말아야 한다 (must not forget).

법원은 그가 성적 수치심을 유발했다고 판결했다.

The court ruled that he triggered sexual shame.

-고 판결하다 (to rule that...).

수치심은 때로 우리를 더 나은 사람으로 만든다.

Shame sometimes makes us better people.

-게 만들다 (to make someone...).

그는 수치심에 젖어 하루 종일 방에만 있었다.

Soaked in shame, he stayed in his room all day.

-에 젖다 (to be soaked in - metaphorical).

수치심을 씻기 위해 그는 최선을 다해 사과했다.

To wash away the shame, he apologized with all his heart.

-기 위해 (in order to).

대중의 비난은 그에게 견딜 수 없는 수치심을 주었다.

Public criticism gave him unbearable shame.

견딜 수 없는 (unbearable).

수치심의 사회적 기능에 대해 토론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss the social function of shame.

-해 봅시다 (let's try to).

그는 수치심을 억누르며 담담하게 말을 이어갔다.

Suppressing his shame, he calmly continued speaking.

억누르다 (to suppress).

수치심을 느끼는 주체는 타인의 시선을 의식한다.

The subject who feels shame is conscious of others' gazes.

의식하다 (to be conscious of).

윤동주의 시에는 자아에 대한 끊임없는 수치심이 투영되어 있다.

In Yun Dong-ju's poems, constant shame regarding the self is projected.

투영되어 있다 (to be projected).

수치심은 개인의 실존적 고뇌와 밀접하게 연관되어 있다.

Shame is closely linked to an individual's existential agony.

연관되어 있다 (to be linked).

타인의 수치심을 이용하는 정치는 지양해야 한다.

Politics that exploit the shame of others should be avoided.

지양해야 한다 (should avoid/refrain).

그는 수치심을 내면화하여 스스로를 파괴하고 있었다.

He was destroying himself by internalizing shame.

내면화하다 (to internalize).

수치심은 문화권에 따라 그 발현 양상이 판이하게 다르다.

The manifestation of shame differs significantly depending on the culture.

판이하게 다르다 (to be significantly different).

인간은 수치심을 통해 자신의 한계를 자각하기도 한다.

Humans also realize their limits through shame.

자각하다 (to realize/become aware).

수치심의 결여는 반사회적 인격 장애의 특징 중 하나이다.

A lack of shame is one of the characteristics of antisocial personality disorder.

결여 (lack/deficiency).

그녀는 수치심을 승화시켜 예술 작품으로 탄생시켰다.

She sublimated her shame and gave birth to a work of art.

승화시키다 (to sublimate).

수치심의 현상학적 고찰은 인간 존재의 근원적 불안을 드러낸다.

A phenomenological study of shame reveals the fundamental anxiety of human existence.

현상학적 고찰 (phenomenological study).

현대 사회의 과잉된 투명성은 오히려 개인에게 수치심을 강요한다.

The excessive transparency of modern society rather forces shame upon individuals.

강요하다 (to force/compel).

수치심은 도덕적 자아의 파편화를 막는 최후의 보루일지도 모른다.

Shame might be the last bastion preventing the fragmentation of the moral self.

최후의 보루 (last bastion).

권력은 종종 피지배층에게 수치심을 주입함으로써 지배력을 강화한다.

Power often strengthens its dominance by injecting shame into the subjects.

주입함으로써 (by injecting).

수치심의 역설은 그것이 가장 개인적이면서도 가장 사회적인 감정이라는 데 있다.

The paradox of shame lies in the fact that it is both the most private and most social emotion.

-는 데 있다 (lies in the fact that...).

그의 문학적 성취는 수치심이라는 심연을 가감 없이 들여다본 결과이다.

His literary achievement is the result of looking into the abyss of shame without addition or subtraction.

가감 없이 (without exaggeration or omission).

디지털 시대의 '박제된 수치심'은 영구적인 사회적 낙인이 된다.

'Taxidermized shame' in the digital age becomes a permanent social stigma.

박제된 (taxidermized/preserved).

수치심을 통한 통제는 법적 규제보다 훨씬 더 강력한 심리적 기제로 작용한다.

Control through shame acts as a much more powerful psychological mechanism than legal regulation.

기제 (mechanism).

Common Collocations

수치심을 느끼다

수치심을 주다

수치심을 유발하다

수치심을 견디다

수치심에 떨다

성적 수치심

수치심이 없다

수치심을 씻다

수치심을 무릅쓰다

수치심을 자극하다

Common Phrases

수치심을 모르다

— To have no sense of shame; to be shameless.

수치심을 모르는 사람과는 대화하고 싶지 않다.

수치심에 고개를 들지 못하다

— To be unable to lift one's head due to deep shame.

그는 수치심에 고개를 들지 못하고 바닥만 보았다.

수치심을 안겨주다

— To bring shame upon someone (formal).

이번 패배는 팀 전체에 수치심을 안겨주었다.

뼈저린 수치심

— An aching, deep sense of shame.

그는 뼈저린 수치심을 느끼며 자신의 실수를 반성했다.

수치심을 극복하다

— To overcome the feeling of shame.

그녀는 수치심을 극복하고 다시 무대에 섰다.

참을 수 없는 수치심

— Unbearable shame.

그는 참을 수 없는 수치심에 얼굴이 달아올랐다.

수치심을 내면화하다

— To internalize shame; to take shame into one's core identity.

아이들에게 수치심을 내면화하게 해서는 안 된다.

사회적 수치심

— Shame felt due to social pressure or expectations.

사회적 수치심은 사람들의 행동을 규제하는 도구가 된다.

수치심에 휩싸이다

— To be overwhelmed or surrounded by shame.

그는 갑작스러운 수치심에 휩싸여 아무 말도 못 했다.

수치심을 유도하다

— To induce or lead someone to feel shame.

그 질문은 교묘하게 수치심을 유도하고 있었다.

Often Confused With

수치심 vs 창피함

Embarrassment. Use for minor social mistakes. '수치심' is for deep moral failure.

수치심 vs 부끄러움

General shame or shyness. '부끄러움' is native and softer; '수치심' is Sino-Korean and heavier.

수치심 vs 죄책감

Guilt. '죄책감' is about doing a bad thing; '수치심' is about being a bad person.

Idioms & Expressions

"낯이 뜨겁다"

— To feel ashamed or embarrassed (literally: face is hot).

그의 뻔뻔한 거짓말을 듣고 있자니 내 낯이 뜨겁다.

Neutral

"얼굴을 들 수 없다"

— To be unable to show one's face due to shame.

부끄러워서 얼굴을 들 수가 없네요.

Neutral

"쥐구멍에라도 들어가고 싶다"

— To want to hide in a mouse hole (to be extremely ashamed).

너무 창피해서 쥐구멍에라도 들어가고 싶었어요.

Informal

"낯을 깎다"

— To lose face or cause someone to lose face (literally: to shave the face).

부모님 낯을 깎는 행동은 하지 마라.

Neutral

"체면이 말이 아니다"

— To have one's dignity or 'face' completely ruined.

이번 일로 내 체면이 말이 아니게 되었다.

Neutral

"얼굴에 먹칠을 하다"

— To bring disgrace to someone (literally: to smear ink on a face).

가문의 얼굴에 먹칠을 해서는 안 된다.

Neutral

"고개를 못 들다"

— Same as '얼굴을 들 수 없다'; unable to look up due to shame.

죄송해서 고개를 못 들겠습니다.

Neutral

"무릎을 꿇다"

— To kneel (often implying submission and humiliation).

그는 수치심을 느끼며 적군 앞에 무릎을 꿇었다.

Neutral

"땅 밑으로 꺼지고 싶다"

— To want to sink into the ground (extreme shame).

그 순간 정말 땅 밑으로 꺼지고 싶었어요.

Informal

"낯가죽이 두껍다"

— To be thick-skinned or shameless (literally: the skin of the face is thick).

그는 참 낯가죽이 두꺼운 사람이다.

Informal

Easily Confused

수치심 vs 창피

Both translate to 'shame' in English.

창피 is for minor embarrassment (spilling a drink). 수치심 is for deep humiliation (being caught stealing).

넘어진 건 창피한 일이지만, 도둑질은 수치심을 느끼는 일이다.

수치심 vs 굴욕

Both involve feeling 'low'.

굴욕 is usually caused by an external person forcing you to feel low. 수치심 is an internal moral feeling.

적에게 무릎을 꿇는 것은 굴욕이다.

수치심 vs 모욕

Both relate to loss of dignity.

모욕 is the act of being insulted by someone else. 수치심 is the feeling you have inside.

그의 모욕적인 언사가 나에게 수치심을 주었다.

수치심 vs 자괴감

Both are internal negative feelings.

자괴감 is specifically self-loathing or disappointment in oneself. 수치심 is more general shame.

성적이 떨어지자 자괴감이 들었다.

수치심 vs 치욕

Both are very formal terms for shame.

치욕 is 'disgrace' or 'dishonor' (the state). 수치심 is the 'feeling'.

나라를 잃은 것은 민족의 치욕이다.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]을/를 느껴요.

저는 수치심을 느껴요.

[Reason] 때문에 수치심이 들어요.

실수 때문에 수치심이 들어요.

그의 행동은 [Object]에게 수치심을 주었다.

그의 행동은 나에게 수치심을 주었다.

[Noun]은/는 수치심을 유발할 수 있다.

이 영상은 수치심을 유발할 수 있다.

[Noun]에 대한 수치심을 내면화하다.

실패에 대한 수치심을 내면화하다.

수치심의 [Abstract Noun]적 고찰.

수치심의 사회학적 고찰.

Any

수치심을 모르다.

그는 정말 수치심을 모르는 사람이다.

Any

수치심을 씻다.

과거의 수치심을 씻고 싶다.

Word Family

Nouns

수치 (shame/disgrace)

수치감 (feeling of shame)

치욕 (dishonor)

Verbs

수치스러워하다 (to feel shameful about something)

Adjectives

수치스럽다 (to be shameful/disgraceful)

부끄러움

창피

모욕

굴욕

자괴감

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing and media; rare in very casual, everyday small talk.

Common Mistakes

Using '수치심' for being shy. → 부끄러움
'수치심' is deep shame; '부끄러움' is shyness. Using '수치심' to mean shy sounds very strange.
Saying '수치심하다'. → 수치심을 느끼다 / 수치스럽다
You cannot turn '수치심' into a verb with '하다'. Use '느끼다' (to feel) or the adjective form.
Using '수치심' for a minor mistake like tripping. → 창피함
'수치심' is too heavy for trivial matters. It sounds overly dramatic.
Confusing '수치' (shame) with '수치' (number). → Context-dependent
They sound the same but have different meanings. Ensure the context is clear.
Using '성적 수치심' to mean 'sexual modesty'. → N/A
This is a legal term for harassment. Using it to mean modesty is incorrect and confusing.

Tips

Choose the right word

Always ask: Is this a minor slip-up or a major moral issue? Minor = 창피함. Major = 수치심.

Pair with '느끼다'

The most natural way to use the word is '수치심을 느끼다.' Avoid trying to make it a verb on its own.

Understand 'Face'

Remember that 수치심 is often about how you appear to others. It's deeply connected to the Korean concept of honor (체면).

Be careful with '성적 수치심'

In modern Korea, this phrase is almost exclusively a legal term for sexual trauma. Don't use it casually.

Read Yun Dong-ju

To see '수치심' used as a beautiful, poetic form of self-reflection, read the works of the poet Yun Dong-ju.

The 'No Shame' Insult

Calling someone '수치심도 없는 사람' is a very strong insult. Use it only if you really mean to question their character.

Use '수치스럽다'

If you want to describe an event as shameful, '수치스럽다' is the perfect adjective. '그 상황은 정말 수치스러웠다.'

Physical reactions

Pair '수치심' with '얼굴이 붉어지다' (face turns red) or '고개를 숙이다' (lower one's head) for vivid descriptions.

Historical Context

When talking about Korean history, '수치' or '치욕' are often used to describe the colonial period.

Formal Writing

In essays about ethics or society, '수치심' is the preferred academic term over '부끄러움.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

S-U-C-H-I: Think of a 'SUCHI' (sushi) chef who drops a roll in front of a VIP and feels a deep heart (SIM) ache of shame. SUCHI-SIM.

Visual Association

Visualize a person looking into a mirror and seeing their reflection turn away in shame, with a large heart (心) symbol cracking in the center.

Word Web

Ethics Humiliation Heart Moral Dignity Face Apology Regret

Challenge

Try to use '수치심' in a sentence about a historical event or a serious movie you watched recently. Avoid using it for small things!

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean (Hanja) 羞恥心. 羞 (수) means 'shameful' or 'to feel ashamed,' 恥 (치) means 'shame' or 'dishonor,' and 心 (심) means 'heart' or 'mind.'

Original meaning: The original meaning is 'a heart that knows shame' or 'the feeling of shame in one's mind.'

Sino-Korean (Han-ja)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '성적 수치심' as it is a specific legal term for sexual trauma/harassment.

In English, 'shame' and 'embarrassment' are often used interchangeably in casual speech. In Korean, the distinction is much stricter.

Yun Dong-ju's 'Prologue' (서시) - a poem about moral shame. The 'Comfort Women' issue - often discussed in terms of historical shame and dignity. Former President Park Geun-hye's 'Jagwaegam' (self-loathing) speech.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal/Courtroom

성적 수치심을 유발하다
정신적 고통과 수치심
수치심을 증언하다
피해자의 수치심

Historical/National

국가적 수치심
역사의 수치심
수치심을 씻다
치욕스러운 역사

Psychology/Therapy

수치심을 치유하다
수치심의 내면화
건강한 수치심
자존감과 수치심

Literature/Poetry

자아에 대한 수치심
수치심의 미학
뼈저린 수치심
수치심을 노래하다

Social Criticism

수치심을 모르는 사회
수치심 없는 행동
대중적 수치심
수치심을 자극하다

Conversation Starters

"최근에 영화를 보면서 수치심이라는 감정에 대해 생각해 본 적 있나요?"

"한국 문화에서 '수치심'이 왜 그렇게 중요한가요?"

"실수했을 때 '창피함'과 '수치심'의 차이를 어떻게 느끼시나요?"

"역사적인 사건 중에서 '국가적 수치심'을 느꼈던 때가 있었나요?"

"누군가에게 수치심을 주는 행동은 어떤 것이 있을까요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 살면서 가장 깊은 수치심을 느꼈던 순간은 언제였나?

수치심이라는 감정이 나를 어떻게 성장시켰는가?

'수치심을 모르는 사람'이라는 말에 대해 어떻게 생각하는가?

수치심을 극복하기 위해 내가 했던 노력들은 무엇인가?

사회적으로 수치심을 주는 문화가 긍정적인 면도 있을까?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally no, it is a negative emotion. However, in Korean culture, 'knowing shame' (수치심을 알다) is seen as a positive sign of having a conscience and a moral compass. A person without shame is considered dangerous or immoral.

You can, but it sounds very dramatic. If you just did something silly, say '아, 창피해!' (Ah, I'm embarrassed!). If you use '수치심을 느껴,' they might think something very serious happened.

'죄책감' is guilt, which is the feeling that you did something bad (action-oriented). '수치심' is shame, which is the feeling that you are bad (self-oriented). You feel guilt when you break a rule; you feel shame when you feel you've lost your value as a person.

You don't. '수치심' is never used for shyness. To say 'I am shy,' use '부끄러움을 타다' or '수줍음이 많다.'

Yes, very often. '성적 수치심' (sexual shame/humiliation) is a key term used to determine the severity of sexual harassment or crimes in South Korea.

It literally means 'to wash away shame.' It is used metaphorically to mean clearing one's name or doing something to make up for a past disgrace.

Children usually use '부끄러워' or '창피해.' They might learn '수치심' in school or from books as they get older, but it's not part of a young child's active vocabulary.

No, '수치심하다' is not a word. You must use '수치심을 느끼다' (to feel shame) or '수치스럽다' (to be shameful).

'국치' (國恥) means 'national shame.' It is a shortened form related to '국가적 수치.' It usually refers to the 1910 annexation of Korea by Japan (Gyeongsul Gukchi).

No. Although they are pronounced the same (su-chi), they use different Hanja. '수치' (numerical value) uses 數値, while '수치' (shame) uses 羞恥.