Shame is a painful emotion arising from the belief that one is flawed or has done something wrong.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A feeling of deep embarrassment or disgrace.
- Caused by actions or situations deemed wrong.
- Involves a sense of self-worth being diminished.
Overview
“羞耻”是一个描述强烈负面情绪的词语，通常源于个人行为、思想或处境与社会普遍接受的道德标准、行为规范或个人期望不符时产生的。这种感觉可能导致个体想要隐藏自己，避免与人接触，甚至产生自我厌恶。它与“尴尬”有所不同，羞耻感更深层，涉及对自身价值的否定。
“羞耻”常用于描述因某种行为或事件而产生的丢脸感。它可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合，如“感到羞耻”、“蒙羞”、“羞耻感”。在句子中，“羞耻”可以作为主语、宾语或定语，表达的程度可以由副词修饰，如“深感羞耻”、“无地自容”。
在日常生活中，人们可能因为撒谎、欺骗、做出不道德的行为（如偷窃、作弊）或在公共场合出丑而感到羞耻。在更广泛的社会层面，群体或国家的不光彩事件也可能引发集体羞耻感。在教育和心理学领域，“羞耻”也是一个重要的概念，用于分析个体的行为动机和心理健康。
“羞耻”与“尴尬”都表示不自在，但“尴尬”通常指在社交场合因意外情况或不合时宜的言行举止而感到不自然或难为情，程度较轻，且往往是暂时的；而“羞耻”则更侧重于对自身品格、行为的否定，感觉更深沉，可能包含对自身价值的怀疑。 “丢脸”也是一个近义词，但“丢脸”更偏向于在他人面前失了面子，而“羞耻”则更强调内心的感受和道德上的愧疚。
Examples
他对自己的谎言感到羞耻。
everydayHe felt ashamed of his lie.
在法庭上，被告为自己的罪行表示羞耻。
formalIn court, the defendant expressed shame for his crimes.
做了那种事，我真是羞耻得无地自容。
informalHaving done that, I was so ashamed I couldn't face anyone.
历史上的某些事件给这个国家带来了长久的羞耻。
academicCertain historical events brought lasting shame to the nation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
无地自容
too ashamed to show one's face
羞与为伍
ashamed to associate with
不以为耻，反以为荣
not feel ashamed but rather proud (of something disgraceful)
Often Confused With
Embarrassment (尴尬) is usually a milder, more temporary feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness in a social situation. Shame (羞耻) is a deeper, more painful emotion related to one's sense of self-worth and morality.
Losing face (丢脸) focuses more on the external aspect of being seen negatively by others. Shame (羞耻) is more internal, involving a personal feeling of disgrace and self-condemnation, though it can be triggered by losing face.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Shame (羞耻) is a strong negative emotion, typically used when someone has violated a moral or social code. It implies a deep sense of disgrace. Avoid using it for minor social awkwardness, where 'embarrassed' (尴尬) would be more appropriate. The intensity can be modified with adverbs like 'deeply' (深感) or phrases like 'ashamed to the point of wanting to disappear' (羞耻得无地自容).
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'shame' (羞耻) with mere 'embarrassment' (尴尬) is common. Using '羞耻' for situations like being slightly late or forgetting someone's name would be an overstatement. Conversely, underestimating the severity of an action that warrants 'shame' can lead to using milder terms.
Tips
Understand the Depth of Shame
Shame is more than just embarrassment; it's a deep feeling of being flawed. Recognize when you or others are experiencing it.
Avoid Causing Shame Unnecessarily
Publicly shaming someone can have lasting negative psychological effects. Focus on constructive feedback instead of humiliation.
Cultural Views on Shame
In some cultures, maintaining 'face' (面子) is crucial, making shame a particularly potent emotion. Understanding cultural norms helps interpret its significance.
Word Origin
The character '羞' originally depicted a person covering their face, symbolizing shame or bashfulness. '耻' also means shame or disgrace. Together, '羞耻' strongly conveys the feeling of being disgraced and wanting to hide.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, the concept of 'face' (面子) is highly valued. Actions that cause one to lose face can lead to intense shame, not just for the individual but also for their family. This cultural emphasis can make shame a particularly powerful social regulator.
Memory Tip
Think of 'shame' (羞耻) as a 'shameful' (羞耻的) act that makes you want to hide. The character '羞' relates to shyness or bashfulness, amplified to a point of disgrace.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“尴尬”通常指因社交场合的意外或不当言行而感到的不自然，程度较轻且多为暂时性。“羞耻”则更深层，涉及对自身品德或行为的否定，常伴随强烈的自卑感和内疚感。
当一个人做了违背道德、法律或社会规范的事情，或者在他人面前出了极大的洋相，导致自身形象受损，就会感到羞耻。
适度的羞耻感可以促使人反思并改正错误，是对社会规范的认同。但过度的羞耻感则可能损害自尊，导致心理问题，需要积极疏导。
“内疚”主要关注具体的行为，认为自己做错了某件事。“羞耻”则更广泛，它关注的是“我”这个人本身，认为“我”是糟糕的、有缺陷的。
Test Yourself
他因为考试作弊被发现，感到非常______。
作弊是错误行为，会让人感到丢脸和难堪，因此用“羞耻”最合适。
下列哪种情况最可能让人产生强烈的羞耻感？
偷窃是严重的道德错误，会让人感到深刻的自我否定和丢脸，属于强烈的羞耻感。
请用“羞耻”和“行为”造句。
选项c清晰地表达了因不道德的行为而产生的羞耻感，结构完整且符合语境。
Score: /3
Summary
Shame is a painful emotion arising from the belief that one is flawed or has done something wrong.
- A feeling of deep embarrassment or disgrace.
- Caused by actions or situations deemed wrong.
- Involves a sense of self-worth being diminished.
Understand the Depth of Shame
Shame is more than just embarrassment; it's a deep feeling of being flawed. Recognize when you or others are experiencing it.
Avoid Causing Shame Unnecessarily
Publicly shaming someone can have lasting negative psychological effects. Focus on constructive feedback instead of humiliation.
Cultural Views on Shame
In some cultures, maintaining 'face' (面子) is crucial, making shame a particularly potent emotion. Understanding cultural norms helps interpret its significance.
Examples
4 of 4他对自己的谎言感到羞耻。
He felt ashamed of his lie.
在法庭上，被告为自己的罪行表示羞耻。
In court, the defendant expressed shame for his crimes.
做了那种事，我真是羞耻得无地自容。
Having done that, I was so ashamed I couldn't face anyone.
历史上的某些事件给这个国家带来了长久的羞耻。
Certain historical events brought lasting shame to the nation.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
