Significado
Used to express sadness or disappointment about a situation.
Contexto cultural
Brits use 'What a shame' as a polite reflex. It's often used even if the person doesn't feel particularly sad, just to acknowledge that something isn't perfect. Americans might prefer 'That's too bad' or 'That's a bummer' in very casual settings, as 'shame' can occasionally feel a bit formal or dramatic to US ears. Australians often use 'What a shame' but might follow it with a more colorful expression or a joke to lighten the mood. In international business English, 'What a shame' is a safe, polite way to show empathy without being too emotional or unprofessional.
The 'A' is Key
Never forget the 'a'. 'What shame' sounds like you are talking about a deep, dark secret.
Watch the Tragedy
Don't use this for serious illness or death. It will make you sound like you don't care.
Significado
Used to express sadness or disappointment about a situation.
The 'A' is Key
Never forget the 'a'. 'What shame' sounds like you are talking about a deep, dark secret.
Watch the Tragedy
Don't use this for serious illness or death. It will make you sound like you don't care.
Sarcasm Check
If you say it with a flat voice, people will think you are being mean. Use a warm, slightly sad tone.
Teste-se
Choose the most natural reaction to the following news.
Friend: 'I dropped my phone and the screen cracked.'
The full phrase 'What a shame!' is the standard way to react to a minor accident like a cracked screen.
Complete the sentence with the missing word.
It's ___ shame that you have to leave so early.
The phrase always requires the indefinite article 'a'.
Match the situation to the best use of 'What a shame!'.
Which situation is appropriate for 'What a shame!'?
A cancelled TV show is a minor disappointment, making it the perfect context for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'The bakery was out of croissants.' B: '_______! I know you love them.'
'What a shame' and 'What a pity' are synonyms and both fit perfectly here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to say 'What a shame!'
Minor Accidents
- • Dropped food
- • Spilled drink
- • Cracked screen
Missed Chances
- • Sold out tickets
- • Missed a sale
- • Late for a movie
Bad Luck
- • Rain on a picnic
- • Bus was late
- • Shop is closed
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosFriend: 'I dropped my phone and the screen cracked.'
The full phrase 'What a shame!' is the standard way to react to a minor accident like a cracked screen.
It's ___ shame that you have to leave so early.
The phrase always requires the indefinite article 'a'.
Which situation is appropriate for 'What a shame!'?
A cancelled TV show is a minor disappointment, making it the perfect context for this phrase.
A: 'The bakery was out of croissants.' B: '_______! I know you love them.'
'What a shame' and 'What a pity' are synonyms and both fit perfectly here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's usually very polite! It shows you are listening and feel bad for the other person's small problem.
Yes! 'That's a shame' and 'What a shame' are interchangeable in almost every situation.
They are almost the same. 'What a pity' is slightly more formal or British, but both are common.
Yes! If you drop your own phone, you can sigh and say 'What a shame.'
Yes, in a friendly or semi-formal email, it's a great way to show empathy.
Adding 'crying' makes it stronger. It means the situation is so bad or unfair it could make someone cry.
No. In this phrase, 'shame' means 'pity' or 'unfortunate event,' not embarrassment.
No, that is incorrect. Use 'What a shame' or 'How sad'.
Yes, but Americans use 'That's too bad' slightly more often in casual talk.
No, it is only for negative or disappointing situations.
Frases relacionadas
What a pity
synonymUsed to express disappointment or regret.
That's too bad
similarA common American way to show sympathy.
A crying shame
specialized formSomething that is very unfortunate or unfair.
Bummer
informalA disappointing situation.
