apenado
Mexico, common
In Mexico "embarrassed" is often apenado, or apenada for a woman. Avergonzado is the standard word, and me da pena means "I feel embarrassed".
Meaning: feeling shy or ashamed (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| apenado | Mexico, common |
| avergonzado | neutral |
| me da pena | expression |
Say estoy apenado or me da pena to talk about your feelings. A short reaction is ¡qué pena!, which also means "what a shame".
Which one should you use?
Pena in Mexico can mean shyness or embarrassment, and not only sadness. Me da pena hablar en público means "I am embarrassed to speak in public".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Never use embarazado for embarrassed. It means pregnant, and it is a classic mix-up for English speakers.
Did you know?
- The pairing embarazada and embarazado means pregnant, and Spanish teachers warn about it for a reason.
Examples in context
- Estoy muy apenado por lo que pasó.I am very embarrassed about what happened.
- Me da pena pedirte dinero.I am embarrassed to ask you for money.
- Ella se quedó avergonzada.She was left embarrassed.
Example conversation
Fabiola spills a drink at a dinner and talks to her host Cecilia in Mexico City.
- FabiolaAy, qué pena, manché el mantel.Oh, how embarrassing, I stained the tablecloth.
- CeciliaNo te preocupes, se lava.Do not worry, it washes out.
- FabiolaEstoy muy apenada, de verdad.I am really embarrassed.
