смущённый
smuščónnyj[smʊˈɕːɵnːɨj]
The English word 'embarrassed' is translated into Russian. The default form is смущённый (smuščónnyj). Wiktionary also lists стыдли́вый (stydlívyj) and расте́рянный (rastérjannyj).
Meaning: Having a feeling of shameful discomfort (adj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| смущённый | smuščónnyj | [smʊˈɕːɵnːɨj] (narrow) |
| стыдли́вый | stydlívyj | |
| расте́рянный | rastérjannyj |
Russian uses different words to describe the specific nature of feeling embarrassed. You can use the adverbial form смущённо to describe how someone is acting or speaking.
Which one should you use?
Use смущённый to describe feeling flustered or socially awkward in a specific moment. Use стыдли́вый to describe a person who is naturally shy or easily embarrassed as a character trait. Use расте́рянный when someone is embarrassed specifically because they are confused or have lost their composure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of смущённый is смущённая.
How do you pronounce it?
smuščónnyj
When do people say it?
If someone is extremely embarrassed and their face turns very red, they might use the expression Краснею до ушей, which literally translates to 'blushing to the ears'.
Did you know?
- While смущённый describes a feeling of awkwardness, the root смущать also means 'to confuse' or 'to blur', relating the feeling of embarrassment to a loss of mental clarity.
- Russian has a specific word засмущать, which means to intentionally make someone else feel embarrassed, often as a form of playful teasing.
- The word расте́рянный comes from the verb потерять ('to lose'), literally suggesting that the person has 'lost' their thoughts or their sense of self in that moment.
Examples in context
- Я засмущался, когда меня похвалили.I felt embarrassed when I was complimented.
- От комплимента я краснею до ушей.I blush to the ears when I receive a compliment.
- Он смутился, когда заметил свою ошибку.He felt embarrassed when he realized his mistake.
- Его смущённый вид вызвал улыбку у всех.Ye-go smu-shchyon-nyy vid vy-zval u-lyb-ku u vse-kh.His embarrassed look made everyone smile.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “embarrassed” translations and entries смущённый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
