부끄러운
bukkeureoun
The Korean word for "embarrassing" is 부끄러운 (bukkeureoun).
부끄러운 is used to describe both an internal feeling of shyness and an external situation that causes embarrassment. 부끄럽다 can mean 'shy' and is commonly used to express embarrassment.
Meaning: causing embarrassment (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 부끄러운 describes a general feeling of embarrassment or shyness, 창피하다 is used for more intense, socially mortifying embarrassment or shame. Additionally, 당황스럽다 specifically refers to feeling embarrassed or flustered due to being caught off guard or feeling startled.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form (adjective base) of 부끄러운 is 부끄럽다. The polite present tense form of the adjective is 부끄러워요.
How do you pronounce it?
bukkeureoun
Did you know?
- While 부끄러운 covers shyness, Koreans often use the phrase 낯을 가리다, which literally means 'to distinguish faces', to describe the social act of being shy around strangers.
- In Korean culture, feeling 부끄럽다 is often seen as a positive trait because it suggests a person has a healthy sense of modesty and self-awareness.
- The word 창피하다 relates to the concept of 'face' in East Asian cultures, where losing face in public is a profound social injury rather than just a fleeting feeling of awkwardness.
Examples in context
- 그 상황은 정말 부끄러운 일이었어요.geu sanghwang-eun jeongmal bukkeureoun irieosseoyo.That situation was a truly embarrassing thing.
- 실수하는 건 조금 부끄러운 거예요.silsuhaneun geon jogeum bukkeureoun geoyeyo.Making a mistake is a little embarrassing.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about a mistake Minjun made at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 어제 실수한 건 괜찮아요?Minjun ssi, eoje silsuhan geon gwaenchannayo?Minjun, are you okay after your mistake yesterday?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 조금 부끄러운 순간이었지만 괜찮아요.ne, jogeum bukkeureun sunganieotjiman gwaenchannayo.Yes, it was a slightly embarrassing moment, but I'm fine.
- 수빈 Su-bin너무 자책하지 마세요.neomu jachaek-haji maseyo.Please don't blame yourself too much.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 수빈 씨.gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
