What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tengo vergüenza translates to "I have shame".
Which one should you use?
While tengo vergüenza focuses on the person possessing the feeling, the common alternative me da vergüenza focuses more on the situation that is causing the embarrassment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression Me da corte is used to express embarrassment. In Argentina, Uruguay and some other South American countries, people say Estoy colorado/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because this phrase uses the verb tener (to have), you must conjugate it based on the subject. For example, you would use tienes vergüenza to say "you are embarrassed".
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo beɾɡwenθa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use estoy avergonzado/a to mean "I am embarrassed" in social situations. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, this can sound much more heavy, implying deep moral shame or disgrace.
Did you know?
- The word vergüenza contains a 'u' with two dots called a dieresis. This mark is used specifically to tell the speaker that the 'u' must be pronounced instead of remaining silent.
- In Spain, the expression me da corte uses the word corte which normally means 'cut' or 'court'. Here, it refers to a sudden feeling of hesitation or shyness.
- The word vergüenza is etymologically linked to the idea of fear or respect. It derives from the Latin verb vereor, which means 'to fear' or 'to revere'.
Examples in context
- Me equivoqué en la presentación. Estoy avergonzado/a.I made a mistake in the presentation. I am embarrassed.
- Siento vergüenza por mi comportamiento.I feel embarrassed about my behavior.
- Me da vergüenza pedir disculpas.I am embarrassed to apologize.
- Perdí mi cartera. Estoy apenado/a.I lost my wallet. I am embarrassed.
- Me da pena llegar tarde.I am embarrassed to arrive late.
- Olvidé su nombre. ¡Qué vergüenza!I forgot their name. How embarrassing!
- Tengo vergüenza de hablar en público.I am embarrassed to speak in public.
- Tengo vergüenza por lo que dije ayer.I am embarrassed about what I said yesterday.
- No quiero ir porque tengo vergüenza.I don't want to go because I am embarrassed.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a mistake Mateo made at a party.
- MateoNo puedo mirar a nadie, tengo vergüenza.I can't look at anyone, I am embarrassed.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, fue un error pequeño.Don't worry, Mateo, it was a small mistake.
- MateoPero todos me estaban mirando.But everyone was looking at me.
- ElenaA nadie le importó de verdad.Nobody really cared.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vergüenza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
