수치
suchi[sʰut͡ɕʰi]
The English word shame is translated into Korean as 수치 (suchi).
The noun 수치 refers to an uncomfortable or painful feeling of shame.
Meaning: uncomfortable or painful feeling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 수치 is the noun for shame, you may encounter different expressions depending on the context. Use 부끄럽습니다 to convey a deep sense of personal shame or embarrassment. Use 창피해 to express shame in casual situations, and use the colloquial 민망해 when expressing embarrassment in a friendly or casual manner.
How do you pronounce it?
suchi
Did you know?
- Using 수치 in a conversation might actually cause confusion unless the context is very formal, as many people will first think of 'data' or 'numbers'.
- The colloquial term 민망해 is often used when someone feels 'second-hand embarrassment' for another person, a feeling English speakers often call 'cringe'.
- While English speakers might say they are 'ashamed', Koreans often use the expression 낯이 뜨겁다, which literally means 'one's face is hot'. This describes the physical sensation of blood rushing to the face during an embarrassing moment.
Examples in context
- 저의 실수 때문에 창피해요.I am ashamed because of my mistake.
- 죄송합니다. 늦게 와서 참으로 창피합니다.I am sorry. I am truly ashamed for being late.
- 그 소식을 듣고 정말로 부끄럽습니다.I feel really ashamed after hearing that news.
- 어제 그 실수로 창피해.I am ashamed because of that mistake I made yesterday.
- 이 상황에서는 민망해.It's embarrassing in this situation.
- 그 일은 큰 수치였어요.geu ireun keun suchiyeosseoyo.That incident was a great shame.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking about a mistake at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 너무 자책하지 마세요.Dohyun ssi, neomu jachaek-haji maseyo.Dohyun, please don't blame yourself too much.
- 도현 Do-hyeon모두 앞에서 실수해서 수치스러워요.modu ap-eseo silsuhaeseo suchisureowoyo.I feel shame for making a mistake in front of everyone.
- 수빈 Su-bin누구나 실수할 수 있어요.nuguna silsuhal su isseoyo.Anyone can make a mistake.
- 도현 Do-hyeon위로해 줘서 고마워요, 수빈 씨.wirohae jwoseo gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you for comforting me, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame” translations and entries 수치, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
