pudor
[ˈpʊ.dɔr]masculine
The English word shame is expressed in Latin as pudor.
The noun pudor refers to an uncomfortable or painful feeling of shame. It is often used to describe the internal sense of shame that prevents one from acting dishonorably.
Meaning: uncomfortable or painful feeling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pudor can mean the painful feeling of shame, it also carries a positive connotation of modesty or a sense of propriety.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form pudor has the genitive singular form pudoris, meaning 'of shame'. To express the plural, use pudores, meaning 'shames'.
Did you know?
- In Latin, you do not say 'I am ashamed' as if it were a quality you possess. Instead, you use a construction that means 'it shames me', treating the emotion like an external force acting upon you.
- Because pudor translates to both 'shame' and 'modesty', a Roman could be praised for having pudor in a way that would sound like an insult in English.
- The stem of pudor connects back to the Proto-Indo-European root *-os, showing its ancient lineage in the development of European languages.
Examples in context
- Pró pudor!For shame!This sentence demonstrates the use of pudor in an exclamation.Tatoeba #8839303 by jimkillock, translation #277288 by mccarras
- Erubuit pudore introiens in cubiculum.She blushed with shame upon entering the room.
- Pudor est illi non posse Latine loqui.It is a source of shame for him to be unable to speak Latin.
Example conversation
Marcus and Lucia are discussing a mistake Marcus made.
- MarcusMea culpa est, sed pudor me premit.It is my fault, but shame presses upon me.
- LuciaNoli timere, Marce.Do not be afraid, Marcus.
- MarcusNon possum oblivisci huius pudoris.I cannot forget this shame.
- LuciaOmnes errare possunt.Everyone can make mistakes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame” translations and entries pudor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pudor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
