Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| utanç | /utant͡ʃ/ (from spelling rules) |
| ayıp | /ajɯp/ (from spelling rules) |
Turkish uses different words for shame depending on whether you are describing an internal feeling or a social behavior. utanç is the noun for an uncomfortable or painful feeling. You can use the adjective phrase utanç verici to describe something that is shameful or embarrassing. Additionally, the colloquial expression Ayıp olur! is used to say 'that would be a shame!' to express disapproval. Another common idiom is ayıp ettin, used to tell someone they have behaved rudely or failed to do something expected of them, such as helping or visiting.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms depends on the context of the shame. utanç refers to an internal, psychological feeling of shame or embarrassment felt by an individual. In contrast, ayıp refers to an action or behavior that is considered shameful, rude or socially unacceptable in a community.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb utandırmak is the causative form of the root, meaning to cause someone to feel shame or to embarrass them.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of utanç is /utantʃ/. The sound /u/ is like the 'oo' in cool, /n/ is like the 'n' in not and /tʃ/ is like the 'ch' in change.
When do people say it?
The phrase Ayıp olur! is a colloquial way to express disapproval, translated as 'that would be a shame!'
Did you know?
- The phrase ayıp ettin translates literally to 'you committed a shame', but it is often used as a warm reproach between friends when someone refuses a gift or a favor.
- The word ayıp comes from the Arabic word for 'defect' or 'blemish'. In this sense, a socially shameful act is viewed as a flaw in a person's character.
- In Turkish culture, the concept of ayıp is closely tied to the idea of 'saving face' to protect the honor of the family rather than just the individual.
Examples in context
- Bu bir utanç olur.That would be a shame.This sentence demonstrates the use of utanç.Tatoeba #3036723 by duran, translation #2891935 by CK
- Oh, bu utanç verici.Oh, that's a shame.Tatoeba #5231633 by duran, translation #3573716 by CK
- Sanırım bu bir ayıp.I think that's a shame.This sentence demonstrates the use of ayıp.Tatoeba #5296440 by duran, translation #5295485 by CK
- Ne yazık ki, kusurlarımı fark edince utanç duyuyorum.Unfortunately, I feel ashamed when I notice my flaws.
- Ayıptır, dışarıda çöp atmak.It is a shame to litter.
- Sevdiğim şarkıyı unuttum, utanıyorum.I forgot the song I love, I am embarrassed.
- Ayıp olur, onunla dalga geçmek.That would be a shame, making fun of him/her.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zeynep and Emre are discussing a dishonest person at work.
- ZeynepOnun bu davranışı büyük bir utanç.His behavior is a great shame.
- EmreEvet, çok utanılacak bir durum.Yes, it is a very shameful situation.
- ZeynepGerçekten çok utanç verici bir adam.He is truly a shameful man.
- EmreHaklısın, Zeynep, bu çok üzücü.You're right, Zeynep, this is very sad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame” translations and entries utanç, ayıp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayıp, utanç, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
