qué vergüenza
/ke beɾɡwenθa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shame on you" is translated into Spanish as qué vergüenza.
Qué vergüenza is used to express disapproval of someone else's behavior, acting similarly to the English expression "shame on you". While the phrase can also be used to mean "how embarrassing" when referring to one's own situation, it is used to express disapproval of someone else's behavior.
Meaning: expression of disapproval (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun vergüenza is feminine, so any articles or adjectives added to this phrase must use feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke beɾɡwenθa/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, saying qué vergüenza about oneself can function as a 'modesty marker' when receiving a compliment, similar to saying 'oh, you make me blush'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, qué vergüenza can be used as a polite way to decline an offer or avoid putting someone on the spot, essentially meaning 'I would be too embarrassed to do that'.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear people say ¡Qué descaro! to express a similar sense of 'shame on you' regarding someone's audacity.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué vergüenza!Shame on you!This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamation qué vergüenza.Tatoeba #973004 by Shishir, translation #277287 by CK
- ¡Qué vergüenza! No puedo creer que hayas dicho eso.What a shame! I can't believe you said that.
- ¡Qué vergüenza que no ayudes a tu hermano!Shame on you for not helping your brother!
Example conversation
A mother confronts her son about his behavior.
- María¡Qué vergüenza que le hables así a tu padre!Shame on you for speaking to your father like that!
- AlejandroLo siento, mamá, no fue mi intención.I am sorry, mom, I didn't mean it.
- MaríaDebes pedirle perdón ahora mismo.You must apologize to him right now.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo haré.Okay, I will do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame on you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
