vergüenza
/beɾˈɡwenθa/standard
The Spanish word vergüenza means "shame" and also "embarrassment". It is a feminine noun, and it is pronounced ber-GWEN-sa (ber-GWEN-tha in much of Spain). It is also called me da vergüenza and qué vergüenza.
Meaning: shame or embarrassment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vergüenza | /beɾˈɡwenθa/ /beɾˈɡwensa/ |
standard |
| me da vergüenza | common | |
| qué vergüenza | exclamation |
Spanish speakers use vergüenza for both guilt and shyness. Me da vergüenza means "I am embarrassed" and ¡Qué vergüenza! is an exclamation for "How embarrassing!" or "What a shame!"
Which one should you use?
The related word sinvergüenza describes a shameless person, often a cheeky rascal or a scoundrel.
How do you pronounce it?
The two dots over the u in gü mean the u is pronounced, so you say gwen, not gen. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The diaeresis in vergüenza is needed because without it gue would be read as ge with a hard g and a silent u.
Examples in context
- Me da vergüenza hablar en público.I am embarrassed to speak in public.
- ¡Qué vergüenza!How embarrassing!
- Siente vergüenza por lo que dijo.He feels ashamed of what he said.
Example conversation
Sofía and her friend Andrés talk before a class presentation.
- Andrés¿Estás nerviosa por la presentación?Are you nervous about the presentation?
- SofíaSí, me da vergüenza hablar delante de todos.Yes, I am embarrassed to speak in front of everyone.
- AndrésTranquila, lo vas a hacer bien.Relax, you will do well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vergüenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of .
