Translation and Meaning of: 恥ずかしい - hazukashii

If you have ever watched an anime or tried to speak in Japanese, you have probably come across the word 恥ずかしい (hazukashii). It appears in situations ranging from an unexpected compliment to embarrassing scenes in dramas. But what exactly does this expression mean and how do Japanese people use it in their daily lives? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural contexts behind this essential word for anyone studying Japanese. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you understand nuances like these.

Meaning and use of 恥ずかしい

恥ずかしい (hazukashii) is an adjective that describes feelings of embarrassment, shyness, or awkwardness. Unlike in Portuguese, where "vergonha" can have a negative connotation, in Japanese it ranges from mild situations to intense discomfort. For example, when receiving an exaggerated compliment, a Japanese person might smile and say "hazukashii" to show modesty.

In more serious contexts, the word can also indicate regret for an inappropriate action. A student who forgets their school materials might murmur "hazukashii" when questioned. This flexibility makes it one of the most frequently used expressions in everyday conversations, appearing in rankings of the most used words by learners.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 恥 (haji) means "shame" and forms the root of the word. It combines the radical 耳 (ear) with 心 (heart), symbolizing the physical reaction of blushing in an embarrassing situation. Meanwhile, ずかしい is a suffix that intensifies the adjective, common in emotional expressions. Sources like Kanjipedia confirm this structure, reinforcing the connection between writing and meaning.

Curiously, 恥 is also part of like 恥知らず (hajishirazu, "shameless"), showing how the concept of shame is rooted in Japanese culture. The etymology reflects social values: avoiding embarrassing others or oneself is a pillar of interactions in Japan.

Tips for memorizing and avoiding mistakes

An effective way to 恥ずかしい is to associate it with real situations. Write down sentences like "この服を着ると恥ずかしい (kono fuku o kiru to hazukashii)" – "Wearing this outfit makes me embarrassed." Repeating it out loud helps internalize the pronunciation "hazukashii", which is often confused with similar sounds like "hazukashii" (with no change in meaning).

Avoid translating literally to "shame" in all contexts. In Japanese, 恥ずかしい can express everything from shyness to guilt, depending on the tone and situation. Observing its use in doramas or natural conversations – such as on the NHK Easy Japanese channel – provides authentic examples to differentiate nuances.