vergüenza
“vergüenza” means “embarrassment” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
embarrassment, shame
Also: modesty
📝 In Action
Me dio mucha vergüenza hablar en público por primera vez.
A2I felt a lot of embarrassment speaking in public for the first time.
Ocultó su cara roja por la vergüenza.
A1She hid her red face out of shame/embarrassment.
Si no tienes vergüenza de bailar mal, ¡simplemente baila!
B1If you have no shame about dancing badly, just dance!
disgrace, shamelessness
Also: scandal
📝 In Action
Es una vergüenza que los niños pasen hambre en este país tan rico.
B1It is a disgrace/shame that children go hungry in such a rich country.
Mi vecino, sinvergüenza, tiró su basura en mi jardín.
B2My shameless neighbor threw his trash in my garden.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "vergüenza" in Spanish:
shamelessness→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vergüenza
Question 1 of 2
Which verb is correctly used to describe the feeling of embarrassment using 'vergüenza'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Spanish word *vergonça*, which itself derived from the Latin term *verecundia*, meaning 'modesty' or 'shame'. It shares roots with the Latin verb *vereri*, which meant 'to respect' or 'to fear,' linking the feeling of shame to respect for social rules.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'vergüenza' different from 'pena'?
'Vergüenza' is usually about humiliation, social discomfort, or a feeling tied to one's actions or reputation. 'Pena' is softer; it can mean 'pity,' 'sadness,' or a slight, fleeting feeling of shyness or embarrassment. If you blush and want to hide, you feel 'vergüenza'; if you feel bad for someone else's misfortune, you feel 'pena'.
What is the small mark over the 'u' in 'vergüenza'?
That mark is called a 'diéresis' (or umlaut). It tells you that the 'u' must be pronounced. Without the diéresis (e.g., 'verguenza'), the 'u' would be silent, making it sound like 'ver-GEN-sa.' The diéresis makes sure you pronounce the 'GWEN' sound.